what is a prophet? examine and give examples of people who challenge us.
A prophet is a preacher who warns us what is going to happen if we don't straighten up, and that is why a prophet is never accepted in his or her own town! They aren't even accepted very well in someone else's town. Oh well, Jesus wasn't welcome, either! Sometimes the Truth hurts, so it is easier to preach some "easy to listen to" gobbildy gook. Thank God for the prophets out there. revup
This passage sounds like a riddle to me. What exactly is a prophet's reward? Being rejected by the people? And the reward of the righteous?
Also interesting to note that the reward is not earned by those who give a cup of cold water to the little ones...the reward is already given and one can only lose it.
In contrast to Mark's version of this passage, this one specifies that the action is done in the name of the disciple, rather than in the name of Christ.
--S in CA
Anyone have an idea on how to preach a sermon on hospitality in a church that one is leaving?
This is the bind we are in as preachers.
As pastors we are to comfort, nurture, attend to our people.
As prophets (I don't have this calling) we are to challenge, disrupt, assault the hearing of those in the pew.
We can't do both. How do we live these two vocations within the Body of Christ? There are times when I feel like Jeremiah. I have been raped by God, assaulted by him. He has disturbed my relationship with my fellows. He does not heal the wounding. What then? Do we know how to live this life that was given us by God?
tom in ga
To the question on preaching hospitality: If this church welcomed you when you first arrived, or ever welcomed anyone else, you can elaborate on that theme to encourage them to welcome the new pastor. If they didn't, and don't know how, give them examples of welcoming behavior. (If the pastor has children, leave a basket of snacks and colorbooks and crayons on the table for moving in day)(If strangers comes to church, talk to them, give them information and make them feel that they want to come back) Remind them of Abraham welcoming the 3 Strangers in last weeks Old Testament reading. Also, welcoming includes listening and responding with respect.
Janet in NY
Tom in GA: No, we don't know how to live this life. But HE does know how He wants us to live, and if we are constantly in communion with Him, His guidance can get thru to us. When you feel that He has disturbed your relationship with your fellows, try to figure out what there was in that relationship that did not fit in with HIS plans. Then let Him help you change it. Also,I think we can play both parts, pastor and prophet, but not necessarily at the exact same time. We can even do it in the same sermon, by challenging first, and following it with the reassurance that God will help us rise to the challenge, for He is always with us. Sorry, this is much over-simplified, but you can probably see the train of thought.
Love in Christ, Janet in NY
I have never thought of the Prophet as one who predicts the future. He/She is not a fortune-teller. The Prophet is God's mouthpiece. He sees the signs of the times, he is able to see God's will in the present moment. He is a karios person, not a chronos. If later we talk about prophecy fulfilled, what we mean is that the prophet interpeted is own time so well and completely that it speaks even to our very own day.
Tom in Ga
I have never thought of the Prophet as one who predicts the future. He/She is not a fortune-teller. The Prophet is God's mouthpiece. He sees the signs of the times, he is able to see God's will in the present moment. He is a karios person, not a chronos. If later we talk about prophecy fulfilled, what we mean is that the prophet interpeted is own time so well and completely that it speaks even to our very own day.
Tom in Ga
Tom in GA: As shepherds to our flock I feel it is our duty to be prophets and warn our sheep of the dangers they are in wandering through dangerous fields. You stated in your Jun 13, 1999 10:59:39 post you do not have the calling of being a prophet, and I guess that kind of concerns me. Is there another pastor at your church who does warn your people? I guess I am concerned when we do not warn our sheep that prejudice, alcohol, illegal drugs, self centeredness and many other sins will get them in trouble. My friend, if you are warning your prople of these things, I am convinced you are acting as and called to be a prophet. If you are not warning your people where these sins will take them, I am concerned if you are truly pastoring them. From your past posts, Tom in GA, I believe you are acting as a prophet, and probably not realizing the fact. We do not need to totally offend and chase off our congregations to be prophets.
Radio preacher J. Vernon MaGee used to always say, "A pastor's job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." I believe an effective pastor will find the just the right balance between the afflicting and comforting. (As you so effectively put it, "to comfort, nurture, attend to our people" and to "challenge, disrupt, assault the hearing of those in the pew." I like to leave the people walking out of church saying, "Yes, I am a Christian, but this week I am going to try to be a better, more effective one." Come on Tom, aren't you really doing some prophet type challenging of your people? Isn't that racial bigot or heartless bureaucrat squirming just a little when they hear you preach? I bet you are being an effective prophet! revup
Tom in ga...we can't do both? I've found formyself that I can. I must first build the bonds of trust in relationships with them which come through providing that comfort, good news, etc....but then those ties give me the freedom to say, in ways that my people can hear, the prophetic utterings to which God so earnestly longs for them to listen. Sheila in NC
When studing the Old Testatment, I was told in hebrew there is one word meaning both angel and prophet.. they both mean one carring God's word, a messager..This my frist Sunday in my new appoitment. as so many in MS it is all but dead.. all retired (25 of them) they have had many changes to hear and do God's calling but always harden their harts..I believe they are being given their last call. do I have the guts to say. this is I.. Do you welcome me..Love and Peace Ron.MS
Tom in GA,
I agree with revup, that if you are making your congregation squirm a little at hearing the challenges of Scripture, then you doing exactly what Christ calls us to. I also hear in your struggle with the tension between being pastoral and prophetic, that you have deep concern for your people. If this came through in our cyber-world, I'm sure that it comes across that much more clearly in your presence. In this way, the situation that Sheila described is entirely possible -- that you offer a prophetic and even painful challenge in the spirit of care, compassion and the unquenchable love of God.
I'm convinced that with God anything -- absolutely anything -- is possible.
SueCan
prophetic work comes from God. As Jeremiah says, "it is like fire shut up in my bones". I am uncomfortable with our feeling that we are the ones who do the prophetic work, and even know what and how we do it. I feel more comfortable with Tom in Ga. who wonders about this call. Last Sunday's Sermon was prophetic for me. It called on the congregation to take their responsibility as leaders within the community. I was comfortable in preaching it, but was quite shocked when several members came up and said how it had challenged them, and how I had "really told them." I realized that hadn't been my intent, but It happened. It also challenged me.
