Jesus told the apostles to travel light, and he told them "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
I love the tension between those two instructions. First, to be not just well-informed and well-prepared, but crafty, like the serpent in Eden. Second, not to use that craftiness for deception, or for gain, or any other dishonest purpose, but in order to serve the kingdom.
The apostles in Matthew are being sent into a hostile setting. They must be wary of the evil around them, but still not be pulled into letting it affect the purity of the Good News that Jesus is sending them to teach and demonstrate. That the Kingdom of God is at hand, and the time has come when people can be healed of their infirmities and their sins, and be made whole!
I think of us as pastors today. I have met some pastors who are indeed "wise as serpents," but they are also cynical as cats. They see themselves as surrounded by enemies, but they feel overpowered.
I have met others who were indeed "innocent as doves," but some of them were wounded and bleeding because they weren't wise enough to see some of the dangers they were headed into. It is one thing to be willing to be wounded when necessary to share the love of God with someone. It's something else to go into a situation without seeing obvious avoidable dangers and planning for them.
I want to be as wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove. It's a tough combination.
How do we help our congregations deal with a world that is increasingly hostile even to "mainstream" Christianity? How do we help them to see themselves as wily and gentle in sharing the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ?
ST
Two excellent questions, ST:
How do we help our congregations deal with a world that is increasingly hostile even to "mainstream" Christianity? How do we help them to see themselves as wily and gentle in sharing the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ?
The answer to both is the same, in my opinion. I feel the problem in that "mainstream church" you were speaking about is that we pastors have ceased preaching the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is the answer to both of your questions. Which churches are thriving? For the most part, it is those which are teaching, preaching and using the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we only preach the wonders of God the Creator and love of Jesus the Redeemer, we fail to give our people the tremendous power still available to them today through the Holy Spirit. Two of the most uneducated people I know have led more people to Jesus than many pastors I also know. That is because the pastors are relying on themselves and their words, while these two men rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to speak and work through them. When will we learn and preach that we have a "Triune" God, not "Biune" God?
Open question to Pastors out there: When did you last preach on the Holy Spirit being available today to help your people transform themselves and others with whom they need to share Christ? If you did not do it recently, especially 2 weeks after Pentecost, shame on you! How can our people stand up to a hostile non-Christian world or be both "wily and gentle" when sharing Jesus without the Holy Spirit? "Black Sheep" revup
"Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness."
Wow, I think it is mind-boggling that Jesus charged the disciples to do the very same incredible things that he himself did i ministry. Jesus's charge was an empowerment. I wonder what "authority" means in this context? The people said of Jesus that he taught with authority. Same kind?
kdi
Yes, kdi, the same authority. In fact quoting from John 14:12 "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do GREATER works than these, because I am going to the Father." (my emphasis added) How about that!! As I said in my previous post, we need to be preaching the power of the Holy Spirit if our people are going to answer ST's 2 previous questions:
"How do we help our congregations deal with a world that is increasingly hostile even to "mainstream" Christianity? How do we help them to see themselves as wily and gentle in sharing the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ?" Answer, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in both cases. revup
The transition here that intrigues me is that of disciple to apostle,from being a follower to being sent out. In our churches today it seems to me that we spend most of our time making disciples, and that is good, but we never complete the cycle by sending them out as apostles. Why is our world so hostile to The message of Jesus, could it be that our introverted focus is a contributing factor? Send them out to tell the world the Good News, send them out to heal the sickness that surrounds us; sickness of spirit. Send them out to raise the dead,send them out in Jesus name to do what Jesus did, to bring hope and a promise to a hurting and searching world. The harvest is great, but where are the workers? Sitting in church buildings?
Elwood in WI th
Another Approach to Matthew 9
Is there a Doctor in the House?
When I read this text, the words that really stuck in my mind were the words of Jesus. "On hearing this Jesus said,"It is not the healty who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and see what this means..... For I have not called the righteous, but sinners."
I will probably preach this section of thetext. We can not minister to the world, no matter how active the Holy Spirit is, if we ourselves had not already had a visit from the doctor to heal our sicknesses. Sick employees who don't feel well are typically not the best workers.
