Defaulting when we’re afraid vs. following the call with faith and hope

[sermon notes - incomplete]

[posted on Facebook this morning before arriving at St. Andrew’s, Emporia, KS] reflecting on self-centered ambitions and intentions rooted in fear and desperation -versus- promises of ultimate liberation and new life, following Christ with faith and hope and acting with charitable love (accepting that it initially involves suffering, surrendering, and letting go)

We’re walking with some of Jesus closest followers back toward Jerusalem, where we’ve been told pretty clearly several times that what lies ahead, at least initially, includes humiliation, suffering and death as we seek to heal, serve, and share as Jesus call us to do. Perhaps like those first followers, we too remain a little confused about, and fearful of, what following this messiah really means.

AND, there is hope of grace-filled liberation, just reconciliation and restitution, and resurrected peace in store as well, if we will faithfully continue this journey focusing less on our own status and more on the needs of our neighbors, humbly and lovingly serving each other as Jesus called us to do.

[comments on the assigned lectionary readings - interesting things to note; themes]

• Isaiah 53:4-12
• Psalm 91:9-16
• Hebrews 5:1-10
• Mark 10:35-45

[anecdotes and illustrations of how I’ve grappled with status, control, fear]


What is the Holy Spirit calling us to re-cognize about following Jesus? 

• Glory and honor in God’s eyes come through humble and charitable service, not ruling with earthly power or prestige 
• self-sacrifice not as mere ascetic self-denial, but in service to others and some greater good 
• Fear and the quest for security vs. courageous and faithful risk-taking with hope 
• be alert to our motivations and projections about cozying up to power and authority – 
• lobbying/jockeying for positions of privilege and authority 

[examples of how we see this around us when systems/communities are afraid, including the church (of its own decline)]

What are some very immediate, practical implications of this in our life together? 

• be cautious and self-reflective of our motives 
• also cautious about projecting unrealistic hopes (messiah complex) on our earthly leaders, who too often are flawed as we are in the self-serving ambition 
• watch and listen for signs that we’re acting out of fear rather than hope 
• Holding on to nostalgic (cleaned-up memories) of the past 
• Command-n-control compliance to tradition 
• Strong boundary setting and divisions of in/out 
• Hasty, quick certainty rather than messier, longer-term discernment 
• Perception of ambiguity and ‘process’ as threatening 
• be gentle and compassionate with each other, including those who don’t seem to get it 
• remind ourselves, in community that it can initially hurt when we let go and surrender… and that eventually, there’s new freedom and life beyond the present suffering 
• commit to being a community of discernment to keep each other in check

                  

“Suffering God, in whose name we seek glory for ourselves: cast down the idols that serve our fear and guilt, our need for blame, for punishment; direct our angry hearts to Him who bears our wounds where there is no more need to fight; through Jesus Christ, the true God and servant of all. Amen.”

(Shakespeare, Steven. Prayers for An Inclusive Church (NY: Church Publishing, 2009) p.73)