Shalom
Pasthersyl
Sheila in NC: You are exactly right that we must make relationships before we can be listened to correctly and try to get people to become better Christians, out of love. I wish I had said that. A new stranger in the pulpit suddenly preaching prophesy will probably be rejected. I am following a pastor who, the first Sunday in the pulpit, began telling the congregation all the wrong things they were doing. She was voted out after 5 months.
Pasthersyl: I was confused by your statement, "I am uncomfortable with our feeling that we are the ones who do the prophetic work, and even know what and how we do it." If we, those called by God to proclaim the Gospel, are not to do the prophetic work in getting people to follow God, not the world, then who is going to do it? Are we not called, ordained and chosen to use the power of the Holy Spirit to do God's work here on earth? To proclaim what is right and what is wrong, when led to do so by the Holy Spirit? Surely I misinterpreted you. I cannot imagine a pastor only preaching "peace, love and joy" and never challenging people to grow in their Christian walk and leave behind earthly prejudices, passions and selfish ways. Remember Jesus saying, "I came not to bring peace but a sword?" It is not always as comfortable preaching prophetic words as in your sermon which you described, but we are called to do so when led by the Holy Spirit.
Ron.MS: Since you are new in a church where others have failed, carefully recall what Sheila in NC said, "first build the bonds of trust in relationships with them which come through providing that comfort, good news, etc....but then those ties give me the freedom to say, in ways that my people can hear, the prophetic utterings to which God so earnestly longs for them to listen." More than one pastor has been thrown out trying to make too much change the first year. Remember what they teach at many good seminaries. A pastor gets about 3 to 5 chips to play, to spend on things that MUST change. Each time you make a change, it costs you a chip. When you spend all your 3 to 5 chips, you have to move on. You have probably accomplished about all you can in changing the church to be closer to Christ. Feeling led by the Spirit I am, revup
A prophet is one who continually calls us to covenental faithfulness. "I will be your God and you will be my people" It is no small wondert hat a prophet is then not accepted in his/her own home or elsewhere especially in this day and age where faithfulness in anything from a simple promise or top marriage vows is difficult for many. And the whole idea of covenant is something foreign to many as well. Covenenat implies a relationship and that too is taboo in this day of "me, myself and I" we are so afraid to commit to something, ANYTHING that often we fail to commit at all and an uncommitted life is not worth living. A prophet calls us to that type of relationship to that type of faithfulness to that type of intimacy. HMMMM... no wonder he/she is not acceopted indeed.
Neil
I have always firmly believed in the efficacy of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the faithful. Ezechiel prophesied that we wopuld be washed of all our sinfulness and we would have the law of God written in our hearts. I always approach a churchful of baptized Christians with the conviction that they know the law of God. However, as to the will of God for them beyond the law, that they may need help with: reminders, for example, not to grow weary of hospitality even after it loses its attractiveness. I think I am going to concentrate a lot on giving cups of cold water. I am intriqued by the adjective "cold". Does this mean they we should take the same care with "the least of of our brothtrs and sisters" as we would with important company, i.e., we would put ice cubes in their glass of water?... Joe in Maine
Revup My written words often confuse others. I am an oral person, and it was hard to explain myself. I am saying that a pastor can't help being a prophet. I was admitting that I too balk at being a prophet, because I feel more capable of being a pastor (hence pasthersyl), but as the incident of my preaching explained, I had no choice, but to preach what God (through I feel, the Holy Spirit) opened my mouth to say. "It was like fire shut up in my bones."
Shalom
Pasthersyl
"These little ones" refers to seekers and new converts, right? Folks who don't know things like the "right" Lord's Prayer or Apostle's Creed, nor how to dress, nor how to act right in the sanctuary!
So is Jesus, through Matthew, exhorting the young church to extend hospitality to strangers/outsiders/ not-us-folks?
I'm looking for a way to guide my quite settled and now dying urban church to be more proactively hospitable to visitors and other neighbors. Help!
I'm considering the ancient hospitality code, the exhortation to be kind to strangers/potentially angels unawares,and J's reminders of Mt.25 re "as you've done it to the least, you've done it to me." But I can't seem to make it vivid enough to show my people that they are perceived as "nice" but not really caring about newcomers. Esp. if those people are not dressed right, or let their kids run around, or leave gum wrappers in the pews.
How do I guide them toward greater Christian forms of hospitality? (They are mostly retired and white. Surrounding neighbors are mostly not.)
Might we practice a ritual of "Passing the Cup of Cool Water" or something similarly tangible to illustrate gracious servanthood and welcome? -Elsie
I once had the ushers pass out nice "fist sized rocks" to everyone in the church. After they held them through 15 minutes of sermon on judgment, I finally said, "I suppose you are wondering why you are all holding rocks!" I then read the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. I reminded them of the one without sin casting the first stone. (I wrote before about 20 years ago when the ladies of this same church told a young pregnant (date raped) woman to never come back because they did not allow dirty girls to come to their church.) I then asked everyone to take home their stone and put it in a prominant place, to remind them not to judge others. I said if you are tempted to call someone names or judge them, look at the stone and just keep your mouth shut. I still had people saying they look at their stones, two years later. I can honestly claim our church is much more open to strangers now, even the new single, pregnant white woman with two bi-racial children who came to church for the first time last week. Yes, churches can be hospitable, if they are lovingly called to change. revup
Daniel Harrington, in his commentary, suggests that "little ones" refers either to disciples or to everyone in the community.
I keep asking myself why it is that Matthew includes this passage (seeing as how most of this material is unique to Matthew's gospel), and why it is where it is (at the end of the "instructions" to the disciples.)
How does this passage speak to us in a culture where "what's in it for me?" is the main motive for so many of our actions? Is Matthew trying to put a new spin on our understanding of "rewards"?