The Holy Spirit is willing everyday to enlarge God's family, but it is our sinful weakness and human condition that prohibits us. It is the spiritual healing that drives and emboldens the messanger with the gospel. St. Paul who was exceptionally sick, demonstrated, what happens when spiritually sick people are healed in Christ.
When our people connect their need for healing and mercy and then recieve it in this great doctor, then in thanks there is a motivation to tell everyone what he had done. --And then the Holy Spirit will have free course through such weak vessles.
Pastor Ron
Amen, Pastor Ron, amen...
We all come into the world in a sickened state. That state of sinfulness that is part of our nature. It is that state that needs to be doctored, and it is only Christ that has the necessary qualifications to be our Healer. And then, and only then, can effective ministry take place, ministry under the guidance and direction of His Holy Spirit.
Rick in Va
"...gave them authority ..."
The ministry is now in our hands. We are the bearers of healing for the world. The hidden question is do we truly believe the words of Christ, do we think of ourselves as his ministers of reconciliation and healing in a world gone mad? Do we obey, that is respond affirmatively to the direction of our ministry? Why do our people see us as the ministers and they as the recipients of that ministry? Is it because we are getting the pay check? How does a congregation prepare for such discipleship? Those congregations which have put the Stephens Ministry in place perhaps have the best answer. We need to find a way to draw the people of the faith community into fuller ministry. Yes, it takes the power and action of the Holy Spirit, but all of us need to be open to her Presence for something to happen. One of the great frustrations of ministry is trying to answer the question: who is the minister? It was very clear in the Gospel this morning. We have an issue of disbelief to overcome before we can even begin to share the call with God's family.
tom in ga
Once when I had a very difficult time with my supervisor, whom I felt was treating me badly because he was more concerned about control than getting the job done, we had a fight after which I went back to my office to regain my composure. As I did, I opened the bible and came to Matthew 9:12-13. I realized that I could do nothing to change him, only how I reacted to him. So,if I gave him my peace and he accepted it we were at peace. And if I gave it and he refused that peace it would return to me and at least I would be at peace. It sounded like a win-win situation. From that day forward, whenever he asked me or told me something I said to myself "bless you" instead of the "damn you" I might otherwise have been thinking. Everytime I said that to myself at him, it called me back to the one ultimately in charge of me who said, "Bless those who persecute you." and I came to peace and did what I was told, or at worst, discussed calmly the situation at hand. Two months later the man who was ready to put me out of the army gave me one of the best efficiency reports I ever got. What Jesus says is worth trying, who knows what might happen?
Dave in Bosnia
Latina, I want to thank you for last week's post. My congregation is now expecting to hear from desperate preachers - but when I read of Jesus saying "Sigueme" to the Coyote, I paused and said, "Which means . . . " and there was a long silence - nobody could imagine that Jesus would ask someone like that to follow him! Powerful. Thanks. kbc in sc
Last week I preached on "What is Faith?" and ended by saying that faith is taking risks (based mostly on the OT lesson). Now, here are the risks you're going to take: you're going to be persecuted, hated, etc. There must be a job description for a pastor (I think I've read one somewhere) about being able to walk on water, leap tall buildings, etc. I have the current "Report from PPR" which is circulating the Internet, but wanted more of an impossible job description for a pastor (tongue-in-cheek), and then go on to say that really, that's what God is asking us to do. By faith, we are able to take these risks. Any one able to help? Nail-Bender, are you in a humorous mood this week???
RevJan
"How do we help our congregations deal with a world that is increasingly hostile even to "mainstream" Christianity?"
Good question. I wonder sometimes how as a pastor I can deal with a congregation that has individuals in it who are sometimes lukewarm, sometimes hostile to any sort of commitment to faith. Often it manifests itself in a fear of somebody thinking they're "fanatics" or something of that sort. When our congregations are fearful of taking leaps in faith they certainly won't be able to help anyone else do it.
OASE RevJan: Here are bits and pieces of a job description of the perfect pastor I heard once:
White male, 29 years old with 50 years experience, works for nothing but tithes to the church, his wife plays piano for the women's fellowship...that sort of thing.
