Who's in Charge?

Colossians 1:15-20; Phil 2:6-11
Series on the PC(USA) Foundations
Elizabeth M. Deibert

We’re in our second week of a series on the Foundations of the Church. Last week we talked about our purpose, our mission. What are we doing? This week we move to Who’s in charge? We are making our way through the opening of our new Presbyterian Book of Order . Our Book of Confessions, part A of our church’s constitution has not changed – that’s the collection of creeds and confessions that we as a denomination reliable expositions of what we are called to be and do, written at various points in history. But part of our constitution has changed, the part that guides our governance, and it is the theological opening of it that we are considering in this five week series.

I remember a little girl once saying to me that she wanted to be a pastor like me, because you get to be the boss and only have to work one day/week. Yep, being the pastor is really cool. Relaxing all week, then showing up on Sunday and everyone knows you are the boss! Ha. Well, not exactly. Who is in charge around here? There are several right answers to that question. There is pastoral authority, no doubt, as the little girl rightly surmised, but in our Presbyterian tradition, it is the session who is charged with the leadership of the church, the elected session of ordained elders, led by the pastor. But the real right answer to our question “Who’s in charge?” is that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. The church came into being through him, relies on his power for its faith and life, its unity and mission, its order and discipline. Jesus Christ is in charge here, and it is our job as representative leaders of the church to figure out as the bracelets of the popular bracelets of 1990’s said, “What would Jesus Do?” WWJD

Today we read two of the oldest and most important passages in the New Testament, both are about the unique person of Jesus Christ. Both were used in the early church, probably as hymns, which the congregation sang together to rehearse their faith.

Most scholars consider these two passages the earliest creeds of the church, long before the Nicene Creed of the the 4^th Century and the Apostles Creed, adapted from the 2^nd to the 8^th centuries. It is likely that these two pieces of liturgy were what united the early church in their belief about Christ, as they recited together these words in worship, much as we do in our affirmation of faith each week by which we unite our faith with that of our forebears and our sisters and brothers in the PC(USA) and around the world.

Uniting ourselves with common words is significant. On the day before Rob Tuite surgery, Richard and I gathered with Kim and the three kids, along with Rob’s sister and brother, whose church experience is Roman Catholic, in the ICU room next to Rob’s because we could not all fit in his room, so full it was of medical equipment keeping him alive. We touched the wall nearest his head and I led the group in prayer, ending of course with the Lord’s Prayer. Knowing that “forgive us our trespasses” would flow out of their mouths, I went with that version of the prayer. These words of the Lord’s prayer united us in that moment at Rob’s bedside. He is doing amazingly well, by the way, now completely off the respirator.

Having a common language to articulate our faith is very valuable. The scripture we are reading today was the common language of the first several hundred years of the church, and has shaped much of what we believe in the generations of church which followed.

Our first reading, Colossians speaks of the supremacy of Christ, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. Christ was present in creation, and his sustaining and reconciling power is over everything in heaven and on earth.

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; ¹⁶for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-- all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

If you can affirm this passage, you believe in a doctrine which was pivotal in the early church and still is key today: the divine nature of Christ. He was more than an amazingly loving and powerful human being. Fully human, fully divine as the Nicene says. Muslims and Jews believe Jesus was fully human and a great prophet. Christians believe he was as divine as he was human. Immanuel – God with us. True God from true God. Some people today are troubled by the thought that God would require the death of his son to rectify the relationship with us. But believing in the full divinity of Christ helps us out of that problem because Christ is God, so it is God’s own willingness in Christ to suffer for our sakes which rectifies the relationship. Who will not affirm that the sacrificial love of Kim Tuite, standing by Rob’s bedside, exhausted from the strain of caring for him, not to mention the kids, is not sacrificial love? Who could argue that Peggy and Bob, spending all kind of time, energy, and resources to try to help their son Seth to get his kids back out of foster care was not sacrificial love – no matter what happens in the end. Nancy Hogue, going to the nursing home every day to see that her dad’s end of life was dignified, that he received the care he needed. Sacrificial love we can see in many of your relationships. Sacrificial love to the extreme is what we mean when we talk about the blood of the cross making peace.

And that leads us to our next passage, which says more about the self-emptying life of Christ. Christ, who was the most high God, willingly accepted a lower position, taking the place of a servant and being obedient to the will of God.

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, ⁷but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, ⁸he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross.

