The 12th Sunday after Pentecost, August 11, 2013 C Pastor Terry B. Monson Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 2:6-19; Luke 11:32-40 Focus: Jesus teaches that we need not fear for God is pleased to give us God’s kingdom. Function: If we admit we are not in control of life, and trust God’s promises, we are set free to dare to help others. Do Not Be Afraid Little Flock I’m a fine one to talk. I’ve been scared to death for the last almost six years; longer than that. Fear is what led me to drink. I remember curling up in my dad’s big chair that sat in the dining room of our farm house near Horace, ND. I had tears in my eyes fearing for my future. I didn’t know what to do with my life. I was afraid that I was stupid. I was afraid that I was ugly. And I cried. Unlike some who think their childhood was the best time of their life, I wouldn’t go back through all that again for anything. We’re not supposed to admit we are afraid of life, are we? We’re Americans, more than that, we’re North Dakotans. We have a pioneer spirit. We’re afraid of nothing. May perhaps that’s one of the reasons we have the highest binge drinking among persons from 16 to 30 years old, here, than anywhere else in the whole United States. Jesus was afraid; did you know that? Remember what he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” No wonder Jesus would try to comfort his disciples, especially since they too are on their way to Jerusalem with him. But the first step is to acknowledge the simple truth that control over life is largely an illusion. None of us have any real control over our lives. We plan for the future, for retirement, buy insurance in case we get hurt or sick. And far be it from me to say that we shouldn’t plan for our future, but Jesus is strong to point out that none of what we do can add even a few steps to our journey on planet Earth. Jesus asks, “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” This little bit of honesty may not seem like good news to some. I mean, most of us try to put off thinking about how little control we have over things like life and death. Human beings of all animals are the best at manipulating our environment for our comfort. But once we take that first step, once we admit that we are pretty much powerless over everything, except perhaps, that we do have some control over our own attitudes and actions. Then, we receive the gift. Since we are not in control, we have the privilege of letting go and letting the one who knows what we need take control over our lives. Do not be afraid little flock, isn’t just one more impossible task, another rule, another law that we cannot keep, anyway. Jesus tells us that since we are not in charge, and since God is; we are set free to let go of the anxiety that causes us to run around working ourselves into a frenzy, which leads to all kinds of neuroses, causing lost opportunities to love. Jesus gives us the opportunity to trust God, to have faith, so that we might let go of all this baggage and begin to experience the kingdom of heaven, even to participate in the bringing in of the kingdom by sharing our gifts, here at Trinity, in Enderlin, with our families and friends, and in the world. By way of example, let me share a short story. There once was a businessman visiting a beautiful tropical island and upon seeing a fisherman unloading a modest catch of fish asked him what he was going to do with the rest of the day. “I will sit with my family, talk with my children, spend time with my wife, and cook supper.” The businessman told him that he ought to hire some men to help him. “Why?” the fisherman asked. “You could catch more fish,” he replied. “But why would I want to catch more fish?” “So that you could make more money and buy more boats.” “And why do I need more boats?” “So that you can have other people do your fishing for you.” “And why would I want to have other people do my fishing for me?” “So that you could take time off, go to some exotic place for vacation; spend time with your wife and children…oh!” And the businessman walked away reevaluating his own life while the fisherman took his catch to market and spent the rest of his day with his family. I still worry too much. I am still afraid of life, anxious over my ministry, and many other things. But I am beginning to learn Christ’s lesson. I am not in control, I’m not in charge. God is. And, that is good. That is the beginning of the kingdom of heaven. Trust God, and help others. In this basket that I am sending around there are some sheets of paper. On the front is a little saying from today’s reading. On the back is a space for you to write a worry that you may have so that you can give it to God, along with your offering today. Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you tell us to wait for your return. Help us watch for you. Let us greet you in the Holy Communion. And look for you in the ones we love, in strangers that we meet, and in everyone in need. Let us find you in our work, in books we read and in our sleep. We’ll watch for you in our laughter and our tears, within the deep insides of everything, in the dusk, and in the dark of night. Knock, and please come right in. Amen.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Aug 2013 12:00:39 +0000
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