You get the point. where can I find the job description you mentioned? NEOW in Maine
Hi all.
Early thoughts about "ministry." We assume that "ministry" is exclusively a pastor's "job" because we assume that "ministry" means verbalizing the faith for someone else. Then we point to portions of the Bible such as this reading from Matthew, and our assumptions are confirmed.
10:7 As you go, *proclaim* the good news [using these words!], 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'
10:19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to *speak* or what you are to *say*; for what you are to *say* will be given to you at that time;
Notice the emphasis on verbalizing.
I do not say this is bad (verbalizing the faith is a good gift of God!), and yes, I know there are more "instructions" given (Cure the sick, raise the dead...., Take no gold, or silver....).
However, my point is that the people (including us people "up front") have experienced "ministry" in worship, but we don't think we have experienced it outside of our holy space (unless the pastor comes to visit, of course!). Nor do we think we have *done* "ministry" unless we have read the Bible during worship, said a prayer (out loud, of course!), etc.
One of Luther's insights into minstry was that all of life is our ministry. He is supposed to have said, "A Christian shoemaker doesn't make shoes with crosses on them. He makes good shoes!"
Again, this can be taken out of context, and be used to justify a self-serving life. But, properly understood, it is an amazing step away from the assumed "ministry" of the "official priests," and a giving back of ministry to the *whole* Church. Note that ALL of the disciples were sent out.
Sorry if this is rambling! Fortunately, it's early in the week!
Rick in Canada, eh?
Revup, I appreciated your comments and the comments of others thus far. This should be an "easy" passage to preach -- but I am finding it unusually difficult. There is so much here. If we stay in the safe part -- i.e. Jesus is compassionate and cares for us -- it's still difficult, because there are so many hurting people out there who do not experience the healing of Christ. But if we go on to the part where we (the church) are called and given power and "authority" to do the same works, it gets even more risky. I think I am going to risk it all and have a healing service--Put my money where my mouth is. Still, it is scary. It is one thing to pray for people who believe in and are receptive to healing prayer. It is another to pray for the ordinary, everyday pew sitter. And I do love my people, I'm not meaning to put them down in any way.
Also, anyone have a good title? I finally came up with "Does Jesus Care?" -- and I will say that, finally, he cared enough to train disciples to do the same works, he cared enough to send the Holy Spirit upon the church...now, do WE care enough to be Bold and Obedient and do the works he sends us to do? EEEEk. Praying for boldness -- RevKK
Willimon suggests for a title, "The Dirty Dozens". The 12 who were called and sent were not particularly qualified for discipleship nor apostleship. Yet Jesus gave them his authority, and that dirty dozen became the dirty dozens who became disciples because of their witness, and also are sent as apostles.
Tom in Winnipeg
You're right, RevKK, there is a lot in this passage. The "Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary" pointed out that there are three large sub-sections in the full text and that "any one of these sections could serve as a text for preaching. Indeed, there are a dozen or more potential texts in the materials in 10:5-23." So as the book suggested, "Some focusing may prove necessary because otherwise one confronts the difficulty of expressing a kaleidoscope of ideas in the limited time set aside for preaching."
I myself am going to focus on Jesus' commission to the disciples. God has led me on a wonderful path. A month ago, I was decided, without looking at the scripture passage, to receive new members this Sunday (13th) and lo and behold! The scripture passage deals with the disciples' commissioning. A wonderful way to speak about us being commissioned. To point out that membership in Christ's Church is not a privelege, but a responsibility! The church is not a club, but an organization to help us fulfill our potentials as children of God and go forth into the world as servants of God.
Brandon in CA
I forgot to add that the "Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary" calls the three sub-section, "compassion, commission, and conditions for mission." I don't know if the authors intended write it that way, but I thought it was witty.
Brandon in CA
Rev Ron here, I am a Lutheran Pastor, and am not really sure of the denominational make up of this site. Anyway, I really appreciate the ideas you offer in which to make our messages interesting.
