A Pastor's Thoughts

"What Do We Do Now?"

2008-08-12T18:50:00.003-02:00

A sermon preached at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Ascension Sunday 2008 by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on Acts 1:6-14 and II Thessalonians 3:6-14.

Colleen Hitchcock has written a poem entitled “Ascension”. It reads:

“And if I go,

while you’re still here...

Know that I live on,

vibrating to a different measure

- behind a thin veil you cannot see through.

You will not see me,

so you must have faith.

I wait for the time when we can soar together again,

- both aware of each other.

Until then, live your life to its fullest.

And when you need me,

Just whisper my name in your heart,

...I will be there.”

Certainly, these words mirror those spoken by Christ’s to his disciples at his ascension. You may recall that over the past couple of weeks, our Gospel Lessons have focused on Jesus preparing his disciples for the time when he will no longer be with them in the flesh. And now, the time has come for them to leave them. But Jesus assures them that even though their relationship is changing, it is not ending. Even though he will no longer be with them in the flesh, physically; they will remain connected to him, spiritually, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit – Parakletos.
This relationship wasn’t ending. Jesus promised not to leave them, nor us, comfortless. Jesus’ ascension wasn’t like that of Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too, as we are told in that infamous children’s poem as, “higher, and higher, and higher flew... over the sun and beyond the blue...” but poor…

“Ickle Me, Pickle Me, and Tickle Me too
Never returned to the world they knew
And nobody
Knows what’s
Happened to
Dear Ickle Me, Pickle Me and Tickle Me too.”

The ascension of Christ is told three times in the New Testament. We find it in the 1st chapter of the book of Acts, in the 24th chapter of the Gospel of Luke and in the 2nd century addition to Mark’s Gospel. Now, keep in mind, the concept of ascending to the heavens was common in the Hellenistic world. To be transported to the realm of the gods was generally interpreted as a sign of divinity and immortality for kings, heroes, prophets and even holy men. Without a doubt, the gospels and even the book of Acts tells the story of Jesus’ ascension as a way to further demonstrate his divinity, as well as a way to signal the beginning of the messianic kingdom.
With Jesus gone from their midst and the promised kingdom of the Messiah not yet a reality, certainly they must have thought; “What do we do now?” But Jesus reminded his disciples that they would receive power and strength when the Holy Spirit came and they would be his “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The assembled disciples posed the question in so many words. Jesus answered it, not only for that time, but for all time. The spiritual power of God that was at work in Jesus had now passed to the assembled community of men and women who followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem, had witnessed to his resurrection, and now formed a visible community of faith awaiting his return. The church remains that visible community of believers to this day.
Our Scripture Lesson makes a point to tell us that, after Jesus had ascended, the disciples stood there looking up in awe and amazement, and two angels appeared and said to them; “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” And, you know, that’s a good question! We have a tendency to stand gazing up into the air, fixed and focused on the kingdom which is to come that we forget about our responsibility now. While we all long and wait for the full manifestation of God’s kingdom, but we must not forget nor neglect our responsibility to live out that kingdom here and now.
The Russian psychologist Pavlov, who pioneered in the techniques of conditioning, did experiments with dogs. He first rang a bell, and then a second later gave them some meat. After doing this a few times - he rang the bell - but did not give them the meat. Even though the dogs did not get the meat - they salivated - their whole system was geared to receiving meat when a bell rang. The experiment proved what Pavlov wanted it to prove - that animals - and indeed people could be taught to automatically respond to key signals.
Pavlov next wondered how long a period of time he could create between the time of ringing the bell and the time when the dogs would salivate. So he extended the time between ringing the bell and giving the dogs meat. It was quite successful - he could ring the bell and have the dogs go for a long period of time before they automatically salivated. But Pavlov finally ran into a problem. It seems that after a certain period of time the dogs would not salivate as he had hoped they would - instead they would fall asleep - and they would do this because their attention was so firmly fixed on where the meat was supposed to come from after the bell rang that their entire nervous system would begin to shut down. They concentrated so much on what they were waiting for that they had no energy left to keep themselves awake.
This was the problem Paul faced when he wrote his second letter to the Christians living in Thessalonica. Paul had stressed the imminent return of Christ in his first letter, so much so, that many of them had quit working because they thought Jesus was coming back at any moment and they didn’t see any reason to exert themselves. Many of them also felt as though they could just simply relax because there were plenty of wealthier members in the church who were always willing and ready to share. And so, they had become laxidasical. They were like the disciples on that first Ascension Day, gazing up into the heavens.

So Paul wrote this second letter, in part, to warn the Christians in Thessalonica that even though Christ is coming again there is still work that must be done and responsibilities that are to be fulfilled while awaiting “his glorious appearing.”
And to provide an illustration of this teaching, Paul pointed out that he had not abandoned his work as a tentmaker. Everywhere Paul spent much time, he established his tent-making business and began to take orders.
It has been said that lazy Christians are "so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good." Certainly, that had become the case for many of the Christians living in Thessalonica, they were so heavenly-minded that they were no earthly good.
The word Paul uses in verse 6 as "idle" is the Greek word ataktos, which literally means, "to walk disorderly" or "to walk out of line" or "synch". In contrast, we see in verse 7 that Paul writes; "For you yourself know how you ought to follow our example. For we were not idle..." Paul, in verse 7 adds the Greek word ou, prior to atakteo, which literally means "to not behave disorderly" or "not to walk out of line." And, may I add, the disciples were not being “idle” when they were waiting in the upper room in Jerusalem, as Jesus had commanded them. Now, friends, I think it is important to understand that this was not a wasted time for the disciples. They were not being “idle” as Paul meant. Instead, they were praying and prayer is not an idle activity - for prayer aligns our will to the will of God. The Christian life is a balance of both work and rest, and our times of rest can be just a productive as our times of labor and work. For it is in such times of rest that we can learn to be more receptive, more open, more peaceful, and more ready to recognize God’s gifts in our lives and God’s presence among us.
The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote:

"Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursing,
Learn to labour and to wait."

I want to close with something that I read sometime back. Interestingly enough, there are two popular traditions in Africa: drinking tea and playing soccer. However, these traditions are not unique to Africa, but were brought to the continent by the British. Even when it is very hot, each afternoon in many parts of Africa they pause to drink hot tea. Why? Because the British who colonized Africa brought those traditions with them. Even though a person may have never visited the United Kingdom, they can get a glimpse of the U.K. by watching a soccer match and participating in tea time. They are doing in Africa as it is done in England.
Certainly, the disciples were asking themselves after Jesus’ ascension: “What do we do now?” And perhaps, we are asking ourselves the same question: “What do we do now?” In the same way, Africa reflects the British traditions of soccer and tea time; so people should get a glimpse of kingdom that Christ came to introduce by viewing our lifestyles as we allow God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” We are ambassadors of Christ, we are called to point others to the kingdom. We have a responsibility to live as though the kingdom were already here. To share the wonderful message of God’s love and grace. My friends, John reminds us that the kingdom isn’t just something that we are waiting for but that the kingdom is within us, it is a part of us, we have a foretaste of this kingdom now through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in us. And so, may we become a reflection.

"The God in You!"

2008-05-23T18:24:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached by Rev. Christopher E. Yopp and based on Acts 17: 22-31 and John 14:15-21.

