[Propertalk] Fwd: A bumpy ride Luke 12:32-40
Joe Parrish
joeparrish at compuserve.com
Sat Aug 7 12:41:28 EDT 2010
Forwarded:
-----Original Message-----
From: LKraft <LKraft at ecunet.org>
To: SERMONSHOP_SERMONS.topic <SERMONSHOP_SERMONS.topic at ecunet.org>
Sent: Thu, Aug 5, 2010 1:43 pm
Subject: A bumpy ride Luke 12:32-40
PENTECOST 11c August 8, 2010
Luke 12:32-40 Holy Trinity ELCA
Trumbull, CT
A Bumpy Ride
Y’know, sometimes when I read the Bible, I want to talk back to it. I want to dialog with Jesus when I read something like this Gospel passage and say, “Really? Are you talking to me?” And if we had read just one more verse past the end of what’s printed on our bulletin, that’s exactly what the disciples ask. Verse 41 says, “Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?’”
It’s like Peter saying, “We GET it. You must be talking to people who haven’t been traveling toward Jerusalem with you for so long. They may not know what you’re all about, but surely WE do. Quit telling us the same thing over and over. It’s old news; can’t you come up with something new?
But Jesus DOES repeat himself.
“Jesus may have been speaking to his disciples, but the ‘little flock’ he mentions could as well be our congregation and all believers today. We, like the people of Jesus’ time, have our fears and anxieties.
We live in a time of many fears and concerns. The war drags on in Afghanistan, and the politics of it have evolved over the years to the point that the vagaries of the ‘war on terror’ have become clouded. Should we be sending our children and grandchildren half way around the earth to fight such a war?
The rise of the so-called ‘Tea Party’ is a symptom of the anxieties that exist in our society today.
We are anxious about the immigration issue as it has become a political football.
We are anxious about the economy. Will the current depression get worse? Will I be able to hold onto my job? Will I have to move? What about our family?
And [as we age, we] find increasing anxieties about health. Ten years ago I took only vitamin pills. Now I take [four prescriptions in addition to the daily vitamin for “seniors”]. [And, paying for] medication is a source of anxiety for many.
Jesus was probably more aware than his disciples of the hardships – even martyrdom – that might face them after his departure from them. But he was telling them that they need not be paralyzed by fear, because ultimately the kingdom of God was theirs. That was the ‘Good News’ that would empower their adventure in faith. They should relax and keep their eye on the ball.” (1)
Okay, we get it. We understand in our minds that God has the final say. We’ve been doing okay so far, going along doing what we’ve always done. So why all this stuff about keeping alert. That’s what WE might say right along with the disciples.
Jesus tells his listeners to make purses for themselves that do not wear out. That doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. We ladies know that occasionally we just HAVE to buy a new purse. A strap breaks or the bottom becomes so scuffed the bag is plain unsightly. And replacing a favorite pocketbook can be a real chore; none of the new ones are just like the one we loved.
Of course, Jesus isn’t talking about the latest Coach bag or the most expensive Dooney & Bourke on the market. Those are earthly creations and we all know earthly things shall pass away. Jesus wants us to focus on God’s purse: the eternal presence of God, Heaven if you will, where all good things are provided, stress and anxiety do not exist and all our earthly concerns are forever gone.
The “treasure in heaven” he reminds us of is the salvation he himself provides, the gift of love and grace for all who believe.
That being said, Jesus also advises us to be ready for a bumpy ride. He’s like that amusement park tour guide who says, “Please keep hands, arms and legs within the coach at all times, and seat children away from the outside railing.” If we’re doing what Jesus advises, there’s no telling what might come next.
Jesus tells us to be dressed for action, have our best running shoes securely tied, our water bottles full and our sweat bands circling each wrist and brow. This is a run that will challenge us beyond what we’ve ever tried before. If we’re doing it right, there will be a challenge at every turn. The marathon of running the race of a Christian has a finish line, it’s true, but some days it may seem like that prize is far, far away.
Think of Abraham and Sarah and their need to trust this God who’d laid claim to them and their future. Think of Isaac and Jacob who lived by faith and kept God’s gifts raised before disbelieving people. Think of our ancestors in faith who had to forge ahead and take a stand for their right to trust in God’s grace.
These were bumpy rides. Today, we may think we have things rather easy. But as Dietrich Bonhoeffer is thought to have said, “The trouble with Christianity today is that no one is being called upon to die for his faith.” Or ARE we?
If our treasure, our most valuable “possession” is safe and secure, why are we not risking all to reach outside the coach and grab onto things that should challenge people who profess to be Christian?
Why don’t we take a stand regarding war and loss of life for all people, not just those who fight “on our side”?
Why don’t we take a stand regarding human rights with respect for all people, even those who may not agree with our own heartfelt convictions?
Why don’t we take a stand regarding equal opportunity for all people with whom we share this earth, even if it means lowering our own standards of living to make sure others are able to simply live?
Why don’t we take a stand regarding the health of our sisters and brothers of all ages instead of guarding our own benefits to the exclusion of others?
These are the perilous positions we may be called upon to take up, our crosses to bear, to make sure that love and grace are gifts for all, not just for us who hoard them as earthly prizes.
When we regard our treasures in heaven – eternal life, salvation, grace, love, peace, hope and joy – we are rich beyond measure. It’s not pie-in-the sky hokum to rub on our wounds like a healing salve. It is reality.
Jesus Christ DID bring the kingdom of God to earth. He tried repeatedly to warn, cajole and convince his followers that their salvation did not come easily. He paid the price for all of us SO THAT we could weather the bumpy ride, run the torturous race, and risk taking a stand on behalf of all he paid for. Every one.
You and I cannot continue to do things as we’ve always done them, safely keeping our hands, arms and legs within the coach of these church walls. The Church is not just a sanctuary, a safe place, a comforting collection of friends. If it is, then it has lost the purpose for which Christ created community.
Jesus tells us to seek that which God is more than willing to give – daily bread, purpose, and joy – which is always in ready supply. But at the same time, we are to stay alert to prevent complacency, ignorance and neglect of others’ value to the one who created us all.
We are all children of one creator. Jesus repeatedly calls our attention to the least, the lowest and the needy. Our joy, as redeemed children of God, is to share what we have and who we are for the well-being of others.
Keep that in mind the next time you watch a news report or listen to a commentator or feel put-upon by others. This path we’re on isn’t meant to be all safe and secure. If we’re living the life to which Jesus called us, we’re in for a bumpy ride. Amen
(1) THE DC DONALDhttp://community.webtv.net/riechers/PastorDonLutheran
Rev. Linda J. Kraft
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Trumbull CT 06611
office p/f 203-372-8844
home 203-881-5997
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