The Lutheran Church, certainly does not cover the market when it comes to service and ministry. Yet when I hear the frustration over getting people envolved in ministry, it almost seems as if there is a questioning, -or dare a say a lack of faith in the power of the Word,-though to be sure it is not directly. By proccess of emimination we assume that we have preached the word, the people hear it, and since they do not respond as we hope, the only thing left is prayer, or divine intervention.
A possible alternative might be to try a different application of the Word. Let me suggest trying Law and Gospel preaching for a while. Give the Law the full opportunity to condemn each member, and then throw out the life preserver that brings the saving grace of Jesus Christ to save, to build up, and to empower. Rather than ending with Law, end on Gospel, -And watch the reaction of your people.
That's why I really like "The Dirty Dozen" title. I can work both law and gospel into that one. We are the dirty dozen, loved by God.
I offer this suggestion, not in arrogence, but rather in the humility of a fellow servant who also has been frustrated and struggled with ways to keep the fold in ministry.
Peace in Christ, Pastor Ron
Last Sunday we had worship outside(8:30am), on the steps in the grass etc. We celebrated communion with bread, juice, fruit, nuts(everyone present the week before volunteered to help and called those who weren't present). We invited everyone. Three anglos came, we doubled our usual hispanic attendance with close to 50 present. The atmosphere was charged with the joy and excitement of true koinonia as we attempted to take the gospel into the world. Two of the anglos were so moved by the excitement of the celebration they suggested it for a future 11:00 service, but were told "WE don't do that sort of thing". How do we overcome the fear, how can we help people open their lives to the power of the Holy Spirit. I can personally testify that without the Holy Spirit I wouldn't have spent the last six years preaching in Spanish! But there is so much fear of reaching out into the world around.
viajera in GA p.s. to Latina, Latino in Wyoming, Barbara and any others whom God has called to Hispanic ministry, are you interested in email or maybe posting in another site here? my email is dsumc@innerx.net
Too many of us are filled with inordinate desires, and would find it difficult to live this kind of 'disinterested', 'apathetic', life where we can objectively simply let our 'peace' land where it will, not worried about the consequences. Being in E. Friedman's concept, "a non-anxious presence" in the world. Wouldn't it truly make a difference if we could minister without our egos and narcissism getting in the way, how blessed it woudl be if we could simply preach the word in season and out of season, and not worry about being liked, approved, accepted, promoted!!! As ministers of the gospel, we first must truly believe what we proclaim, before we can expect the disciples to head out into the wilderness of sin and death.
tom in ga
NEOW in Maine,
Must be a New England thing. That's the one I remember from my days in the New Hampshire Annual Conference. . .
RevJan
I found it folks! The job description I was looking for. Thanks NEOW! Change the categories to suit, e.g. Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Youth Minister, DCE, etc. RevJan
Director: Leaps tall buildings in a single bound More powerful than a locomotive
Faster than a speeding bullet
Walks on water
Gives policy to God
Project Manager: Leaps short buildings in a single bound
More powerful than a shunting engine
Just as fast as a speeding bullet
Walks on water if the sea is calm
Talks with God
Services Manager: Leaps short buildings with a running start and favourable winds
Is almost as powerful as a shunting engine
Is slower than a speeding bullet
Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool
Talks with God if special request is approved
Project Engineer: Barely clears a prefabricated hut
Loses tug of war with a locomotive
Can fire a speeding bullet
Swims well
Is occasionally addressed by God
Engineer: Makes marks on the wall when trying to clear tall buildings
Is run over by a locomotive
Can sometimes handle a gun without injuring himself
Dog paddles
Talks to animals
Trainee Engineer: Runs into buildings
Recognises locomotives two times out of three
Is not issued with ammunition
Can stay afloat with a life jacket
Talks to walls
Apprentice: Falls over doorstep when trying to enter buildings
Says "Look at the choo-choo"
Wets himself with a water pistol
Plays in mud puddles
Mumbles to himself
Secretary: Lifts buildings and walks under them
Kicks locomotives off the tracks
Catches speeding bullets in teeth and eats them
Freezes water with a glance
She is God
To all of my cyber brothers and sisters in the ministry: Thank you for all your contributions from week to week. For this sunday I was looking 'for some reason' at verse 8. In the NIV, "freely you have receive, freely give." And I like to tie it to the commissioning from my brother Brandon in CA. I think that ministry is a responsibility but at the same time, I believe that it takes GRACE!!! and I wonder (on aTuesday) if verse 8 could be used to remind us that the apostles freely received the call from Jesus and all his mercies, in the same way freely they should give. It may be a stretch but I am asking for help!!!! Muchas gracias. Latino in Wyoming cpcwy@prairieweb.com
p.s. to viajera in GA, Latina and Barbara: I would love to keep in contact by e-mail or through all these helpful comments. La paz de Dios!