S in CA
Glad to be getting an early enough start this week to participate in your discussion. I want all of you to know how much I use bits and pieces over the weeks since finding this site. Please know that God uses your ideas to push me into being a better precher and pastor in this mission outpost. Doug in UT
Here in Utah, every Mormon church has a sign that says "Visitors Welcome". That is implied in our church signs, but how to we make sure that those who venture in the door do feel welcome? Does a Ritual of Friendship do it? Does a FEllowship Time do it? Does shaking hands with 5 new people do it? I think all of those things are for the regulars. How do we make the first time really feel welcome? Doug in UT
To whomever might be preaching on hospitality...I recall a story told by Henri Nouwen, in one of his many writings...My retelling is imperfect, but it may give you food for thought...Nouwen was going to some monastery for a retreat. The monks observed vows of silence and the retreat was to be meditative and prayerful. But he was delayed and ran late getting there on a miserable, rainy night. He rang the bell late, well after bedtime, and was met at the door by one of the brothers. The brother warmly greeted him and took his wet coat and brought him to the kitchen and made him a cup of tea. They chatted in the late night hour and Nouwen began to relax and feel ready for the retreat. But he knew this monk was supposed to observe silence, so he finally asked him, "Why are you willing to sit and talk with me?" The monk's reply was something to the effect that of all the duties of the Christian faith and the rules of his order, none is higher than hospitality.... I think of that when I read MT 10:40, and I think of how we as individuals & as congregations are the welcomed and how we are called to be welcomers unconditionally, in Jesus' name...jz.
"Little ones" to me means those who are unable to reciprocate. It is easy to give and be hospitable to those who may be in a position to give back or even be in our debt for a later favor--even the heathen do that. Showing Christ's love does not give a thought to what we may receive in return. That is true Christian hospitality. KBG in SC
Hi all.
An early thought. Might we need to spend at least a little time talking about the word "reward"? We live in such a reward-oriented society, in which a paycheck is a reward for working, time off is a reward for surviving long enough in the job, being able to accumulate a bunch of "neat stuff" is a reward for "success" (whatever that is!), etc.
Maybe these aren't the most pointed examples, but I hope you get the idea. The main point is, for me, that God doesn't "reward" us. What God gives us (existance!, love, forgiveness, God's very self...) is a gift, pure and simple. What fools we must look like, running around trying to earn what has already been given to us for free!
Rick in Canada, eh?
Just my 2 cents worth on the meaning of prophet: one who speaks the truth from God. - Murray Haar, Prof. of Religion
The truth may be law-type stuff, it may be gospel-type stuff.
But the distinction between law and gospel isn't always so clear. What may sound like law to us, may be "gospel" to someone experiencing boundary trouble.
What we may classify as typical "gospel" stuff to us may sound more heavy and make someone else feel guilt-layden.
Either way, it is truth from God and the word needs to be spoken.
Tigger in ND
I print out the readings and use them in the pulpit for myself and our readers Sunday by Sunday. This is helpful because it saves thumbing through a Bible to the different readings. However, I was very disappointed this past week to discover that the version used for the Gospel was not the NRSV WHICH USES INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE. I am not sure who is reponsible for the placement of the readings but could an INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE VERSION be used at all times. Thanks, Pam at Trinity United in London, Ont.
I print out the readings and use them in the pulpit for myself and our readers Sunday by Sunday. This is helpful because it saves thumbing through a Bible to the different readings. However, I was very disappointed this past week to discover that the version used for the Gospel was not the NRSV WHICH USES INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE. I am not sure who is reponsible for the placement of the readings but could an INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE VERSION be used at all times. Thanks, Pam at Trinity United in London, Ont.
Throw my hat in the ring for excluding so called 'inclusive language' versions of Scripture.
We water down truth enough as it is, let's not water it down any further here.
Rick in Va
Oh, I make them squirm alright, but they just roll over and go back to sleep. Such is parish ministry.
tom in ga
John Chrysostom suggests that we welcome the prophet, the righteous person, and the disicple not because of their personal characteristics but because of who and what the represent. We may, perhaps, not even like them. We do it "in the name of" only! He also goes on to talk about the giving of alms (giving a cup of cold water) to the poor (one of these little ones); and he reminds us that our rejection of them is irrational, for God could say the same thing about us and our idleness. We need to be aware who it is we truly receive. In the Rule of Saint Benedict there is a wonderful little statement regarding guests at the monastery: "ALL GUESTS ARE RECEIVED AS CHRIST." We could transform our parishes if we only lived this teaching (10:40)
tom in ga
Tom in GA - Try my "rocks" sermon idea above. revup PS: Passing rocks out, not throwing them at sleepers.
I'm with you Pam - let's use inclusive langauge whenever we can. I beleive it makes the truth clearer, it doesn't water it down!
Christopher, NSW Australia
I think this passage is about the responsibility of all Christians to be hospitable. Hospitality in the ancient world was about more than social nicities. It was a way to honor God. Being hospitable means making people feel at home. It is not the same as entertaining. It is caring about the people who come your way for who they are witout regard to what you want them to be or how you can use them to achieve your goals. To practice hospitality, to welcome someone is to bestow a kind of grace upon them. This is not an easy thing to do. We all have our own personal agendas ...things we want to do and goals that we want to achieve. Sometimes what we want gets in the way of really hearing what the other person wants to say. This passage speaks specifically about welcoming those who are prophetic or righteous. Hospitality towards such people brings a reward. I have found that unconditionally welcoming righteous and prophetic people into my life has kept me from becoming narrow minded or uncaring. Their passion and desire for justice has in some cases become my own. In fact, I have learned to care about issues that I didn't even know were issues on account of a mutual friendship that developed when I welcomed someone. This was not a reward I sought. Sometimes their probing into my comfortable, well ordered life seemed more like a curse than a blessing. But, in the final analysis, I found that it was a reward that I needed. I believe that if we do not welcome the prophets and the righteous into our lives, we are committing spiritual suicide. Our lives dry up because they are not replinished by the Spirit of God who comes to us through the ministry of these "strangers." For a long time I was afraid of people in the church who might have an idea that differed significantly from my beliefs. But, I have found that it is sometimes these people who have brought me the greatest spiritual blessing. The famous golf pro, Harvey Pennick once said that he liked to read and study golf instructors whose way of teaching was different from his. He already knew his way and hoped by studying the ways of others to learn something new. I think this applies not only to golf but also to the spiritual life as well. If only we could feel open to those people who do not agree with us, great blessings might be ours. I wonder. Who are the people that we are afraid to welcome? Might God be calling us to expand our welcome to include a larger group? Frank in Kissimmee
What do you think?