I read an interesting story behind the great blues master, Jimmy Reed. In listening carefully to his recordings, occasionally you can hear in the background the faint voice of a woman citing in advance the lyrics to the song.
It is said that Jimmy Reed was so absorbed in the bluesy beat and the throbbing guitar riffs of his music that he simply could not remember the words to his own songs. He needed help with the lyrics, and the woman’s voice was his wife, helping him through the recording session by whispering the upcoming stanzas into his ear as he sang.
Now, whether or not this story is true, certainly, as Christians we can see how it beautifully relates to our Gospel Lesson this morning.
Jesus tells his followers that the role of the Holy Spirit is, in effect, to whisper the lyrics of the gospel song in the ears of the faithful. Someone once said that the primary task of the Holy Spirit is reminding the faithful of the truth, jogging the memories of the followers of Christ that they might become Christ-like.
You may recall in our Gospel Lesson last Sunday, Phillip said to Jesus; "Show us the Father." And Jesus said; "He who has seen me has seen the Father." Without a doubt, in Christ we see God. It is in the person of Jesus Christ - the Word made flesh, that God is reveal to us more fully. And certainly, it is in reflecting Christ that you and I reveal God to others.
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Lundblad, who is a professor of preaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York City makes an interesting connection to the last scene of the musical, Camelot and our Gospel Lesson this morning. She writes; "In the last scene of the musical Camelot, King Arthur spins out a song filled with memories of what had been the most idyllic place on earth. Alone on stage, the broken, forgiving king begs us to remember: ‘Ask ev'ry person if they've heard the story, And tell it strong and clear if they have not, That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory Called Camelot? Don't let it be forgotten that once there was a spot For one brief, shining moment That was known as Camelot.’
Keep the story going begs King Arthur. Pass it on to your children and your children’s children; and in the very remembering, you will keep the dream alive. In the midst of the despair around you, recall this time, this special place. And perhaps, who knows, perhaps, this one brief, shining moment will come again.’"
We’re tempted to hear Jesus singing King Arthur’s song as he gathers with his disciples in the upper room. But, you know, friends, Jesus did not sing that song. Jesus didn't call the disciples to hold up his life as a fleeting memory but as a living presence. Jesus says; "I will not leave you orphaned, I am coming to you."
Our Gospel Lesson is a continuation to last week’s Gospel Reading, which is part of Jesus’ "Final" or "Last Discourse." In that dialogue, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the time
when he will no longer be with them in the flesh. We can imagine their sense of broken-heartedness. But Jesus assures them that even though their relationship is changing, it is not ending. Even though he will no longer be with them in the flesh, physically; they will remain connected to him, spiritually. For he is sending the Holy Spirit - the Parakletos - "the one who walks alongside of," a Comforter."
C. Williams Nichols tells the story of a young Chinese Christian student named Lo, who ran home overwhelmed and excited from a Bible study one evening. He declared to his mother, as he came through the front door, that he just learned that his name was in the Bible. When she expressed her doubt, he proudly opened his Bible to the text in which Jesus affirms; "Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Indeed, Lo was right: his name was there, and so is yours and mine. Jesus says to each of us; "I am with you always."
Rosemary Radford Reuther, a church historian, said that there are two things the church must do: first, the church must pass on the tradition from one generation to another. As in King Arthur’s song; "Ask ev’ry person if they've heard the story, and tell it loud and clear if they have not." Tell the story of Jesus to your children and your children’s children. And secondly, the church must be open to the winds, the breath of the Spirit by which the tradition comes alive in each generation. That is where our story is much different than Camelot. The church doesn’t just celebrate the memory of Christ, we celebrate the presence of Christ in the person and power of the Holy Spirit.
And it is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in us that allows us to do the first - to become a witness to others. You see, just as Jesus was a reflection of God, so we must become a reflection of Jesus to others.
Certainly, this is what Paul did in our First Reading. Here, we find Paul in Athens. Certainly, as Paul walked through the city of Athens he couldn’t help but be impressed and, perhaps, somewhat intimidated by the majestic power of this world center of learning and culture. The Acropolis, with its pagan temples, towered over the city and witnessed to the religious influence and tradition that held this city in its grips. Surely, Paul must have felt threatened.
Nevertheless, Paul went to the marketplace of the city and began to share the gospel with the common people who customarily came there to buy and sell. But we are told that some philosophers heard of Paul’s teaching and invited him to come to the Areopagus to argue his case before the highly educated and philosophical men of the city.
The Areopagus was just southwest of the Arcopolis in Athens and was a hill called the Hill of Ares or in Latin, Mar’s Hill, after the god of war. This was where court was held concerning questions of religion or morals.
Paul, standing before them, said; "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship..." And then Paul used a wonderful opportunity given to him to share his faith. He said; "I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’"
Tradition has it, that in the 6th century B.C. a poet from the island of Crete named Epimenides turned aside a horrible plague from the people of Athens by appealing to a god of whom the people had never heard. An altar was built to honor this god, whom the Athenians now called the "Unknown God." Thus Paul began his presentation of the gospel by appealing to the natural revelation and to certain philosophies from the Athenian poets. Then Paul proceeded to tell them about Jesus Christ and the gospel.
Now some scholars argue as to whether or not Paul’s missionary trip to Athens was successful. But nevertheless, it must be conceded that Paul did not leave Athens entirely without converts. But the lesson becomes clear, and this is where the Holy Spirit comes in: we must be ourselves, speaking a language we know, and relating what we have found to be true in our own experience. For it is such a witness that encourages others to listen.
Paul reminds us, as Jesus did, that we are God’s offspring – that we are not orphaned, but we belong to God in and through Christ.
I want to close with one of my favorite stories, that I know I have shared with you before, that is told of a little boy who was staring at a big picture of Jesus on the wall in his Sunday school class. Finally, he turned to his teacher and said to her: "You know, teacher, it seems that if Jesus lives inside of us, he’s going to stick out somewhere." How true that is! Is Jesus "sticking out" in you? Do others know of your faith, and love and good works for Christ? Do others see Jesus in you?

"Recognizing Who and Whose We Are"

2008-05-23T18:23:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached by Rev. Christopher E. Yopp from John 14:1-14 and I Peter 2:2-10.

Eric Clapton, which some argue is the greatest living rock guitarist, wrote a touching song about the death of his 4 year old son who fell from a 53rd story window. Following the death of his son, Clapton took nine months off and when he returned his music had changed. Many authors, poets and musician will tell you that out of tragedy their best work produced. The hardship had made his music softer, more powerful, and more reflective. Perhaps you have heard the song he wrote about his son's death. It is a song of hope:

"Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,
‘Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven.
Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way through night and day,
‘Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven.
Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please.
Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven."

When you think of the word "home" what comes to mind? Maybe you think of a building, made with wood and plaster or, perhaps, brick and mortar. Maybe you think of home as a shelter from the storm, a place of refuge and safety – a sanctuary, if you will. Maybe when you hear the word "home," you think more of the hopes and dreams of the people who inhabit a home – a place where people build and share a life together - their hopes and hurts, their joys and sorrows. Maybe when you hear the word "home" you think of a place of comfort and rest, peace and security. Certainly, the word "home" conjures a lot of different ideas and images.
Some say home is where the heart is. Others say home is where you hang your hat. Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets, once wrote, "Home is the place, where when you have to go there, they have to take you in."
Somehow, someway, home has a special place in the human heart. It seems as though we are all longing for a place to call home. Many of you probably know the traditional folk song, entitled; "I Want to Go Home" or perhaps you are more familiar with the version by Van Morrison. At any rate, the lyrics read:

"I want to go home.
I feel so broke up, Lord,
That I want to go home."

These lyrics also express the deepest longings of the human heart and they, in many ways, resemble one of my favorite sayings of St. Augustine; "You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you."
A pastor once asked his congregation on Sunday morning; "How many of you all want to go to heaven?" All but one elderly lady in the back of the church raised their hands. After the service the pastor approached the elderly lady and asked why she didn’t raise her hand. He said; "Don’t you want to go to heaven?" She said, "Well, it all depends on just how soon were you aiming to make this trip?"
In our Gospel Lesson this morning, Jesus speaks of "home". In fact, he says; "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may also be." What words of comfort and assurance – words of peace and security! No wonder these words often find their place in Funeral and Memorial services.
These words come from a section of John’s gospel known as the "Final Discourse". In it, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the time when he will no longer be with them in the flesh. We can imagine their sense of broken-heartedness. But Jesus assures them that even though their relationship is changing, it is not ending. Even though he will no longer be with them in the flesh, they will remain connected. Jesus is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house where they will remain united to him forever. They will become one, in the truest sense imaginable, with him.
I came across a cartoon strip sometime back in a Christian magazine, that featured a long line of persons standing at the pearly gates, St. Peter was welcoming each person standing in line. As each person comes up to Peter, they are asked the denomination that they belonged to on earth. "Catholic," says the first. "Baptist," says the second. The next two say, "Methodist" and so on. Each person was then pointed toward a door with the name of their denomination inscribed above and walked through that door. But the way the cartoonist drew the picture, you could see not only what was on this side but you could also see what's on the other side of the doors. In fact, all the doors were a part of the same facade; they all opened to one and the same place - heaven.
I’ve reminded you before of the wonderful Hebrew picture that Jesus was painting for his disciples of the insula here. Keep in mind, it was customary that after the marriage arrangement was made between the parents of the bride and groom, for the bridegroom to build on to his father’s house, and once the construction was complete he would go for his bride and take her back to the place he had prepared for her. But the concept of the insula was a home with many rooms built onto it. As the family expanded and the sons would marry, they would build onto their father’s insula. And this is the picture Jesus paints for us - it is a beautiful picture of unity - "In my Father’s house are many rooms" - a big insula, and "I [the Bridegroom] go and prepare a place for you [my bride], and I come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
Our true home, as Jesus reminds us, is with God - our Father and Mother, the Creator, our Redeemer and our Sustainer of us all. And, John reminds us, that it is Jesus who comes from their very bosom of God who has prepared this place for us in God’s home, in God's heart. You see, our true home, ultimately, is not a place, but a relationship - a relationship with God through Christ.
Now while the disciples are still trying to absorb all of this, Jesus tells them; "And you know the way and to the place where I am going." And Thomas voices the question everyone is silently asking; "Lord, we don't know where you are going, and how can we know the way?" And Jesus responds, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..."
Now, without a doubt, these words are both astounding, not to mention, troubling for some. They are astounding because Jesus used the sacred and forbidden-to-be-spoken name of God for himself. Here Jesus utters the words; "I AM". Keep in mind, this was how God had revealed God’s self to Moses through the burning bush as "I AM..." And here, Jesus affixes these words to himself. This is one of the many "I AM" statements of Jesus’ recorded in the Gospel of John. And, no doubt, those who heard him make this affirmation would have automatically thought of the theophany - that revelation of God’s-self to Moses in the Burning Bush. The religious leaders would have considered this to be blasphemy. This was the holy and sacred name of God, a name that was so holy that it wasn’t pronounced, and Jesus said; "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If you know me, you will know the Father... whoever has seen me has seen the Father."
As Disciples we often think of Jesus first as human, and then find in this individual the most complete, the most serene, the most thoroughly moral personality the world has ever known. His life was a life "full of grace and truth." It is supremely the place in which we see God, not simply in the organization of the cosmos or in the moral order but in the mercy, the love, the compassion, the honesty, the will of this one who is Word made flesh and reveals to us God.
The Maronite Church has an interesting view of God that I think most share. Their church affirms "God is mystery. Since there is a great distance between Creator and creation, no person can fully grasp God. All language about God is limited. The process leads to mystical union - the more one loves God, the more one encounters God. This God of mystery is revealed through Creation, through Humanity, through Scripture and through the person and Spirit of Christ."
A few years ago Calvin & Hobbes were my favorite cartoon characters - Calvin, the hyper-active little boy with a wild & vivid imagination, & his companion, Hobbes, a tiger. Well, in one cartoon Calvin and Hobbes were lying in the shade of a tree on a summer afternoon discussing the important things of life. Calvin says, "What if there is no heaven? What if this is all we get?" Hobbes answers, "Well, if this is all we get I guess we’ll just have to accept it." Calvin replies, "Yeah, but if I’m not going to be rewarded for my good deeds, I want to know it now."Jesus shifts his focus by reminding his disciples and us of our responsibility, he says; "Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and greater than these, because I go to the Father." These works are fueled by the one whom Jesus promises in verses 25 through 31, the Holy Spirit. You see, as Jesus reminded his disciples in those verses he wasn’t about to leave his disciples nor us ,as orphans. This relationship wasn’t ending, it was changing. And even though the fullness of this relationship is yet to come, Jesus reminds us that we can know the reality of this relationship now. We experience a foretaste of this eternal "home" now through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit - the Comforter - the parakletos - the one who walks alongside of us.
Both John and Peter offer a lofty vision and challenge for the church today. Peter tells his readers that they are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people of his own," who will proclaim the praise of God.
Perhaps, some of you are familiar with Canaan Valley, West Virginia. It is a high mountain valley. It is, in fact, the largest and highest mountain valley east of the Rockies. This valley offers a beautiful display of rock and stones that have been chiseled and chipped by decades of wind erosion, these granite goliaths are more like sculptures than stones.
Ask any geologist would tell you, stones speak. They tells us so much about the environment, about history and about creation. What do stones tell us? Stones are hard and unyielding, yet they are also strong and enduring. They can hold up the walls of our civilizations, or they can crash and crush the very shelters we have created. We give precious stones as tokens of our love and fidelity. We hurl stones in anger and hatred.
The Hebrew people understood the witness that stones have. We read that when something great happened within their community they would erect "living stones" as a way of memorializing an event or a place.
Jesus’ very trade growing up was a tekton. Now traditionally some translate this as a "carpenter" - one who works with wood, but tekton literally means a "craftsman" of any kind. And given the environment in which Jesus lived, most scholars agree that Jesus probably worked with stone, more so then wood. And what a beautiful thought! It adds new meaning to our reading from the first epistle of Peter. This one who worked with stone - Jesus, has chiseled and chipped the Church, you and me, into a living stone, that we might, as living stones were for the Hebrews, become a witness to God’s greatness and love.
Jesus says in John’s gospel; "I am the way, the truth and the life." You know, friends, when we follow the "way" of Christ, when we live the truth of his life, then we will truly experience and share in the life of Christ.
In our Lectionary Readings Jesus reminds us first of whose we are. We belong to God, a God who desires to have a relationship with us - a God who desires to establish a home with us. You see, we can never know who we are, unless we first know whose we are. And once we realize whose we are, then we are reminded of who we are - living stones! "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." Therefore, may our lives reflect both whose and who we are! Amen.