I was a lay person for 25 years before I became ordained clergy and have been a pastor for 7 years. I still remember what it feels like to be a "pew sitter".
My sermon this week is going to be titled "Previous conditions not a problem!" I believe that the people best qualified to be in ministry are those who have "been around" those who have hit the tough spots and found survival through the power of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit it their lives. However, they often feel unworthy to see them selves as "in Ministry" The laity see the "ordained" as the ministers because they are the ones "trained" "paid" and "called" to do the work. Many do not understand yet that God Calls us all in one way or another.
I have noticed that as Jesus choose his disciples no pre-existing conditions mattered to him. Look at those throughout the entire bible who did not have a very good record for dependability or respectability. Yet, they, through the power of Spirit with in them went on to do great ministry. David, Paul, and was not Matthew a tax collector. For those with no "ministry" training how about James and John the fishe men. I hope to share other insights regarding the disciples and their "qualifications". Any one got any good ideas?
Insurance companies have great restrictions about insuring someone who is a risk because of something in their past. Jesus is the great risk taker - he calls all believers to ministry no matter what the pre-existing condition. I fact with Jesus the pre- existing condition can actually be a gift for ministry. "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord." My purpose for preaching this sunday will be to help the so called "pew sitter" see that they are valued and needed in bringing in the Kingdom.
jmj in Wi
Latina, I too, feel intuitively that there is a connection between my call and those very words. I am very moved by those words. Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. (I may even use the song in the United Methodist Hymnal#389 that has these words) I too, feel grace hasbeen upper most in me being freely given the opportunity to do what I love the most. I also know that I want to respond with that same love that wells up inside me and overflows. Rev Latha in Michigan
I am in week 2 of a three part series on healing. This week's sermon is "He Heals Everything!" As I threatened a couple of weeks ago, I wound up preaching on how God heals us physically (body), emotionally (mind) and socially (relationships with others), but the foundation for all three of those is spiritual (relationship with God/Christ) healing. revup
"Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." - Here is a very puzzling direct command from Jesus. He tells us to pray. He tells us this all the time by example and instruction, maybe we should just end the sermon here, go home and start doing just that. But in this case we have an answer to the age-old question, "What do I pray for?" Pray for yourself. He tells the disciples to pray for themselves. Wheather they pray for their fellow workers, or just all who labor in the harvest, they bless themselves by simply adding another task to their list of things to pray for.
First, pray Second, go into the harvest
It seems to me that the priority is right. We are called to pray - prayer itself awakens us to mission. The mission is not something extra, it is the fruit of prayer. I remember a 12 year old child at a church camp one time say, "we are the intercessions" - perhaps the most powerful statement I have ever heard. There is a radicality to ministry and we must always be prepared to go. (the problem of the contemporary church is that too often, only a few go, and not the people of God.)