Jesus says:
Whoever receives a PROPHET in the name of a PROPHET
and a RIGHTEOUS person in the name of a RIGHTEOUS person...
So then wouldn't the parallel have logically continued, a LITTLE ONE in the name of a LITTLE ONE?
But it says a LITTLE ONE in the name of a DISCIPLE.
Is Jesus saying a disciple is a "little one", too? And if so, how does that change the message of the text? Or does it? Instead of telling us we should be gracious hosts, perhaps it is saying we should be gracious GUESTS or gracious RECEIVERS OF HOSPITALITY.
We are the little ones that create the opportunity for others to minister hospitality to us and therefore, be rewarded.
In my travels to Africa, I learned how to accept the hospitality that they gave me - no matter how overwhelming - it was rude to refuse. I learned it was harder to be a gracious guest or receiver than it is to be a gracious host, sometimes.
Here in the mid-west of the USA (particularly among the people of Scandinavian descent), hosts have to offer a cup of coffee three times before the guest will accept.
Different attitudes towards hospitality, for sure.
My African experience has led me to ask the question, "Am I a gracious receiver of God's mercy to me? Or do I take it for granted?" And would not this question link nicely with our Romans text?
And I know, it's not that the mid-westerners mean to be rude, they just don't want to impose. So then the question might be, "Does that carry over into their spiritual life?" So that the gospel there might be, "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence"?
Tigger in ND
Hooray for Tom in GA for rejecting this inclusive language nonsense. 'Humankind' is the ugliest word in the world. Who are we to tamper with the Word? We can interpret it inclusively, but for God's sake we mustn't change it. John in Melbourne, Oz
I find it almost funny and rather ironic that as we are writing about hospitality, graciousness, being the presence of Christ, being accepting, that in the midst of it all, we are beginning an argument about inclusive language.
It's my first time on this site and I think that the conversation will be very helpful in my preaching. However, I would have a hard time being a part of something that is "throwing stones" at a suggestion made.
Thanks to all of the rest for the helpful comments.--EAB
23 JUN 99
I know you already had a lot of responses,Tom and Ga (and some good contributions), but I'll add my affirmation that you are being prophetic (whether ostesibly effective or not). Prophecy is often the "contrarian" voice, as someone pointed out, "Afflicting the comfortable; comforting the afflicted". Perhaps you're better at the latter. Regarding the former (and Tigger's observation) the "gospel" is sometimes not immediately evident: When Christ challenges, e.g., the god of wealth, many might be reluctant to turn away (and toward Christ's Lordship) but in retrospect, the transformation is seen for what it is: liberation from bondage. I had the same experience Pathersyl did last Sunday. Could hardly avoid "challenge" and the truth of the reality of discipleship (i.e., conflict, persecution, death of self--in various ways). Upon completion of the sermon, I sensed that I had for once "laid the truth out" and as a result, expected very little in the way of "affirmation." Several parishioners gave ("Positive") feedback later, including a woman at lunch who told me she "prays that I can be bold to proclaim (even/especially) the hard truths." My pastoral side may be more pronounced; my priestly role, fairly prominent; the prophetic role, so very difficult. It's hard (and counter biblical?) to be talented ("gifted") in all areas--so we'll have our strenghts--but as pastors, we'll necessarily "wear the different hats." Even if our "prophecy" is assuring the despairing of hope and new life in Christ. Blessings to you, fellow pastors, priests, prophets... Peter in CA
23 JUN 99
I know you already had a lot of responses,Tom in Ga (and some good contributions), but I'll add my affirmation that you are being prophetic (whether ostensibly effective or not). Prophecy is often the "contrarian" voice, as someone pointed out, "Afflicting the comfortable; comforting the afflicted". Perhaps you're better at the latter. Regarding the former (and Tigger's observation) the "gospel" is sometimes not immediately evident: When Christ challenges, for instance, the god of wealth, many might be reluctant to turn away (from that god and toward Christ's Lordship). It seems like pure law. However, in retrospect, the transformation is seen for what it is: liberation from bondage. Freedom. Pure Gospel--for the ones who benefited from his--distribution and surely for the convert himself. I had the same experience Pathersyl did last Sunday. Could hardly avoid "challenge" and the truth of the reality of discipleship (i.e., conflict, persecution, death of self--in various ways). Upon completion of the sermon, I sensed that I had for once "laid the truth out" and as a result, expected very little in the way of "affirmation"; very little response period. Several parishioners gave feedback later, including a woman at lunch who told me she "prays that I can be bold to proclaim (even/especially) the hard truths." My pastoral side may be more pronounced; my priestly role, fairly prominent; the prophetic role, so very difficult. It's hard (and counter biblical?) to be talented ("gifted") in all areas--so we'll have our strenghts--but as pastors, we'll necessarily "wear the different hats." Even if our "prophecy" is assuring the despairing of hope and new life in Christ. Blessings to you, fellow pastors, priests, prophets... Peter in CA
Isn't there a little children's song
"put on a smiling face ....."
can't remember all the words. But this is what our people want us to do. Give an upbeat, positive, message; For godsake, not a negative one. Yet such scriptures that we must unfold for our people suggest the opposite. Matter afact, good news always begins with negative truth: "There is something wrong with the Human Condition?" It is that question and answer that we seek to deal with Sunday after Sunday. Indeed, the Good News itself is hospitality, welcoming all in the name of Christ, cleansing all in and through his name, bringing them the message of salvation, if only our people would open their ears and .....
tom in ga
Dear Tom, John, Rick, and others from the June 22 postings,
Yes, you may believe that "humankind" is an "ugly" word because you believe as men, that MANKIND is beautiful. Let's be a little more understanding. By including all persons in scripture, we are no longer "male or female" as Paul would say. If you were a woman would you want to use the word "Femalekind"?