"Are We There Yet?"

2008-04-03T21:54:00.002-02:00

Can you believe it? We are midway through our Lenten journey. In just a couple of weeks, Lent will give way to the celebration of Easter! The Passion and Death of Christ will give way to the Resurrection. And, thankfully, I will once again be able to enjoy the rich, bold and wonderful taste of coffee. Oh, the sacrifices we make for Lent! I hope and pray that this journey has been and will continue to be one of deepening reflection and spiritual examination as you seek to draw closer to Christ.

As part of my personal Lenten reflection, I have been praying the rosary. The word “rosary” comes from the Latin word rosarium, which means “rose garden.” Traditionally, this was a devotion used solely by Catholics. However, the rosary is becoming more and more popular among those of other Christian traditions and denominations. The rosary is a devotion that combines prayers and meditations which focus on the four mysteries of Christ’s life. Each mystery contains five events.

I have found the rosary to be a great way for me to meditate upon the “mysteries” of Christ. During Lent, I have especially been mediating and reflecting upon the Sorrowful Mysteries - those events in Christ’s life that deal with his Passion and Death.

Reflecting is an important thing. It is important to reflect - to remember. I especially love this quality found in older folks. I can remember sitting and listening to my grandparents recall memories from yesteryear. Sadly, my generation has become so busy with life that we seldom make time to recall and reflect upon past memories or events. A lot of times, we choose to forget the past. Perhaps, our past was filled with not-so-pleasant memories. Yet, even then, these memories can help us to grow stronger.

I recall a story that was told of a woman who had an operable brain tumor. The only fear of removing the brain tumor was what she might lose in the process. Depending on the surgeon’s entry into the woman’s brain she could either lose her sight or her memory. When asked to choose between the two, the woman said in tears; “How can I make a decision like that? If I lose my memory, I’ll never remember where I came from; and if I lose my sight, I’ll never see where I’m headed.” What a sad predicament to be in. Through Lent we are called to remember where we came from and we are invited to see where we’re headed. That was the invitation that the Israelites were given in the 5th chapter of Joshua. They were invited to look over their shoulders - to remember where they came from and they were invited to look ahead - to see where they were going.

Despite God’s faithfulness and constant provision, the Israelites wrestled with doubts and fears. They were oftentimes rebellious and contentious. And, as a result, they found themselves wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. But in the 5th chapter of Joshua, the Israelites are standing at the threshold of the Promised Land. This was a special place for them. It was one of those “in-between” times. As a result the place was named Gilgal. It’s kind of interesting that Gilgal is related to the Hebrew word galal which means “to roll.” How fitting. Thus, we find the people of Israel being called “to roll” away the disgrace of Egypt. They are called to leave the disgrace and shame, humiliation and bondage conjured with Egypt and their ancestors. And, as a way of symbolizing this “new life,” they were circumcised. In the same way, Lent reminds us of the importance of rolling away the disgrace and shame of sin, and to remember our spiritual circumcisions - baptism.

Next, the people gathered in their camps and celebrated the meal that marked their deliverance from slavery - the Passover Seder. We find the fulfillment of this meal in Christ who gave us the Eucharist - Holy Communion. If you’ve never had the opportunity to celebrate the Passover Seder, I pray that you will. It is a memorable experience, in which one can’t help but see how Christ fulfills every aspect of the meal. At the Table we find ourselves nourished, fed and strengthen for life’s journey. At the Table we are called to reflect, recall and remember. At the Table we are called to celebrate our deliverance.

Most of us, by now, are looking forward to spring. I’ll admit, even I am looking forward to spring and the transition that occurs in nature. As we approach spring there is a sense of newness in the air. The natural world awakens from its winter sleep - trees will bloom and flowers will blossom. And all around us, signs of life will begin to appear. The preparation of Easter enables us to remember that we too are a new creation through Christ. We awaken from a Lenten sleep, so to speak, and are called to reflect upon the beauty and liveliness of Easter. We are called to live in the light and presence of the Risen Christ.

Can we truly celebrate Easter without thinking of what came before the stone was rolled away? The 5th chapter of Joshua reminds us that we can’t! That is why Lent is so important in the church. Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant with God as they prepared to enter Canaan, so we too are called to renew our own baptismal covenant with God as we prepare to enter Easter. We, like the Israelites, are called through Lent to reaffirm our identity as the sons and daughters of God. And so, no Lenten season is complete without Gilgal.

"A Meeting at the Well"

2008-02-29T02:09:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached on Third Sunday of Lent, February 24, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on Exodus 17:1-7 and John 4:5-42.

Sylvia Chidi has written a rather amusing, yet truthful poem about the importance of water. It’s titled; The Essence of Water. It reads:

"Water is the key to survive
The treasured sea of pure life
We bath and we use water
Or risk emitting a nasty odor
Like one emerging from the gutter
When we are thirsty, we drink water
Otherwise sooner commit the do-it-yourself murder
While we cook, we introduce and include water
Whether we use temperatures that are colder or hotter
Everywhere you can see its presence
Glittering with an air of essence
When I am sad, I cry water
When it rains, it pours water
When I clean, I employ water
When I play, I apply water
When I am sick, I pee water
And I look at the sea and see water
Put together all men, women and children
In no chronological order
Water is still much stronger
In its simple form of oxygen and hydrogen."

Without a doubt, water is one of life’s most precious commodities. Without it, we die! And certainly, water was essential to the people of Israel.

You can go to Israel today and take a journey to Samaria to the town of Sychar. A place the passage of time seems to have forgotten. In fact, the population today of Sychar is only about 300, and they still consider themselves Samaritans. Interestingly enough, the primary structure in Sychar is a kind of cellar, which houses a well, the only source of water for miles. Archeologists estimate it dates upwards of 4,000 years. Weary travelers have quenched their thirst there since the time of Jacob. But even more fascinating than its archeological significance is the fact that this place historically validates for us the precise location where the Samaritan woman had an encounter with Christ. It's hard to believe, but the authenticity of the well is undisputed. Samaritans, Muslims, Christians, and Jews all agree that this is the place where our Gospel Lesson would have taken place.