tom in ga
I remember the day I was ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacrament, my home church presented to me a Book of Common Worship with the words from Matthew 9:37-38 inscribed in it. And I am still learning what those words mean as I grow as a Christian. God is the Lord of the Harvest and those we are to minister to are the harvest. We and those whom we minister to all already belong to the Lord of the Harvest. I can't help but picture in my mind the hardworking farmers who gather up the bounty of the fields. It is back-breaking, hard, hot, sweaty work, but gosh the food is so good when it is fresh from the field (or garden). I think I will focus on (as I think Tom in GA) pointed out, the praying first and acting second. All of the healing and ministry is done only after prayer. How many jump the gun thinking they know what is best without consulting with our "Boss" about what really is best. I am sure there is a sermon here somewhere. Reverend Jennifer in MS
10 JUN 99 There's a tension in the specific commission here, to go only "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (of course, that is expanded in Mt. 28 and elsewhere). Also, in the Exodus text (Ch. 19) God acknowledges that all of creation is God's but calls Israel his "treasured posession...a priestly kingdom and a holy nation." One approach would be focusing on what it means to be "a preistly kingdom"; I'm inclinded to pursue the tack of the specific prolclamation to "those in our own back yard" and to note that among the 12 we have such diverse representation as Simon--likely a Rome-hating zealot--and Matthew--a "lackey of Rome" as Lutheran commentator Brian Stoffregan puts it (both, before the transformation of Christian discipleship). Within our congregations are people of all ages, races, interests, vocations, etc., who will witness first--and perhaps best--to those with which they have something in common. Some great evangelism texts here, even this one which smacks initially of "eclusivism" but in the context of the whole, serves to save the lost and fill empty church pews. BTW, thanks Rick in VA for the chastisement a few weeks ago... I'll take it as if "in the spirit of love." Peter in CA
Our "Mission on Aging" or something like that-- group has decided that this Sunday is "Age in Action." While I surely agree that we will fall all over ourselves trying to lift up every single thing (from scouts to vets, mom, dads, apple pie, etc.)-- while I agree, I feel that this group needs to be honored. In my particular denomination, the generation is sometimes called "Builders" -- between the WWII folk & boomers -- they have been holding the church together for a long, long time. They did it in their twenties and thirties, and they are still doing it. What on earth we will do without them -- heaven knows! So I will honor them on Sunday. I am thinking about honoring wisdom, and tying into 'wise as serpents, innocent as doves'. But I am not clear on a point or focus. Any good thoughts?
HW in HI
RevJan: Yeah, it is a New England thing. I'm in Maine, which has a low tolerance for going to church. I'm in a mainline (UMC/UCC federated) church with my wife as co-pastors. There really is a fear of being seen as too radical. I get kind of cynical about it sometimes--people won't hesitate to ask what the church can do for them ("do" the kid, put on a wedding for them, etc.) but seldom ask what it is they can do for God. It's a real breath of fresh air when somebody is really enthusiastic about serving in some capacity. It's a generational thing too. Up her, which I suppose is probably true in many areas, there are plenty of people driving SAV's (Surburban Assault Vehicles) and big shiny new pickups, but don't often have a sense of what it is to give without receiving. Recreation is a big thing here, to the point that it is seen as a right rather than something to do in one's spare time.
This may seem out of place, but it relates. I've been thinking about Jesus' instructions to the disciples before sending them out--in particular, about the directions not to bring a money bag or money. One reason is probably so that they'd have to rely on others for hospitality. I wonder if another reason was to make them unlikely targets for highway robbery. Money bags were worn on the belt--they were visible. Also note that Jesus tells them not to bring a staff. This could have been used as a walking stick, but it's main purpose would have been defense. Here's the point. If we rely on less materially then we have less that we have to defend. We don't open ourselves up to as many problems. Having less might make us more able to respond to God's call. I realize that most of us are settled somewhere, and that's ok. Maybe we can think in terms of attachment. Do we own our possessions or do they own us?
Sorry if I'm getting too philosophical. That's enough for one sitting. NEOW in Maine
Dear Friends,
Some thoughts on a late Thursday night.
1) WE are called to be disciples and also "sent" to tell others, too. If we think we're not able or not capable or not good enough we're in good company. Simon (Peter) frequently stuck his foot in his mouth, and even denied he knew Jesus not just once but three times. James and John had a mother who liked to interfere - even to the point of asking Jesus to allow her sons to sit at his right and left and they wanted to call down lightening from heaven to destroy a village that did not welcome Jesus. Thomas asked a lot of questions and was known to doubt occasionally, too. Matthew was a tax collector - a traitor to his own people by his willingness to collect taxes for the Romans - and even made a pretty good living at it; and then there's Judas who eventually betrayed Jesus into the hands of the temple priests who in turn handed him over to the Roman governor for execution. Then there's Batholomew, James son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean who we know little or nothing about because the only time their names appear are when a list of the disciples is given. It is people just like you and me - that Jesus called, then authorized to do the same things he was doing - curing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, proclaming the presence of the kingdom of heaven, and then he sent them out to do it. (So are we today.)
