conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

thursday sermon mumblings

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
- Romans 12:14

Coffee is doing its work in the press pot. In a moment I'll wander down the steps to pour myself a cup. First I need to start thinking more seriously about this Sunday's sermon. The lectionary is challenging this week...so much to choose from. As it stands, I''l likely preach from Matthew and Exodus. Romans, however, is an incredible passage where Paul summarizes for the Church Jesus' understanding of how one treats enemies yet again. Bless those who persecute you. Love your enemy. It's that simple. Those who bring pain into our lives cannot receive vengeance...not from our hands at least. They must receive blessing, for that is how Christ lived and showed us God's love. (See: Turning over the tables in the temple to avoid Jesus as Ninny.) Paul is offering a challenging understanding of how the vision that Jesus has of the Kingdom of God actually plays out in real life. The passage ends with "'Vengeance is mine,' says the Lord."

Moses has a vision of a burning bush and speaks with the great I AM. Peter, who was so wise last week, shows his incomplete understanding this week. "Get behind me, Satan." It's a painful moment. Both are likely fearful moments. When we encounter God there is much that is left unknown, unknowable. Peter demonstrates this in his encounter with Jesus...and will demonstrate as much again and again. Moses receives a formal introduction and little more. He'll be led by the hand eventually. This is not something we should think of as easy. Moses' mission and responsibilities become more arduous as he continues to follow God. As it stands this Sunday, he simply must take off his sandals, speak to a burning bush, and learn how to recognize God.

I have a friend who is a pentecostal Anglican preacher. Yes, they exist. Charismatic Anglicans...two great tastes that taste great together? Anyway...He preaches barefoot. It's something he learned from his bishop. Preach barefoot. It's holy ground. Preaching...prayer, worship...is an encounter with the burning bush. Or it very well could be. We simply need to approach God with humility knowing that we too are in the presence of the I AM. Our orders will be like Moses'...liberation of the oppressed. To bring God's word to all the world, liberating the oppressed, blessing those who persecute.

This is, as someone reminded me recently, restorative justice. True justice is merciful. It restores all of creation and not simply those who are oppressed. God's blessing is for all. What may differ is the ability to receive that blessing.

Let my people go.

Posted by tripp at August 28, 2008 06:23 AM