Usually, I enjoy our conversations during the week, but those kinds of comments keep me away and again put me into the "second class citizen" category.
Thanks Pam, for your boldness.
MsRev in Ohio
I don't mean for this to sound rude, but I must say that some of the comments about not "changing God's Word" strike me as really absurd. If that's the way some of you GUYS feel, then I would love to come and listen sometime. I would look forward to hearing you preach in Koine Greek. (That must be what you are doing, right?)
What is so bad about "inclusivity"? Why is that so threatening? I thank God for the great richness and variety of the human experience and the language by which it is communicated, male and female. And(speaking as a man) I have been richly blessed by the images of God as Holy and wholly Other, the One who truly tanscends all the boundaries we would impose -- much more blessed than I have been by any of the patriarchal images which are so prevalent in some preaching I have heard.
Thanks be to God for all of you, brothers and sisters alike. Language is a tool for us, it is intended to be a gift. And I am sure that the intent of each of us is to preach God's word rightly, and in such a way that it will be a blessing to those who hear us. Let's be more supportive of one another, and more hospitable, not only for the sake of other preachers, male and female, but for the sake of all those for whose benefit we have been called to proclaim the word. Let God be God, and let our language reflect that.
In my humble opinion.
An IA Preacher
An interesting link to the Genesis passage just came to mind. As I was reading the posts recorded there and recalling a sermon I preached three years ago, extemporaneously, unfortunately, about ritual sacrifice and God's final "No," I was moving instead in the direction of religious fundamentalism. Abraham was instructed to sacrifice Isaac (I, too, have a son named Isaac, also because I laughed!) His willingness to do so came as a direct result of his belief that his instruction was the word of God. We are often spoken to in many different ways. Our difficulty is discerning God's true word amidst the chatter. If we are not merely involved in a grand effort at rationalizing just what we want to do by identifying it as God's word, then we must, on reflection, after prayer, through a re-membering of the Word, be prepared, as Abraham, to hear God's word anew. Interesting that I then come over to this page and run smack into a discussion on inclusive language. And, as has happened whenever I hear the simplistic arguments for retaining dated and exclusive language, may heart cries. Can God never speak anew? Can God's word never be fresh on my lips? Will I forever be held by a church which is so mired in an argument about gender-specific language that the Word which is life is sacrificed over and again? At some point, we have to open more than just our ears, but our minds and our hearts to what God might say this time. It might be different. It might even save us. I pray that you all might recognize it when it is spoken. gretz
As I read the contributions regarding "prophet" and the importance of speaking God's word, I am reminded of what Barbara Taylor has said about the "spoken" word. "It is enough for us to proclaim the Word, and to believe in doing so that we change the world, whether the world knows it or not, whether we know it or not, simply by standing and speaking the words that have been given to us-- Words of love and challenge, words of judgement and grace, and words of truth and such clarity, such terrible clarity that sometimes we tremble to say them out loud." KBG in SC
RE: Defining a prophet -- from seminary I recall "A prophet is one called to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."
To speak God's word of comfort to the oppressed: to speak God's word of challenge to the the oppressers -- liberate the captive, set the prisoners free. "Now is the acceptable time: Today this scripture is fulfilled" preached our Lord in his first sermon -- comforting the afflicted and making the so afflicting the comfortable that they tried to toss him off a cliff.
In the fussing over inclusive language this week I see reflections of both those aspects of the prophetic voice. Some are seeking to speak the Word of God in language that can be a comfort to those who have not heard themselves included in the gender specific interpretations of the past: and in the process afflicting those who are perfectly comfortable with the status quo. WWJD? Incarnate for us Love that transcends Language -- and speak that love in words that could be received by those who needed to hear it.
Now I wish I was preaching this week: but the kids are doing excerpts from "Godspell" for the sermon. Blessings, ya'll! Susan in SanPedro
.... if there come to you a poor man wanting bread, there is no end of revilings, and reproaches, and charges of idleness, and upbraidings, and insults, and jeers; and you considerest not with yourself, that you too ar idle and yet God gives you His gifts. If you tell me that you are involved in making money and of traffic, I would say to you, Not these, but alms and prayers and the protection of the injured, and all such things, are truly works, with respect to whaich we live in thorough idleness. Yet God never told us, “Because you are idle, I light not up the sun for you; because you do nothing of real consequence, I quench the moon, I paralyze the womb of the earth, I restrain the lakes, the fountains, the rivers, I bolt out the atmosphere, I withhold annual rains:” but He gives us all abundantly. And to some that are not merely idle, but even doing evil, He freely gives the benefit of these things. <John Chrysostom>
When you see a poor man ... speak the same words to yourself ... “It stops my breath that you, being healthy, idle, and practicing none of the things which God commanded, but having run away from the commandments of your Lord, goes about dwelling in wickedness, as in a strange land, in drunkenness, in surfeiting, in theft, in extortion, in subverting other men’s houses.” Sloth is the teacher of all wickedness .... <John Chrysostom>
Tom in GA
How often is the dialogue in this site itself an illustration? It is this week - I may even mention this in my sermon. My opinion to add to the fray: Inclucisive language is such an obvious way of welcoming people without hurting anyone, except those who are not ready to hear words of prophecy. It is the fact that such strong feelings are expressed about inclusive language that shows us one thing that's wrong with the church - an inability or unwillingness to be prophetic in the BIG issues and wasting our time in petty bickering about language and other silly things. I personally find myself usually using inclusive language, but don't find "old" language harmful, if an inclusive understanding is given to it. For example, I rarely refer to God as "He" but I have no trouble saying "Our Father". I don't mind the word "humankind" at all, and I usually say "chairperson", but I don't see the point in being offended by old-fashioned "generic" terms if the understanding is there. My mother, always a liberal and greatly influenced by the social gospel and always way ahead of her time in this type of issue, never had problems with "mankind" and words like that.