2) The disciples were sent out to cure the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead. I had a conversation with a 10th grader recently who wishes she lived at the time of the early church because some many great things happened that she doesn't see happening today. I didn't know exactly how to answer her. I still don't but I have thought about three things in this regard since: a) Perhaps we lack the faith to act on the promises and the authority Jesus has given to us. b) Perhaps those things are indeed happening - people are still cured by doctors and prayer, people in deep depression, or living with guilt that makes the future bleak are "raised from the dead" by the forgiveness of their sins, and those freed from addiction have indeed had a "demon" of sorts cast out of them. c) Maybe demanding, or expecting, exactly the same things today as happened in Jesus' day is the desire to live by sight and not by faith. It seems that curing the sick, raising the dead, proclaiming the presence of the kingdom were signs of the kingdoms presence in the world - maybe the "signs" of the kingdoms presence today are intended to be different.?!
Anyone care to respond?
Grace and Peace, Jerry in MN
About traveling light as we go out to minister: this is Eugene Peterson's description of what he wants to do as a minister (in Under the Unpredictable Plant, p.39):
"I want to study God's word long and carefully so that when I stand before you and preach and teach I will be accurate. I want to pray, slowly and lovingly, so that my relation with God will be inward and honest. And I want to be with you [his congregation], often and leisurely, so that we can recognize each other as close companions on the way of the cross and be available for counsel and encouragement to each other."
kbc in sc heading for uk for 6 wk exchange
Regarding traveling light: Hear what Eugene Peterson tells his congregation about ministry: (p. 39, Under the Unpredictable Plant)
"I want to study God's word long and carefully so that when I stand before you and preach and teach I will be accurate. I want to pray, slowly and lovingly, so that my relation with God will be inward and honest. And I want to be with you, often and leisurely, so that we can recognize each other as close companions on the way of the cross and be available for counsel and encouragement to each other."
kbc in sc headed to uk for 6 wks exchange
Hi all.
THANKS Jerry in MN! A fabulous insight, that the "signs of the Kingdom's presence today are intended to be different." I suggest that they will look a lot like what you have suggested.
I would add things like, curing the rich so they can stop blaming the poor for being poor, raising the poor to the status of legitimate human beings, casting out the demons of stereotypes which assume that anyone of welfare must be cheating the system, etc.
Can't help but get political with this stuff! :-) But we do a disservice to the Good News is we pretend it can be any other way.
Rick in Canada, eh?
NEOW
It's not that different anyplace else. People are people everywhere. That's what's so great about the Bible -- it's about real people. No, they didn't have pick-ups and SUV's (or whatever they are this week), but they had chariots, and precious oil, and houses and children and servants/slaves, and fishing boats and nets to be repaired, etc. And still God called them (and us) to do God's work. As something I read this week said (I think it was Willimon) it is not because of our greatness that Jesus calls us, but because of his greatness. Still, I'd love to be back on the dock at Kennebunk when the lobstah boats come in . . .
RevJan
Gospel Lesson
11 Jun 1999
I’ve been looking at the longer Gospel reading ... be as cunning as snakes and as innocent as doves ... what might this mean today ??
I wonder if it’s significant that the greek word for cunning in Matt 10 is the same as the word used in the greek translation of Genesis 3 for the serpent ... (presumably Matthew would have been familiar with this greek Old Testament)?
In what way (if at all!!) is Jesus saying ... be like that cunning old snake in the garden? Rev Ev in Bev U.K.
Hey NEOW, you're not getting too philosophical. That's what this site is all about, isn't it? To explore the scriptural passage in every way we can so we can preach the word to our flocks and if being philosophical in our dicussion will help us to do so, then let it loose. Of course, if you stopped because it was hurting your brain then that's understandable. (I myself like theology better than philosophy. Philosophy in seminary drove me nuts.)