We are told by John that it was noonday in Sychar. The disciples went on into the village to purchase food for themselves and Jesus. Someone has suggested that they were seeking out the stores that gave the clergy discounts. I don’t know if there are any such stores, but it would be nice. But when Jesus stopped at the well, a woman from the village walked up to retrieve some water. And Jesus says to her, sort of nonchalantly; "Give me a drink." Obviously, she was taken back. I mean, first of all, men did not speak to women in public; and secondly, she was a Samaritan, and Jews had no dealings with Samaritans.Jesus, by addressing this woman, had crossed both a gender and a racial line. She replied: "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of water from me, a woman of Samaria?" Jesus ignores her question, ignores the racial issue, and gets to the heart of the matter. He said: "If you had known who was asking you for water you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." Jesus was, once again, speaking spiritually, as he did with Nicodemus. But I love her sarcastic response. She said; "But this well is deep and you haven't even got a bucket."

I find it interesting, that Jesus’ conversation here is his longest conversation with one person recorded in the gospels.

Now, keep in mind, the hatred that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans was fierce and long-standing. It dated back to the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E. You may recall, that the Assyrians after defeating the Northern Kingdom deported twenty-thousand Israelites, mostly from the upper classes, and replaced them with settlers from Babylon, and Syria, and several other nations. These foreigners introduced pagan idols and intermarried with the existing Hebrews, creating an ethnically mixed population. Later when the Jews of Judah, who had remained a pure race, returned from Babylonian captivity, they met resistance from the Samaritans as they tried to rebuild the temple and the rest of their society. They looked down on their northern cousins because of their mixed marriages and idolatry. And soon permanent walls of hostility and bitterness had been erected by both sides. To make matters worse, the Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. And this was what the woman was referring to, in our Gospel Lesson, when she said to Jesus; "Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you," referring to the Jews, "say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." And then Jesus reminds her that God is omnipresent - that is to say, God is not limited to time nor space. We can worship and commune with God anywhere, at anytime. In fact, Paul reminds us that we are the very temple of God.

I find it interesting that as this conversation progresses, this woman’s eyes of faith are opened. She realizes that Jesus knew her better than she knew herself. Jesus knew what she was lacking; what she really needed. She begins by addressing Jesus, as "teacher," and then it is "prophet" and finally, as we come to the closing of the story, she refers to Jesus as "the Christ" - the Messiah - the Promised One of God.

Our First Reading this morning from the book of Exodus takes place in Rephidim, which was an Israelite encampment in the Wilderness of Sin, which was located at the foot of Mount Horeb. Interestingly enough, Sin in Hebrew means "refreshment," even though, as we read, there was no water there for the people to drink. However, God provided water by having Moses strike a rock. Moses then renamed the place Massah, which in Hebrew means "tested" or "tempted" and he also called the place Meribah, which means "rebellion," or "strife" or "contention," because of the Israelites grumbling, and complaining and their lack of trust and faith in God. Interestingly enough, 40 years later, we read in the 20th chapter of the book of Numbers that the Israelites repeat the same mistake.

On Thursday evenings we have been studying the Typical Principle and looking at the various typologies that are found within the Old Testament. Those of you who have been joining us, probably couldn’t help but notice how our two readings parallel one another.

Moses is a type of Christ who leads us - the New Israel - the Church, out of the slavery of sin and violence to the promised land of the new earth. But in this story the typology is more specific: when the people are dying of thirst, what do they do? They complain against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’" And Moses cried out to the Lord, he functions here as a mediator who speaks to God on behalf of the people and who on God’s behalf provides the people with water to keep them alive. As such, Moses is a type of Christ the Mediator who speaks to God on behalf of his people and who on God’s behalf provides people with living water to keep them alive spiritually.

The Apostle Paul had no trouble making this connection. He reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that Christ is the Rock out of which comes living water - spiritual water. And that Moses’ striking the rock was a picture or a type of Christ’s crucifixion, from which comes new life.

In his book, Living Faith, former President Jimmy Carter talks about the barriers that divide people and give them a false sense of identity. Having grown up in the South during the time of racial segregation, he had many African-American friends. When his parents were away, he would stay with his black neighbors, Jack and Rachel Clark. He played with black friends, went fishing with them, plowed side by side with them, and played on the same baseball team. But when he carried water to people working the field, he thought that it was unthinkable that black workers and white workers, despite the segregation, would drink from the same dipper. He said that for him this was a picture of life in God's kingdom - where we all drink from the same dipper.

The season of Lent is a reminder that we too must confront the reality of who we are - that we must knock down the walls and barriers that exist between us and God, as well as one another. This is a season in which we are invited to the Christ - the well, to re-evaluate our spiritual lives, our relationship with God, and to be refreshed and quenched by the living water of God’s Spirit that we might go forth, just like the woman that Jesus met at the well, to bring refreshment to others - to tell and show others where they might find living water.

Jesus reminds us that we are here to be companions. The wonderful word "companion," comes the Latin words cum panis, which literally means "with bread." In this respect, companion could also be translated cum aqua - "with water". And so, it is, that we are called to share the bread of life and the living water with others. Therefore, let us prepare our hearts to come to the Table of the Lord where our hungers are fed and our thirsts are quench that we might in turn feed others.

"You Must!"

2008-02-29T02:04:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached on The Second Sunday of Lent, February 17, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 and John 3:1-17.

Scholars have often called John’s gospel the "Second Genesis", and one can see why that is when reading the very opening words of these two books. Probably all of here us have memorized part, if not all of those infamous words that begin the Old Testament book of Genesis; "In the beginning, God created..." Certainly, one can’t help but notice the similarity between the book of Genesis and John’s gospel. John begins his gospel in much the same way as the book of Genesis begins, John writes; "In the beginning was the Word..." But there is a drastic difference. You see, while Genesis is about the creation of the physical realm and the beginning of physical life; John’s gospel focuses on re-creation and the beginning of spiritual life.

In Genesis we are told that in the beginning the earth was dark, void and formless, and the Spirit of God hovered and moved. Then we are told that God spoke creation into existence; "Let there be light..." and there was light, and from light God moved to the other elements that make up our world from water, to land, to sky, to vegetation; to the sun, the moon and the stars; to the birds of the air, to the creatures of the sea and land, and then ultimately to humans. It is a beautiful litany that tells of the creation of the physical order, and in the end, God saw all that God had made and declared that it was good.

But then, something happened, the lights went out, if you will. And again, there was darkness - but this time it wasn’t physical darkness but spiritual darkness. A catastrophe had occurred. The created had willingly rebelled. Free people had preferred darkness over light. But again, God, who is love, moved. Again God said, "Let there be light," and there was light, but this time the light came from a different source - the Son of God and re-creation or, better yet, redemption was made possible. And here, in the 3rd chapter of John’s Gospel we have before us the promise and hope of the light of the Son and the re-creation or the redemption he brings to our lives and to our world.

All of our lives we are told what we should or shouldn’t do! Sometimes we heed the advice, while other times we dismiss it - claiming that we know what is best for us. In one of my favorite children’s poems we find these words:

"Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,

Listen to the DON’TS

Listen to the SHOULDN’TS

The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS

Listen to the NEVER HAVES

Then listen close to me -

Anything can happen, child,

ANYTHING can be."

Some might argue that Christianity is a religion of dos and don’ts; musts and must nots. However, Christianity is really a religion of recreation. It is a religion in which we allow God to recreate and reshape us into the very people God is calling us to be.

And certainly we learn this in our Gospel Lesson this morning through a private conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. We become in a sense a fly on the wall. Now, keep in mind, Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He was described by Jesus as "the teacher of Israel," implying that he was well trained in the Jewish law and traditions. We can assume that Nicodemus was a wealthy, educated and powerful man. He was well respected by the Jewish community and was a descendant of the patriarch, Abraham. Yet, Jesus said to him; "You must be born again." You can imagine how humiliating this must have been. Here he was a grown man - powerful and successful, and told that he must be humbled. The Greek adverb translated "again" can also mean "from the beginning" suggesting a new creation and it could also mean "from above" meaning from God.

But notice Nicodemus’ response, he had it all wrong. He wasn’t thinking spiritually, but rather physically. Nicodemus thought Jesus was referring to a second physical birth, which he knew to be impossible. But Jesus was talking about a new life that comes from the Spirit or Breath of God. Jesus reminded Nicodemus that physical generation was not enough, nor would his descent from the line of Abraham enable him to be saved, which was a common belief among the Jews. You see, the Jewish people believed that because they were descendants of Abraham that they were automatically given merit or credit - that Abraham’s righteousness was, somehow, imputed to them.

That’s what Paul was addressing in the 4th chapter of his letter to the Romans. Some of you may recall the phrase that was made popular sometime back which asks; "Who’s your daddy?" In small towns all over the world, a child is often asked; "Who’s your daddy?" The implication is clear; if you know the daddy, then you know the child. As a Jew and a Christian, the Apostle Paul wanted to claim Abraham as his spiritual father. However, Jewish critics were challenging him. They claimed that Abraham was the spiritual father of those who obeyed the Mosaic Law. Paul’s rationale employs a new concept and that is: "justification by faith."

The argument begins with an explanation of human sin and the need for justification before God. And so, Paul reminds us in verse 3 that this "justification" - this "right standing with God" is made possible by Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Paul reminded his readers that Abraham was justified before God not because of his goodness, but because of his faith and trust in God.