But, what about the big issues then? How can we be prophetic in issues such as working to find solutions to the problems of domestic violence, oppressive governments who starve their own populations, the growing problem of depression in our own society, the anger of negelected or abused youth, continued racism and bigotry, the exploitation of sex in advertizing, capital punishment as crime control and abortion as birth control, and so forth. At this point, I could go on and on. It's easy to find sins to complain about and I believe that sins the "liberals" point out and sins that "conservatives" point out are all really sins - we just don't want to deal with the fact of how sinful we are.
How welcoming are we if we do get involved in social issues prophetically in such a way that it offends some who come to worship. How welcoming are we if we are so comforting to the truly "sin-sick" as to fail to proclaim the whole Gospel?
Perhaps if we welcome all who Jesus welcomed (everyone without judgement) and reserved our prophecy for the Pharisees in our midst, we might begin to be on the right track. If we feel upside down - we're probably close to the truth!
DN in AZ
the same publication that gives us Homiletics, out of Canton Ohio, also put out a little note book with sayings and stories. ONe of them told about a person telling his priest that he though the church was cold and unfriendly. So the priest, in the next service, told the people that starting next week they would take a moment to greet the person behind them. When there was a break, a man turned and reached out his hand in friendship to a woman behind him. She was shocked. She quickly told him that sort of thing didn't begin till next week. Being in the HOUSE draws upon us some interesting responses. One, accepting and receiving as well as sharing. Love the comments. jdl
the same publication that gives us Homiletics, out of Canton Ohio, also put out a little note book with sayings and stories. ONe of them told about a person telling his priest that he though the church was cold and unfriendly. So the priest, in the next service, told the people that starting next week they would take a moment to greet the person behind them. When there was a break, a man turned and reached out his hand in friendship to a woman behind him. She was shocked. She quickly told him that sort of thing didn't begin till next week. Being in the HOUSE draws upon us some interesting responses. One, accepting and receiving as well as sharing. Love the comments. jdl
I really gravitate to the idea of the "cup of cool water" as a metaphor underscoring the importance of empowering people to be all they have the potential to become. Several things can be done with water. The cup of cool water is one, but a wet blanket is another. How often in our churches do good ideas get suggested only to be "smothered" and the people who have had them come away feeling defeated. Just maybe if we saw the role of the church and ourselves as church leaders as "encouragers" in the mode of "building up" the Christian family instead of being even ourselves the "wet blanket" we might see some healthy changes not only in our churches but in the lives of those who make up the church.
This passage has much more to say than just about welcoming and hospitality, but goes to the very heart of the Christian message. That cup of cool water enables us to go back into the "fray" of life and enables each one of us to become all that God intended. Rev. Bob
This is my first time on this, but to Pam in Ont. about Scripture inserts. I use pre printed NRSV lectionary inserts every Sunday provided by Abingdon Press as part of their Word Alive bulletin subscription service in the States.Inserts only use NRSV and the people here love themThe Psalm lesson is even done reponsively. RB,Maryland
how to recognize Christ among us? how to note Christ among our members?
just got my computer back and haven't read your comments yet, but i've struggled with this being the end of the discourse on sending the disciples out and telling them of rejection, et al. can't wait to read what you have all said, and a thanks already.
blessings, rachel
Gosh, golly, crumbs! I had no idea that the 'inclusive language' issue was such a sensitive one. All I wanted to suggest was that the original Biblical words when translated could never have been meant to mean modern contrived politically sensitive words like 'humankind', otherwise they would have used the Hebrew or Greek equivalents. As (presumably) there aren't Hebrew or Greek equivalents, that proves my point - aren't we're tampering with the Word to make it say what we want it to say? Anyway, forget it - one of you said why are we bothering about words. I agree. Let's just get on with life. John in Australia
as I was reading, i was ready to jump into the inclusive language rebuttal, but as I read on, saw that others responded so beautifully and covered all i would or could of said in so nice a way, so i won't add to it. But i think i missed something -- I didn't notice Tom in Ga. making any comment about inclusive language -- is this how rumors get started? let's leave him out of that and actually Tom, i really appreciated the statement that "all guests are received as Christ" i think with the placement of this passage as addressed to the disciples, the little ones, that it should remnd us that we are Christ to those aroound us - they are watching us to SEE what kind of sermon we are preaching. and when we see cups of cold water (not an easy task in a dry and arid land) being given out, let's prroclaim that Christ is in our midst.
very aware of Christ in others these days and quite blessed thereby, rachel
I've dropped into DPS a few times. My sermon seeds arise out of some questions that come to mind:Welcoming an apostle, disciple, prophet, righteous person, little one, is to welcome God/Christ. What is it to welcome God? What is it to welcome what God/Christ brings? Do we want the ‘reward’ that comes with welcoming God.? Or do we want something else? eg. the status, the heavenly benefit package? Someone upstream mentioned the difficulty of accepting hospitality. I agree. DTH on the Misty River of Norhtern BC
I've been thinking about the "cup of cold water" and "reward." One evening my wife asked for a drink of water. She was unable to drink from a glass (she had a form of liver cancer), so I filled a syringe with water and brought it to her. After I gave her a drink she said "Thank you." In that moment, when our eyes met, all the intimacy of our courtship and 8-month marriage seemed to be summed up in her simple "thank you." I was overwhelmed as I thought that of all the people in the world who could have been there, I was the lucky one bringing her some water. At that moment, I felt as much joy as at any other time in my life. She died six week later. I think my "reward" was and is sharing life with her for even a short time.
The same feeling "hit" me when, later, my current wife and I were dating. I was bringing a cup of water to her from Arbys and felt the same joy. I thought "oh-oh" and said "Thank you." I still feel that way.