Anyway, I'm focusing on Jesus' commandment to go forth and share the news with others. I'm titling my sermon, "Your Mission if You Decide to Accept." I like it when I can come up with a great title for my sermon. I think it'll tie in beautifully with bringing new members into our church. To remind everyone that becoming a member of the church is not like joining a club. Rather we have responsibilities as members. We can't do what NEOW discribed in (his? her? forgive me I'm not sure) church. As member, Jesus expects us to not ask what the church can do for us, but what can we do for the church and the community.
Brandon in CA
It is late in the day, and my sense is that all the preachers have gone away. But I have finally discovered my "Aha" in the midst of the afternoon. All three lections have to do with hospitality.
The First Lesson: God's gracious hospitality to Israel, freeing them from bondage in Egypt.
The Second Lesson: God's gracious hospitality toward us that even while were were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Third Lesson: Our hospitality toward those who differ from us. Henri Nouwen in his REACHING OUT says first that we are to create an open space for the stranger, yet this space is not a negation of meaning, for it must define who we are. It is only as we make a proclamation that we allow others to say who they are: The kingdom of God has come near.
Tom in GA
Tom in Georgia, I was interested in your response using Ed Friedman's "non-anxious presence" concept. (Incidentally that is based on the late Murray Bowen's eight "principles" of Family Systems Theory {Bowen Theory}developed while at NIMH, the Menninger Clinic and Georgetown University; and my field of expertise, so to speak.) Don't we all wish that we could approach our ministry and even this site with greater differentiation, i.e., a "non-anxious presence"! However, when our anxiety goes up we jump into the reactive response of our family of origin (in general terms). It is there that we do well to turn to God seeking the Spirit to calm us and, in that calm, not to absorb the anxiety around us (anxiety which leads to our seeking approval, acceptance, fitting in with culture, etc.). We are gifted with the ability to increase our differentiation (ability to hold onto ourselves in the face of increasing anxiety)to some degree when we do some family or origin work. In the long run, we are a motley crew of disciples who don't always "do it correctly" regardless of our beliefs!! God is our hope!! Robin in PA
To New Engalnders out there,
RevJan & NEOW, it is true that New England folks are more of a challange to motivate than other places. Worship is often viewed as a sho, and whoever has the best show, gets the best showing!
I was from the New Hampshire Annual Conference, moved to the Southern New England and then to the Maine Conference. I am a native of New Hampshire, and know that Church is not central for many of the people I have known most of my life. They think it is important, they ought to go but are "too busy" this week and will probably be for some time. The mentality I grew up with was that you paid the minister to his/her job. You did not pay them to get you to do for them. It is difficult to break this cycle.
Just another thought- God does not call the qualified, God qualifies the called.
AWG Rocky Coast of Me.
Thankyou Tom for the thing about creating an open space ... I was in danger of focussing on the judgemtn for those who don't respond a little too much.
Also ... an anecdote, Inknow it's late in the day, and yes most of the preacher's seem to have it all wrapped up ... but
I gave a lift to a tramp a couple pof weeks ago. He's a regular visitor and can be very abusive ( he is an alcoholic and is often drunk) This time he was sober, and we talked about angels mostly ...
He went through much of the Old testament talking about visions and angels and the glory of God.
When he got out of the car after about an hour, and I turned round to come home, I wept. He had given me far more than I had given him. I had been so preoccupied with my life and ministry ... whereas he had nothing excpet a carrier bag ( Matthew 10: 9 and 10!)
That hour was an acting out of those verses in the gospel ... John has many problems that do burden him, but he has no possessions ... and (a point he made) .. it's hard to hear God's voice when you've got a lot of material possessions. Travel light!!!
Tom in GA, Finally someone else who is preaching on the same theme as me. Hospitality. BTW in last week's post the story about Bill is excellent for this theme. I also like the mini children's sermon on hospitality. Lots to think about. at this late hour 8:00pm est Nothing like Adrenalin to help write the sermon Rev Latha in Michigan
To add to the list of suggested sermon titles here (though late...)
"Is your name on the list?" - not regarding the roll call, but reflecting the listing of disciples here...
peace
kent in Québec