Furthermore, Abraham did not earn righteousness. It was a gift from God.John reminds us in verse 15 that, "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

Those of you who have been joining us for our Bible study on Thursday nights, will remember the typologies that we have been studying. Here, Jesus used the bronzen serpent as a typology of himself and the spiritual healing he would bring to the world. You see, just as Moses lifted up the brozen serpent in the wilderness to bring physical healing to those who had been bitten by the snakes that came into their camp; so, Jesus will be lifted up, that all who look to him and believe shall have spiritual healing.

The crucial religious questions facing us have little to do with sparring over ecclesiastical legalism. These matters are but symptoms of a more crucial question, and that is; "Who or what defines our lives?" Is your true birthplace a geographical setting, or are you really a child of God, born of the kingdom of God? Where do you find yourself rooted and grounded, nourished and claimed? Who or what identifies you? Who you are in mind and soul, heart and spirit, and as a consequence, how you treat, how you serve, how you sustain – how you love others, answers the crucial question of your identity.

To John, the Spirit transmits life, communication, love – all taking the shape we see in the mission and ministry of Christ. To be born in the Spirit – to discover our identity from above – means life lived out the Christ-like life.

Perhaps some of your remember Dorothy Day, the founder of the Catholic Worker, a person who spent her later years in soup kitchens, picket lines, prison cells, houses of hospitality, and "the streets." She called herself a "fool for Christ." She tells us, quoting the Archbishop of Paris, "To be a witness does not consist in engaging propaganda, or even stirring people up, but in being a living mystery; it means to live in a such a way that one’s life would not make sense if God did not exist." Now, that’s being born from above.

Those of you who joined us for our Celebration of Love this past week, you will remember that I shared with you that the Duke of Windsor, recalling his childhood discipline by George V, then King of England, said that his father used to daily remind him, "Son, never forget who you are." That’s the reminder of Lent – "remember who you are"… and more importantly "remember whose you are." Lent is a season of love. It is a season in which we celebrate God’s love for us in and through the passion and death of Christ. Lent is a celebration of our love for God and one another, as we seek to become better lovers of God, of humanity and of our world. That’s what it means to be born of the Spirit. Not only do you inherit the kingdom but you become the kingdom.

"A Hymn of Love"

2008-02-29T01:55:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 for our Celebration of Love service at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on I Corinthians 13:1-13.

One of the most basic needs in our society today, is the need to love and be loved. There have been countless words penned and lyrics written to capture this greatest of all emotions and necessities. "For love motivates, love empowers, love encourages, love strengthens and love compels us," one poet reminds us. Love is the glue, which holds us together and unifies us within the body of Christ – the Church. Someone once wrote; "We are much like a faucet. The faucet is not the source of the water – it merely releases the water. It doesn’t manufacture water - it channels water." And so it is with us, we are a faucet, which releases and channels God’s love. "God is love," the Apostle John reminds us. A poet wrote; "Love makes the invisible God, visible in our midst." And how true that is!
One of my favorite commercials is a commercial for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. Perhaps you have seen it. The commercial features the song "We Belong Together," and shows different cultures and groups of people greeting each other. "The greetings are all different," says the narrator, "but the need to feel welcomed and loved is the same."
The psychologist, Fromm, once posed the question "Why?" when it comes to love: "Why must we love?" You see, Fromm believed he found the reason in the appalling experience of isolation, of separation. Fromm went on to claim; "that is the reason for people’s need to conform." He says, "we cannot solve this problem of separation, no matter how hard we try, by means of work, or success, or conformity; all of these offer only temporal satisfaction. The true answer lies solely in love - love completes us, [love] fulfills us, and [love] satisfies us." Anyone who has ever known or experienced love knows this to be true.
You may recall the quote from Bede Jarrett from our PowerPoint presentation at the beginning of our service; "Human love and the delights of friendship, out of which are built the memories that endure, are also to be treasured up as hints of what shall be hereafter." You see, God created us for companionship. God created us for relationships, God created us with the need to love and be loved, as we are so beautifully reminded in the creation account of Genesis. But more importantly, God created us for God’s self, that we might find the greatest fulfillment and satisfaction in our relationship and companionship with God. And certainly this relationship is meant to be an example of the relationship that we are to have with one another.
The Apostle Paul takes time out of his first letter to the church in Corinth to explain just what is really important in the life and faith of every believer. It’s not who has the most spiritual gifts, but rather who has love. Certainly, it can be difficult and even challenging to embody this love - an unconditional love – agape, love. Some of us may feel that there are those who just are not worthy of our love. Perhaps they have done or said something that has hurt us. The love of this world says it is okay to get even – it is okay to hurt back. But the love of God says it is okay to forgive – it is okay to be kind to that person who has hurt you, to pray for them and to show them God’s love, for in doing so, you are a child of God!
In the 13th chapter of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth he offers what has been called "A Hymn of Love." Paul reminds us that gifts without love are useless and meaningless. People talk of love, but they do not always live it. It’s like the story that I’ve told you before of the husband who was always telling his wife how much he loved her, but very seldom showed his love. He talked it, but never expressed it. And certainly that is true of many Christians. Until the love of God is imbedded deep in our hearts, that love will never bring transformation to our lives and be manifested in our living.
This chapter is divided into three sections: first, Paul talks about the futility of gifts without the fruit of the Spirit, love. In fact, in verses 1 through 3 we see that Paul reminds us that all the spiritual gifts in the world mean nothing if those receiving them do not love one another. In fact, Paul writes, "If I have all faith... but do not have love, I am nothing" (I Corinthians 13:2).
In the second section of this chapter Paul talks about the nature of love. In verses 4 through 7, Paul speaks of the important traits of love. Paul tells us that "love is patient" or, better yet, it puts up with people that it is easy to give up on. Love is "kind," meaning, it treats people well although they may not treat us well. Love does not "envy" nor is it "boastful" or "proud." Keep in mind, the Corinthians were known for being boastful, and proud and even arrogant, and certainly these are challenges we face today. Love "is not rude," "it isn’t selfish," or "easily angered," love doesn’t hold grudges." Rather, love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." This is God’s love, and we cannot have or embody this love until we first become the faucets, which release and channel this love. We cannot manufacture this love – it is divine, it is of God, we can merely become a vessel that embodies this love.
And in the third section, Paul mentions the fact that love is eternal. He writes, "love never fails." One day all the spiritual gifts will no longer be needed, but Paul reminds us "love will continue forever." Why, because God is eternal, and God is love, and when we have the Spirit of God in us, we embody this love - we possess this love, we become this love (incarnate).
The Russian writer, Tolstoy once wrote; "Where love is, God is!" You see, love doesn’t define God, God defines love - God is love! All our attempts to define love are only futile, because God is love! Dr. C.H. Dodd said; "There is no real religious experience which does not express itself in love." Love inspires us. Someone once said, "Inspiration is simply being touched by the Spirit of God."
The Duke of Windsor, recalling his childhood discipline by George V, then King of England, said that his father used to daily remind him, "Son, never forget who you are." As I reminded you on Ash Wednesday, that’s the reminder of Lent – "remember who you are… remember whose you are." Lent is a season of love. It is a season in which we celebrate God’s love for us in and through the passion and death of Christ. Lent is a celebration of our love for God and one another, as we seek to become better lovers of God, of humanity and of our world.
Valentine’s Day is indeed a special day. It is day when young and old alike express their affection and love to that special someone. But sadly, many do not realize that Valentine’s Day is really a religious holiday. Now, that’s hard for us to imagine, especially since the commercial and secular influence has turned it into a day of candy and flowers, cards and hearts, cupids and poems. But the holiday, or holy day, goes back to the early church and was originally known as the feast of St. Valentine. You see, according to church legend or tradition, St. Valentine was a priest living near Rome around 270 A.D. And at that time, of course, Christian persecution was notorious. In fact, the Roman emperor was imprisoning Christians for not worshiping the Roman gods. And so, Valentine who stayed true to his faith and worshiped the one true God was arrested. In fact, tradition has it that Valentine was arrested mainly for performing Christian marriages. During his trial he was demanded to pay tribute and allegiance to the Roman gods or he would be imprisoned, but Valentine refused to do so. While in prison Valentine continued to minister and witness, in fact, he began to witness and minister to the prison guards. When the emperor heard about this, he was furious, and so he had Valentine beheaded.
If the gospel tells us anything, it tells us that love overcomes the world – it over comes the evils and injustices of this world. It rises above them and connects to the divine. And such a love is the love that we are called to embody and to share with the world as we seek for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and as we work to bring God’s kingdom into this realm and into the lives of those whom we meet. Amen.

"You Can't Unscramble an Egg!"

2008-02-29T01:26:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached on The First Sunday of Lent, February 10, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 and Matthew 4:1-11.

Probably one of the first nursery rhymes you remember learning as a child was Humpty Dumpty. In fact, say that nursery rhyme with me:

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again."