Don in MI
The lessons as they come down in the Episcopal Church suggests that the preacher deal with pride as the wall that prevents us to from "receiving" the other. We are too puffed up, our eyes are covered with the sklerosis of our own greatness to welcome the other. We have no time and no real reason to acknowledge anyone except ourselves as real. Henri Nouwen years ago wrote a little piece in Sojourner's Magazine saying that for some strange reason man desires "upward mobility" striving to be on top; and God desires "downward mobility" seeking to pitch his tent among the other. We need somehow to follow this example. We need to break our own stiffness, become soft in a world that seeks redemption. Is it possible for us to simply open our hearts, and embrace those that are different than ourselves: the prophet, the righteous (you know all those fundamentalists), and the poor? Indeed to be truly on top, is to serve the needs of one another.
tom in ga
Have been thinking about the hospitality and welcoming angle. As pastor of an Open and Affirming UCC church, welcoming has a deep meaning and intentionality that is rooted in welcoming ALL people. Often churches say, "All welcome" but mean those who are like them. To truly welcome all people, gay, straight, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered is a challenging and important angle in looking at this passage. PL in RI
A soldier was coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. "Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring home." "Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him." "There's something you should know, 'he was hurt bad in the war. He stepped on a mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us." "I'm sorry, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live." "No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us." "Son," said the father, "you don't know what you're asking. Someone with a handicap would be a terrible burden. We have our own lives, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives. Come home and forget about this guy. He'll find a way to live on his own." The son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, they received a call. Their son died after falling from a building. The police believed it was suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror also discovered something they didn't know. Their son had only one arm and one leg. The parents in the story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun, but don't like people to inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren't as healthy, beautiful, smart or Christian as we are. Thankfully, there's someone who won't treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are. Tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us! (From somewhere on the WWW that I cannot find, but it is an older story.) revup
Rev. Bob,
I really like the metaphor of the "wet blanket". In small churches there are a lot of wet blankets that seem to squelch growth and acceptance. I like the idea for a sermon title "Cool Water or Wet Blankets" on the Sunday prior to the merger of two churches. Thanks for all the good learning you all provide! Blessings, RAP
It was suggested to me this week that if we were really welcoming in our small, little church, we would all shift up one pew. Thus the usually empty front pews would be filled, and the back available tp those who are visiting, wondering, toe-dipping, uncomfortable and unsure. Maybe we should give a cool pew seat to these little ones....
It occurs to me that there is hospoitality in communion - God's table at which all are welcome. And perhaps the ultimate hospitality was Christ's sacrifice on the cross, making us all welcome in God's eyes. Perhaps some sacrifice is involved in true hospitality...
As to inclusive language -- ummm... Well, on trinity Sunday I broke the big news and suggested that God might not be a great big man, although we all admitted that was the picture in our heads. I told of a 12-year old girl that came to me in tears one day, because "you always call God "He". Isn't God at all like me?" What i said and what i mean is: call God any reverent title you like. I don't expect God will walk out of your life. But for the many older folk in our church, God-she is gut-wrenching. And God-it isn't right --- created in God's image - male AND female. For the time being we are using God-He, but we know that God is more, better, and with a few rather feminine traits. (Giving birth comes quickly to mind.) Greg from Nashville, where are you???
I, too, use the NRSV, ordered from Morehouse, i think. But I could also quickly high-light and printout from my computer. (Probably, haven't checked copyright.) As far as I am concerned, Frank, fill free to use any version you like. We'll pick it apart anyway:)
Aloha,
HW in HI
We have sure gone full circle, from many of us (me too) claiming to be or admitting to being prophets who are led, called and ordained to proclaim to people what is wrong in their lives and the consequences of that sin. Even if that is politically difficult to preach and hear, we are called to do it, as prophets of God. We are called to condemn racism, sexism and a miriad of other sins. Our conversation has now gone all the way to accepting and affirming people to ALMOST telling or AFFIRMING to them that there is no longer any such thing as sin.
That is a leap I cannot take. I love and accept everyone, but I cannot tell anyone to ignore the Bible and biblical teachings. Somewhere along the line, I believe, we are called to, and need to, honestly and fully, while still loving the sinner, repeat out of love, as Jesus said, "Go and sin no more." That includes all forms of politically correct sin, not just those that are politically incorrect like racism and sexism. revup
Don in MI,
Thank you for sharing your poignant experience of giving water to the beloved women in your life. That one is now etched in my heart........
To all,
Would love to comment on the inclusive language question, but you know, my head and my soul are engaged in another place. Most of you probably know where I stand anyway :)........
So where has my focus been all week?? Our congregation is sponsoring a refugee family from Kosovo and they are set to arrive within two weeks. The enthusiasm has been building as the preparations are made. Of course, the family's circumstances have been tragic and quite heartbreaking, but in the midst of that reality, we have before us the gift being able to "give a cup of water" to those most in need. This is the living out of the gospel, close up and personal, and every time someone else in my congregation comes forward and wants to help, I could shed tears of joy -- if some kind of grace is able to come out of the horror of this war, we're seeing it.......in each other, and in the family that is eagerly awaiting arrival in their new home, and looking forward to meeting their new friends. It doesn't get more real than that..........it doesn't get more blessed than that.
Exhausted and exhilirated, filled with the Spirit,
SueCan
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me...
But not everyone welcomes me Lord, not many. I can not get to most churches because I do not have a car and no one comes to pick me up because I live in a so called 'bad' neigborhood.
Even if I walk to a church they not always welcome me Lord, you know I have tried. They look at me in a strange way because I look diferent and I do not talke liked them or dress like them. It is not because I do not respect your house, you know that. But in the bag of free clothes that we got this was the best I could find.
They do not welcome me oh Lord, even when I try to come inside the church. They ignore me, they do not talked to me. Some approached me to offer me some money. They think that money is what I want. They do not understand I just want to worship you!
Even when I ignore the way they look at me and I come into the church just to have a few minutes in your presence, I feel lost. They do not talk my language and the little English I know is not enough to follow those complicated bulletins. I am not able to sing with them because no one had take their time to teach me how to read the hymnal. They see me struggling to figure out which book they are reading but no one offers their help and I feel lost.
But your word said "whoever welcomes you" and that must mean that there is hope... that somewhere there is a church that will be willing to welcome me and embrace me and even hug me as they do to the rest who are like them.
Maybe, just maybe there is a congregation willing to teach me to follow the hymnal, who will tolerate my kids in Sunday School and who will be willing to let me worship with them as if I was part of the body of Christ.
So I promised you Lord that if I ever find such a church I will offer myself in service to you and I will give everything I am to be a blessing to them.