I think it is interesting that Humpty Dumpty actually began, not as a nursery rhyme but as a riddle, asking the question: "What, when broken, can never be repaired not even by strong or wise persons?" Regardless of how hard we try, a broken egg can never be put together again; a scrambled egg can never be unscrambled. And so the same is true for our lives. We are, by nature, sinners and no matter how hard we try, no matter how desperately we strive we cannot keep from sinning. We are broken, however, unlike Humpty Dumpty, you and I can be repaired and made whole.
Someone once wrote;

"Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’"

These words take an added significance when we consider life as God originally intended it. And for a picture of this life all we have to do is look to Genesis chapter 2, which provides the basis for understanding who we were meant to be in relation to God, and to nature and to each other. This narrative is different from the one found in the first chapter in both content and style. It quickly moves from the world at large to the narrow stage of "a garden in the east." The literary style also changes significantly with its more colorful and detailed descriptions. The creation story of Genesis chapter 2 was actually written first and was meant to, as I said, to show humanity’s relationship to God and creation.
In the old New England catechism we are taught; "In Adam's sin, we have all sinned." And that is the thrust of this brief excerpt from the story of the Garden of Eden, albeit greatly elaborated by the Gospel Lesson this morning. Bret Philips Waters once wrote: "Wherever we step we hear the crunch of fragile [egg] shells beneath our feet." All around us is the reality of this broken relationship between God and humanity – the reality of sin in our lives and in our world. But unlike Humpty Dumpty, we believe in healing and restoration. In fact, John gives us a vision of such a world in Revelation 21, and certainly, this is the world in which we all seek after and, as Christians, it is such a world that we must strive to build and Lent reminds us that it begins with our own lives.
In our First Reading from Genesis, this garden is no simple paradise, but a place created by God in which humans live, and eat and work. It thus functions as a symbol of the unbroken relationships between God and humanity, and between humanity and nature. This story describes how these relationships were broken by the deliberate disobedience of the humans to whom God had given exclusive but limited oversight of the garden.
And certainly, through the season of Lent we have the opportunity to acknowledge our failures, to turn back to God, to receive God’s forgiveness and to begin to walk anew God’s way.
In our Gospel Lesson this morning, we see that it is sort of Jesus’ first day on the job, if you will, and immediately he is confronted with three major temptations. This is, without a doubt, a passage that a lot of Christians find both challenging and difficult to understand. First of all, we are told that it was "the Spirit" which drove Jesus into the wilderness. Prior to this, we have Jesus’ baptism and confirmation, where we are told that the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove along with God’s confirmation; "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." But then, we are told that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness - that barren, desolate and lonely place, where he is tempted - the Spirit led him there!
Now some claim that perhaps the gospel writers were speaking of another spirit, and not referring to the Spirit of God. But we must remember that the Greek word for "tempted" here is peirazo, which literally means; " to try" or "to make proof of." Usually, when we come across the word "tempted" in the scripures, it is used in a negative sense and means "to entice" or "to solicit" or even "to provoke to sin." Thus, Satan is referred to as "the Tempter." But the Spirit, we are told in the gospels, leads Jesus into the wilderness to try and prove his faith, if you will. To further, affirm that he is the Son of God – God’s Messiah.
All of the gospels, with the exception of John’s, tell the story of Jesus’ temptation. Mark’s is the shortest account - consisting of only 2 verses. Matthew and Luke begin with the same temptation, turning stones into bread, but they have a different order for the last two temptations. One writer suggests that Luke’s order has a more natural and geographical sequence, while Matthew’s order is more of a logical sequence, moving from the lowest level of temptation to the highest level of temptation. John does not mention this account because his perspective of Jesus’ life focuses more on divine nature, and not as much on his human nature and struggle. But nonetheless, we find that Jesus was tempted with wealth, and fame and power, trying to deviate him from his true mission and responsibility as the Christ - the Messiah, God’s Son who would bring reconciliation to the world.
There’s an interesting comparison between our two readings this morning. And I think it was vital for the gospel writers to make that connection. Certainly, Paul wanted to. In fact, in Romans chapter 5, we read these words; "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned – sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come… For if the many died through the one’s man trespass, much more surely have the grave of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many…. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all" (Romans 5:12-15, and 18).
What Adam could not do, Jesus, the Second Adam, did. In the 2nd chapter, verse 16 of John’s first epistle he points out the three temptations that both Adam and Jesus faced: the first was the temptation of the flesh, Adam gave in to the fact that the tree was good for food, whereas Christ remained strong in Satan’s temptation to turn the stones into bread; the second was the temptation of the eyes, Adam failed receive the pleasing and enticing fruit, whereas Jesus overcame Satan’s lure to gain the kingdoms of the world without the cross; and the third was the temptation of pride, where Adam fell to the temptation that the tree would make him wise and like God, Jesus stood strong in the face of Satan’s temptation to throw himself down from the high pinnacle and allow the angels to rescue him.
The commentator, John Shearman wrote: "The mountain to which Satan took him symbolized Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Decalogue - the Ten Commandments. The vista provided Jesus with an option to use his authority, to be the typical warrior-messiah of Jewish tradition – you see, that was after all, the kind of messiah the people were looking for.
I find it interesting that there is a site on the edge of the Judean wilderness overlooking the Dead Sea near Jericho where Greek Orthodox monks still practice an isolated life of religious devotion. If this site is the site of the third temptation as tradition contends, the bare rock and burning sun do nothing to commend it as a desirable kingdom. But, it make an interesting point, Satan was offering Jesus a glory that he could not produce.
I want to close with something that I read sometime back. In Death Valley there is a place known as "Dante’s View." There, you can look down to the lowest spot in the United States, a depression in the earth 200 feet below sea level called "Bad Water." But from that same spot, you can also look up to the highest peak in the United States, "Mount Whitney," rising to a height of 14,500 feet. How ironic! One way leads to the lowest valley and the other way to the highest mountain. From that point, called Dante’s View, any movement must be in one or the other direction. And, you know, there are many times in life when we stand where the ways part and where choices must be made. Our Lord faced the same choices. He chose first to go downhill, to descend into the Hebron valley toward Jerusalem where he would inevitably face betrayal, persecution and death. And he decided to walk uphill which led to a cross where he would die for the sins of the world. And, my friends, thankfully the one who died upon that cross lives and walks with us through all of life - especially in the wilderness of temptation.
At the heart of these stories is that life is about making choices – good or bad. And certainly, we are reminded that like Adam and Eve, like Jesus we too are confronted with choices, with our own moral and spiritual decisions. And we must ask ourselves, how are we going to choose. What would Jesus do? May we, through this season of Lent, think about the choices we make every day and the results of those choices, and may we look to God for guidance and direction in making choices that we will be both a blessing to us, to those around us and to our world! Although, "all the kings horses and all the kings men couldn’t put Humpty together again," God can and does put us together and can and does put us back together again. Amen.

Sin's Disfigurement"

2008-02-29T01:16:00.002-02:00

A sermon preached on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on II Kings 5:1-14.

It was Carol’s turn to pray, as the family all gathered around the table for dinner. And so she invited her family to bow their heads and these were the words she offered; "O God, help us know when we have eaten enough and stop." As you might imagine, she stunned everyone at the table by her words. Someone once wrote; "We are careful to avoid praying about those things which we have no desire to change." And perhaps, the prayer; "O God, help us to know when we have eaten enough and stop," was such a prayer.
Most of the time we’re afraid to pray about what we could be and do. Sadly, we’ve learned to pray; "O God, make me a better person, but not so much better that I have to change the way I live." And certainly, the prayer that David offered in Psalm 51 is a difficult prayer to pray. This is one of the seven penitential psalms.
There’s a story that is told of a man who desperately wanted a tattoo; however, he knew that his girlfriend would not permit him to have one. Finally, one day he demised a plan that would hopefully convince his girlfriend to allow him to have a tattoo. He said to her; "Honey, I really want a tattoo…" before he could say another word she said; "No!" He said; "But honey, at least hear me out before you make your decision." He said; "I want to get a tattoo that professes my love for you. I am planning to get tattooed on me, ‘I love Samantha!’" All of a sudden, his girlfriend’s eye brightened, and she thought to herself, "You know, if he gets this tattoo, that will mean that, like the tattoo, our love will be permanent." And so, she agreed. That evening he went to the tattoo parlor to get his tattoo and several hours later he returned. As he walked into the house, his girlfriend noticed that he was obviously upset about something and so she asked; "What’s wrong, honey? Did you get the tattoo? Did it not turn out the way you wanted it too? Let me see it?" Finally, he lifted his shirt and there written in big red lettering were the words; "I LOVE SAM"! You see, he had run out of money and couldn’t afford the rest of the lettering.
Ash Wednesday – the season of Lent is a reminder that we bear tattoos. Yet, of another kind – the tattoo of sin. Te word "tattoo" literally means, "to stain." And so, this season reminds us that we bear the tattoo and stain of sin, we are disfigured by sin.
In our Scripture Lesson this evening we read of the mighty and powerful military leader, Naaman, who contracted leprosy. Now, keep in mind, this diagnoses would have been devastating for Naaman. His life, as he knew would be over. Lepers were sent to live in isolation and separation. They were not allowed to have contact with society – they were cut off from society and their lives were over! It was, in many ways a social death. And so, we can only imagine the devastation Naaman must have felt and experienced as a result of his leprosy.
However, in our Scripture Lesson, we are told that Naaman is sent to see the prophet Elisha. We must give Naaman the benefit of the doubt, he was after all unfamiliar with the faith and traditions of the Covenant people, he was unaware of the significance of being asked to wash seven times in the Jordan. In fact, for a powerful man as himself, it would have been humiliating. I mean, it was bad enough having leprosy, but washing in the dirty, murky waters of the Jordan river – and not just one time, but seven, would have been humiliating. However, Naaman was unaware that the number seven was the number of completion and perfection. And that the Jordan was the site of many miracles in Bible history. You see, Naaman was being asked to align himself symbolically with the people of faith, but because of his ignorance, he resisted Elisha’s instructions, at first.
But then, after some persuasion, he finally did as the prophet had instructed him. He went down in the waters not once, not twice, not three times, but seven times and came up healed. And certainly, this experience of Naaman is symbolic of baptism. This story of physical healing is symbolic of the spiritual healing we experience through Christ.
There is a tradition among the Hasidic Jews that teaches that everyone should have two pockets in their coats with two slips of paper. In one pocket, and on one slip of paper it should read; "I am sinner and worthless." In the other pocket, and on the other slip of paper should read the words; "I am a child of God." That’s the reminder of Lent. This could really be a considered a bi-polar season. On one hand, we are reminded that we are sinners, worthless, frail creatures of the dust; but on the other hand, the greater hand, the upper hand, we are reminded that we are a child of God.
You may recall that scene in the movie Lion King when Simba is told; "Remember who you are…" Lent is an opportunity, an invitation to remember who you are, but more than that, to remember whose you are!
I love the story of the man who had in his front yard the slab of marble. And for weeks, and months and years people would holler at him, "What is that in your front yard?" And he would say, "It is a beautiful statue." To which they would respond; "No it’s not, it’s just a piece of marble." But as the weeks, and months, and years went by, the man chiseled and shaped it into a wonderful and beautiful statue.
Lent is a reminder that God is shaping, and molding and chiseling our lives into the image and likeness of Christ – that we might become a reflection of God in such a world.

"Experiencing A Transfiguration!"

2008-02-04T23:46:00.000-02:00

A sermon preached on Transfiguration Sunday, February 3, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9.

Today, the church celebrates the Transfiguration of Christ. Sadly, there are many in the Western Church who neglect this significant event in the life of Christ's ministry. The more one examines the Transfiguration of Christ, the more its mystery is revealed and one begins to see how this event points to who Jesus was and is.
One of my favorite parables is the one that is told of the six blind men and the elephant. Each blind man happened to grab a different part of the elephant’s body, so each had a different idea or perspective of what the elephant was like. The man who grabbed the leg described the elephant as a tree. Another, discovered the trunk and explained that the elephant was more like a big snake. The third blind man grabbed the tail and insisted that the elephant was like a thin and flexible rope, and so on and so on. The point of this parable is that all the men were right; yet, because they were blind, none of them grasped the full picture of the elephant. Certainly, one could apply this parable to our Gospel Lesson this morning, which tells of the mystery of the transfiguration of Christ. In a sense, we find ourselves, like the blind men, trying to comprehend the mystery of Christ’s Transfiguration. But it is not until we open our eyes of faith that we begin to see the significance of this event in the life of Christ.
We are told through the gospels that a week after Peter’s confession of faith, where Peter proclaimed; "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to witness his transfiguration. The gospels do not tell us what mountain in Galilee was the site of this event in Christ’s life. However, tradition holds that it took place on Mount Tabor, but many scholars will agree that it was probably Mount Hermon, which is by far the highest peak in all of Palestine, almost 10,000 feet high. And this would make sense, since Caesarea Philippi, which was the place where Peter made his confession of faith, was near the southern slope of Mount Hermon.
I think it is interesting how Matthew relates this story to Moses’ experience on Mount Sinai. Keep in mind, Matthew was writing mainly to a Jewish audience and wanted to show how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies pertaining to God’s Messiah. Matthew presents Jesus as a type or a new Moses, if you will. You see, just as Moses had led the people of Israel out of Egypt - out of bondage, to the Promised Land; so Jesus, the new and greater Moses would, by his passion lead the new Israel - the Church to the kingdom of God.
We can only imagine what an experience this must have been for those three disciples, as Jesus was literally transfigured on that mountain right in front of them, and appearing with him were Moses and Elijah. Now certainly, Peter, James and John would have known the significance of these two Old Testament figures. They would have known how important they were, as well as the significance of their being there with Jesus. In fact, one can’t help but mention the fact that both of these men - Moses and Elijah had mountaintop experiences of their own. In fact, we read of one of Moses’ theophany’s in Exodus chapter 24. But what was the significance of their being there with Jesus on the mountaintop that day? Keep in mind, these men confirmed who Jesus was and what he had come to do. They verified that Jesus had come to fulfill the law and the prophets. Moses and Elijah were not only two of the greatest figures, patriarches of the Old Testament, whom God revealed God’s self too, but they also represent the Old Testament - Moses, the law; and Elijah, the prophets. And it was vital for Matthew to make this connection for his readers; for Christ - God’s Messiah, came to fulfill both the law and the prophets. That was the goal and purpose, as Matthew stresses, of Jesus’ ministry.
But these two men, interestingly enough, also represent, in some respects, the living and the dead. You may recall that Moses died and his burial place is known. While Elijah, we are told, was taken up to heaven. In the Book of Revelation, is it Jesus who is pictured as the Lord of the living and the dead. And, these two figures, constitute that wonderful truth.
I think we have all had, at some point in time, trouble hearing. Perhaps you were in a crowded room and with all of the noise and commotion going on around you, you found it difficult to hear what someone was saying; or perhaps distance played a factor; or maybe the person you were communicating with was soft spoken. You may remember that was the dilemma Jerry faced in one episode of Seinfield. He had unknowingly agreed to wear a shirt that a soft spoken woman who had become an acquittance of his through one of his friends, had made. She was attempting to market these shirts and so she asked him to wear it in an interview he was to have with Jay Leno. As a result he had to wear this ridiculous looking shirt or, perhaps I should say, blouse on national T.V., all because he had agreed to a request from a woman who he couldn't hear.
There are some who might argue, well, there are hearing devices one can use to help with this problem. One of my favorite stories is told of the minister who had a 99 year old parishioner in his church who suffered with hearing problems. After informing her that she should get some hearing aids, she responded; "At 99 years of age, I heard enough."
I don’t think there’s anything more upsetting or discouraging than not being able to hear. But then again, sometimes, we suffer from what is called "selective hearing" - we only hear what we want too. I know a few people who suffer from this. Bobby Cromer was teaching one day and this little boy in her classroom was being disruptive, and wasn’t listening to anything Bobby was telling him to do. And so finally, in frustration she said; "Are you having trouble hearing?" The little boy responded by saying; "No, but I am having trouble listening!" Sometimes we have trouble listening, especially when it comes to listening to God. As with all our senses, the greatest danger for Christians is losing those spiritual senses when it comes to our relationship with God.
I believe that people would hear God’s voice more often and clearly if they spent more time listening. After all, we are reminded of this in our Old Testament reading of Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai. God instructs Moses; "Come up to me on the mountain and wait there." And waiting is what Moses did - six days to be exact. Waiting and listening are probably two characteristics that we have the most difficulty with.
But Moses waited! And in Moses’ waiting, God speaks to Moses and what a revelation Moses received! What an experience Moses had! What a theophany - as Moses encountered and experienced the living God. And, as a result, this experience transfigured Moses, to the point that his face shone with an afterglow. In fact, we are told that when he returned to the people to dispel their fear, he had to hide or shield his face from them, by putting a veil over his face to hide the glory that resulted from this communion - this theophany.
But Paul reminds us, in II Corinthians chapter 3, that as believers we have an even closer relationship and communion with the Holy - with God, than Moses did. For we are the very dwelling place or tabernacle of God’s living presence - God’s Spirit. Thus Paul challenges us to remove the veil from our faces, so that others may see the glory of God shining through us. We are not to hide it, as Moses did, but we are called to reveal it.
Certainly, the Christian life and faith can be described as a "transfiguration" or, better yet, a "metamorphosis," which is to say, a change from the inside out. Through God’s Spirit, the veil upon our hearts and lives is removed and the mystery of God - God’s love through Christ, is revealed to us and made known. We are not only like the blind men in the parable, only able to touch a piece of the mystery of God’s love and grace, but as we have been reminded through Epiphany, we can now experience the mystery of God’s love and grace fully, through Christ. And, as a result, a transformation takes place in our lives.
I can’t think of any more fitting day to celebrate the sacrament of baptism then on this Transfiguration Sunday. You see, you and I are transfigured into the image and likeness of Christ through baptism, so that, as Paul reminds us, we might become the windows of God’s love to the world. Such transfiguration is not the result of a sudden change of heart or spirit. It is not something we gain. Rather, it is something that we are given.
My friends, we stand at the threshold of the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we will begin our 40-day journey through the wilderness of Lent. We will journey with Christ to the Cross, in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Through Lent, we are asked to embrace the cross, to die to self and rise anew with Christ. We have the opportunity, through this season, to climb the mountain with Christ and experience a transfiguration or, more appropriately, a transformation. Let us climb the mountain with Moses; with Peter, James and John and experience and encounter the living God. What mountaintops you ask? The mountaintops of prayer and Bible study; the mountaintops of worship and communion. But in going up to the mountaintop, I think it is important to note, that we are not meant to bask in the glory of God. Sure, we are to experience it, but then, we are called to come down from the mountain and reflect and reveal God’s glory and presence to others. And so, may this be true of our lives. Amen.

"Love, Lent and Fellowship!"