Whoever welcomes me... submitted by Latina
the question that I struggle with in hearing the text is "Why Bother?" I live in a society that tells me that rewards are: vacation, a raise, a new car or house, or maybe rewards are healthy children, or a happy life. I do not think I can move forward until I answer the question for myself, why bother? Though the answer I think is coming in understanding that in sharing that cup of cold water with others, it is my thirst that is being met. thanks to all for their insight this week. JP in CO
the question that I struggle with in hearing the text is "Why Bother?" I live in a society that tells me that rewards are: vacation, a raise, a new car or house, or maybe rewards are healthy children, or a happy life. I do not think I can move forward until I answer the question for myself, why bother? Though the answer I think is coming in understanding that in sharing that cup of cold water with others, it is my thirst that is being met. thanks to all for their insight this week. JP in CO
I've been "eavesdropping" your conversation here from South-Africa. Some of your comments are quiet interesting. IF I MAY - I would like to make two comments on Mat 10:40-42. 1. When I look at the structure of Mat 10 it seems to me that :40-42 is the final comment of Jesus to his disciples concerning their "being sent out". In :26-31 He gave them consolation. You are safe in my Father's hands.. In :32-39 He challenged them. Are you willing to give everything for Me? ... In 40-42 He told them how the outcome will be "decided". Some will receive you - some won't. But remember - when they receive you, they receive Me and so they receive My Father! This is the essence of your mission: you represent God. 2. Looking at the Greek there is immediately something to notice: the word dechomai and its derivatives are used 6 times in 2 sentences. That is quiet some accentuation/ emphasize on one word! To understand this word I think Mat 10:14, Acts 2:41, 17:11 (also 8:14 & 11:1) and 1 Thes 2:13 (also 1:6) help us. In most of these instances dechomai carries the meaning of "believing". Taking into consideration that dechomai and lambanoo are almost synonymous it bring us to Joh 1:11-12 as an example of the same line of thought. The missions of God will be accepted (=believed) by some and rejected by others. So I think the point of Mat 10:40-42 for us today is to realize the importance of our accepting God's Word / messengers and even the "small ones" (see Mat 25:35-40) He sends to us. At the same time we must understand how authoritative (?) our going / speaking to people are. I realize this doesn't make the sermon easier, but this is what I find in the Text. NdT from S.A.
Two things - One - hospitality in a little church. I am in a small, rural church on the edge of an emerging suburban area. Housing being built a few miles from us is huge, expensive and requires the commitment of significant salaries. My folks have high school educations, blue-collar jobs and almost everyone is related to everyone else in the church. For these Christians, being hospitable to the poorer folks in the neighborhood is a whole lot easier than being hospitable to people with more money and education. Several members have an almost frantic desire to hang on to their rural identity. When the developers hit the neighborhood, one suggestion has been that we build the newcomers their own church down the road. Another simply said we should lock the doors. Most other members are appalled at these suggestions. Nonetheless there is a real fear of the loss of control and identity that comes with offering "a cool cup of water" to wandering disciples who may wandered into our world.
I would like to suggest that we often think of the "little ones" as the poor who our parishners look down upon, but isn't that just a part of the problem. The ones we reject may also be rich or better educated or simply of a different political or theological persuasion. It seems to me that we often resist relating to everyone who is not familiar, comfortably like us. All of these may be the "prophets, righteous, little ones" who we need to receive as Christ.
Two - Re: the humble disciple: my Desmond Tutu story. Several years ago I was a student at Emory University and Desmond Tutu was on the campus that year. One day, I ran up the stairwell in Bishops Hall and opened the narrow metal door just as Bishop Tutu was pushing it open from the other side. I smiled and stood aside to let him pass - he was Desmond Tutu, after all. At the same time, he smiled and stood back to let me pass. Pause. In a flash I'm thinking - he should go first, but he's waiting for me. I muttered, "thank you," as I went through the door and he nodded. A small moment, and yet, "cool water" - a moment of respect from a great man. Maybe it was a gentlemenly habit of deferring to a woman at the door. But I choose to think it was more than that. I was and am humbled by his humility. I have run into famous people before, Christian and otherwise, who assume their time, their movements should take priority. Desmond Tutu was simply gracious where it was not required accept by the state of his soul.
AJM in PA
In a contribution a few days ago, Tigger spoke about being good receivers of hospitality. This passage is hitting me the same way. Jesus is still talking to his disciples as he is sending them out with nothing but the power of the gospel. They will be dependent upon the hospitality of others for their daily needs. And Jesus, in this final passage is telling them that those who receive them - and their message will be blessed. These disciples are blessed to be a blessing. If they don't go out, if they aren't gracious guests, those who haven't heard the gospel won't have the opportunity to receive them or the gospel or the blessings that Jesus speaks about. We Americans are so bent on being self-sufficient - and not needing help from others -- we would do well to get rid of some of that pride and become more receivable. I am pastor of a mission church and one of the biggest challenges I have is to get people to go out and invite others in. They're perfectly happy to welcome people who come to us. But no one wants to go out and "do" evangelism - to go knocking on doors & hand out invitations. It can be hot dusty work & you might even find yourself in the position of needing a glass of cold water from someone you don't know. People are happy to make donations to the food pantry. But only a few are willing to take food to the home of someone in need & go in and visit with them. I'm preaching on "being receivable." That means to be vulnerable and to trust in the Lord & in people you might not know or who might be different from you.(Do you think people in the pews will be squirming?) But being receivable ultimately points to Jesus - and how receivable he is. He got into trouble for receiving hospitality from "sinners." And of course, we are blessed because he chose to come into our lives as well. jg in nj
revup,
you lost me completely on your post of 6/25. Of what sin dost thou speak?
HW in HI
Behold, the church is the only institution that exists for those yet to belong to it.
tom in ga
And verily I say again: "Behold, the church is the only institution that exists for those yet to belong to it" -- and isn't THAT message my 8 o'clock congregation is tired of hearing/in full denial regarding!
Dear Friends,
NdT from S.A. welcome to the conversation, too. I was reaching some similar conclusions on this text that you were, but even at this late hour was having trouble putting them together. Thanks for adding yours.
Grace and Peace, Jerry in MN