2008-02-04T23:39:00.000-02:00

We have had a great start to the new year here at Edgemont. We began the month with the dedication service of Caleb Young; followed by the baptisms of Taylor Hyder, Zachary Garlick and Claude Garlick; and then we had Vickie Boles transfer her membership. Vickie has requested to renew her baptism, which will take place on Sunday, February the 3rd. Fred Saunders will also be renewing his baptism on this Sunday, as well.
The month of February turns out to be quite a significant month this year. First, we will begin the Lenten season on February the 6th with Ash Wednesday. Secondly, the celebration of Valentine’s Day is on February the 14th.
Many people can’t even think of the month of February without associating it with things like: hearts, cupids, candy, flowers and, of course, love. Mostly this is due to the retail world that has no trouble reminding us that February marks Valentine’s Day, another opportunity to make a buck or two off of us consumers. But as I think about the gift of love I realize that it is not something that can be purchased at Walmart or any other store, for that matter.
Someone has said; "Life is meant to be shared. God intends for us to experience life together." The Bible calls this "fellowship." One of the most popular Greek words is the word for "fellowship" - koinonia. But, koinonia is more than just fellowship, it suggests a "partnership" or, better yet, "social intercourse." The Greek word for "relationship" is koinonos, suggesting a companionship in which we become partakers and givers.
Rick Warren has done a great job on expanding on what koinonia is, especially when it comes to the fellowship we enjoy within our church family. In fact, he has written in his book The Purpose Drive Life, these words; "Real fellowship is so much more than just showing up at services. It is ‘experiencing life together.’ It includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting, and all the other ‘one another’ commands found in the New Testament." What is the remedy for real "fellowship" and "companionship?" Rick Warren continues by giving us a few suggestions.
First of all, "In real fellowship people experience authenticity. Authentic fellowship and companionship is not superficial, surface-level chit-chat. It is genuine, heart-to-heart sharing. It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for help and prayer." Does such an authentic fellowship exist in our church family, in your own family, and in your circle of friends?
Secondly, "In real fellowship people experience mutuality." We could very easily call this koinonos. It is the art of giving and receiving. It’s depending on each other. The Bible says, ‘The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: each part dependent on every other part’ (Romans 1:12 NCV). Mutuality is the heart of fellowship..." it involves "helping each other." This is the kind of fellowship Jesus focused on in his teachings, a fellowship that is self-less, giving and concerned about others. Even Paul encouraged the churches of his day through his epistles to "edify," "encourage" and "uplift one another." Imagine if such a fellowship existed in our church family and in all of the relationships that we have and share with one another.
Thirdly, "In real fellowship people experience sympathy. Sympathy is not giving advice or offering quick, cosmetic help; sympathy is entering in and sharing the pain of others. Sympathy says, ‘I understand what you’re going through [and I am here for you].’"
And finally, "In real fellowship people experience mercy." Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren’t rubbed in, but rubbed out. Fellowship happens when mercy wins over justice. We all need mercy, because we all stumble, and fall and require help getting back on track. We need to offer mercy to each other and be willing to receive it from each other.
It hardly seems possible that just a few weeks ago we celebrated Christmas and now, with the dawning of February we usher in another significant and meaningful season in the life of the church - the season of Lent. With Advent we were invited to journey to Bethlehem to welcome the birth of Christ. With Lent we are invited to follow the Christ to the cross. And with Lent we are invited to focus on another relationship—the relationship with our selves and with God. We are encouraged to see who we are and whose we are.
May koinonia and koinonos exist among us here at Edgemont. Let’s grow closer together, stronger in our fellowship, and deeper in our faith and commitment to Christ and to one another. And may Valentine’s Day and the season of Lent be opportunities for us to do just that.

"Are There Any Perfect Churches?"

2008-02-04T23:31:00.000-02:00

A sermon preached on The Third Sunday after The Epiphany, Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. The sermon is based on I Corinthians 1:10-18 and Matthew 4:12-23.

I came across a church sign once that read; "Have you ever found a church that doesn’t have any problems? If so, don’t join it - you’ll ruin it!" Now, I don’t know if that was such a good advertisement for that church or any church, for that matter. However, it does bring up a rather interesting point: THERE ARE NO PERFECT CHURCHES!!!
Certainly, we are reminded of this in our Scripture Lesson this morning. The church in Corinth was far from being perfect. The Apostle Paul had received a long list of complaints about this enthusiastic, yet somewhat misguided group of Christians. And so, due to various circumstances, Paul was forced to do a little long-distance pastoring, if you will. But where would he begin? Where would he start? What could he say that help mend this group of Christians? I believe Paul’s focal point here in the first chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians is a great place to start and it is certainly very relevant to the church and to Christians today.
Harold Roberts writes in his sermon "Communion in a Divided World" the experience of Colonel Charles Duke, a member of the Apollo 16 crew who drove the lunar buggy on the moon. Roberts describes Colonel Duke’s feelings as he emerged from the space module and took his first tentative steps through the dust of the lunar surface. Colonel Duke said he looked up and drank in the wonder of his situation as he was flooded by new feelings. In fact, he said; "It was a bit disorienting to look down at the earth." When he lifted his open hand toward the earth, he realized that he could completely block the view, as one would shield their eyes from the sun. Roberts wrote; "It was a powerful experience that altered Colonel Duke’s perception of the world. He could see, for the first time, that all God’s children could live together in community."
We live in a world that is certainly, polarized. We are polarized socially, politically and religiously. It seems that we are good at lifting our hand and blocking out those with whom we disagree with.
I’ll never forget one Peanuts cartoon strip, which has Charlie Brown saying; "I’ve given up on the idea of being a physician and helping others." To which Linus said; "Why? I thought you loved humanity." Charlie Brown replies; "I do love humanity, it’s people that I can’t stand." That reminds me of one of my favorite jingles; "To live above with the saints of God, that will be glory; but to live below with the saints I know, well, that’s another story."
Most of us can understand Charlie Brown’s dilemma. Because most of our problems are caused by people! How many times do you suppose a teacher has said; "I would enjoy teaching if I didn’t have to deal with the students or their parents"? Or a pastor say; "I would really enjoy being a pastor if I just didn’t have to put up with those members who stir up problems and gossip"? Or a person in the retail world say; "I would love my job if I didn’t have to deal with disgruntle customers or my boss"? Certainly, one can almost hear the Apostle Paul say in our First Reading this morning; "You know, that congregation over there in Corinth would really be a great one if it just were not for the members."
Paul had heard disturbing reports of bickering and backstabbing which threatened the stability of the Corinthians community of faith. The congregation was dividing itself along certain lines within the community. Members were putting up their hands and blocking out those with whom they differed. But, what really took the cake, for Paul, was how they were dividing Christ himself.
The Greek word that Paul uses here in his letter to the Corinthians for division is the word schisma, which depicts ripping or tearing a garment in two. And I think this has a powerful message. You may recall that the garment Christ wore was a seamless one, and this is a powerful reminder of the unity we share in Christ. But Paul uses this word schisma to suggest that the Corinthians, of course, many in the church today, are trying to rip or tear or divide that garment – the unity of Christ.
Sadly, we see forms of this schisma – this division today in the Church. We are a divided people and we are part of a global family that is fractured. Even in our own Christian communities we are not always of the same mind and spirit of Christ. We have divided the Christ along the lines of law and grace; along the lines of biblical interpretation and understand; along the lines of exclusion and acceptance.
But what is the solution? Certainly, a starting place would be for the Christian community to realize that we are all one in Christ. One of my favorite scenes in the movie The Apostle is when Robert Duvall, who played a charismatic and fanatical Pentecostal preacher was walking through a town and happened to see a Roman Catholic mass and festival being held outdoors. Robert Duvall watched for a few moments and said to himself; "You have your way and I have my way, but we’re all working for the same cause, serving the same God." And what a powerful reminder that is. We may not look alike nor think alike, but what we share in common is Christ. We are all a part of the family and kingdom of God.
I think it is interesting that in some circles the word "kingdom" has been replaced with "kindom," suggesting that we are all part of the kingdom of God where we are all related or kin to one another. And you know, I like that! In the words of Sister Sledge; "We are family." And yes, as a family there will be disagreements and bickering, but there is the strong glue of love - God’s love which holds us together as one family and we are invited to see not our differences, but our similarities, namely our love for God and Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul, in verse 17, reminds us again of our responsibility. He says; "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel - not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." You know, two things jump out at me in this verse. First of all, Paul’s responsibility, as is ours, is to preach the gospel - the gospel of love and grace, forgiveness and justice, inclusion and compassion to a world in need of those gifts. And second, he is to "preach the gospel, not with words..." Now, I know there is more to that sentence, but the best sermons are preached without ever opening our mouths. And I think that has a powerful message to us.
Our unity comes from our love for Christ and our desire to service him and his kingdom. And so, in a sense, verse 17 leads us right into the Lectionary’s Gospel Lesson from Matthew.
Anyone who has taken Marketing knows that one of the fundamental truths of being successful in marketing is location. And certainly, some might argue that for all practical reasons Jesus should have began his ministry in Jerusalem. In that location he could have contacted a great number of people - Jewish people in a short amount of time. But according to the gospel writers Jesus chose not Judean soil but Galilee - Gentile territory. Why? Because the writers understood the gospel message to be a universal message. Clearly, the church today is called to continue this universal mission of bringing the light, and being the light, in the darkness of the world. We are called to "fish for people..."
Are there any perfect churches? Part of me says, NO, there aren’t! But the other part of me says; YES! You see, the church that is centered around Christ, and is focused on evangelizing – fishing for people, is indeed a perfect church. Perfect in the sense of that is what Christ’s is calling to us do and be. Is that true of Edgemont? Can WE say, can YOU say, that you are Christ's centered, focused on evangelizing - fishing for people? I certainly hope we can say it is.