⁹Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NRSV)

Some modern Christians worry about our emulating Christ’s pattern of self-emptying. They are rightly concerned about the abused spouse taking too much mistreatment in the spirit of self-sacrifice. Despite that concern, which needs to be addressed in particular situations, the doctrine of kenosis, self-emptying, is still valuable to us, maybe even more valuable as more people become unabashedly self-driven and lacking in generosity toward one another. Sacrifice is good in so much as it brings out the good. If you are sacrificing so that an abusive person can continue to be mean, that’s not love. A better way to describe the act of Christ Jesus in this text, then, is to emphasize his absolute obedience to the divine purpose for his earthly life.

Instead of taking what he could have had on his own Jesus chose the path that fulfilled God's will, and followed that path to the end, difficult though it was. For this willing obedience, then, God exalted him to the highest place.
(Sandra H. Polaski, www.working preacher.org)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who poured out his own life at the hands of the Nazis because he refused to allow the church to be the tool of oppression, wrote: The church is the church only when it exists for others. . . . The church must share in the secular problems of ordinary human life, not dominating, but helping and serving. . . . It must not underestimate the importance of human example which has its origin in the humanity of Jesus.

We live in a society dominated by rights-activism, permeated with the philosophy of "me first," and molded by the corporate ideals of efficiency and success. The Church must remember that demanding one's rights and privileges may be popular, even necessary in some cases, but if it does so at the expense of Christian unity and love, it is not Christian! The Body of Christ must refocus on Christian humility.

We must make service to others, perfect love in action, our primary responsibility. An attitude of Christlike humility does not demand rights or protect its own interests; it seeks servanthood. (Dennis Bratcher, www.textweek.org) This is the kind of servanthood – to run up the steps of the burning Twin Towers to save others, or to risk your life in Hurricane Irene to guard the lives of others.

Jesus challenged those whose lives needed to be challenged. He assertively spoke truth to power without holding back. He overturned tables in the temple, called people to account for their hypocrisy. But he also knelt and washed his disciples feet, even those of Judas, who would betray him and Peter who would deny even knowing him. He submitted to death without a fight, because he loved us just as he loved himself.

In these two passages of scripture, we see Christ’s greatness in two forms – his exaltation and his lowliness. I turn to the word-smithing of the Presbyterian committee which composed A Declaration of Faith, “We recognize the work of God in Jesus power and authority. He did what only God can do. We also recognize the work of God in Jesus’ lowliness. When he lived as a servant and went humbly to his death the greatness that belongs only to God was manifest. In both his majesty (Colossians) and his lowliness (Philippians) Jesus is the eternal Son of God, God himself with us.” (4.3) slide

In understanding the Head of our Church, Jesus Christ, we understand whom we are called to be. Followers of Christ should have the same obedience to the divine will--whether that leads to suffering and humiliation for Jesus' sake, or to God-given boldness that challenges systems of oppression, or to radical peacemaking that refuses to accept that unjust structures cannot be changed. In whichever position Christians find themselves, they can fulfill God's plan for their own lives, as Jesus did, because they know that in the end Christ reigns over all. (Sandra H. Polaski, www.working preacher.org)

Christ is in charge, not us. This is the church of Jesus Christ. This is the Word of the Lord. This is the Christ’s table, not ours. As followers of one who gave his life for the sake of love, we are called to give sacrificially – to give up our rights for what is right. To give up our willfulness for God’s will. To give up being in charge even of ourselves and let Christ be in charge. When we joyfully submit to his Lordship in all aspects of life, then we are taking the necessary steps of becoming true Christians. “Not my will, but thine be done.” Who’s in charge? Not me.

What Are We Doing? The Mission of the Church

Luke 4:16-21 & Acts 10:34-43
8th Sunday after Pentecost
Elizabeth M. Deibert

School is about to start again and all around the world, in all arenas, people are gearing up for the work that begins with the end of summer. We’re having “Back to Church” week next Sunday, hoping that everyone will invite a friend and get more intentional about involvement in the worship and learning of the congregation. Tomorrow morning, school teachers will be handing out papers and writing on the board answers to the question, “What are we doing in this class?” Expectations will be expressed. Schedules will be distributed. I had a tall and imposing algebra teacher in high school who often said with negative tone, when the class getting noisy and distracted, “What are we doing here?” Often we wait until things are not going well to say, “What are we doing?” But it is much more fruitful to ask early and often, in positive voice, “What are we doing?” Every organization, every school, every business or enterprise needs understand its mission, and the church is no different. In fact, the word mission originates with the church, from the Latin word, meaning “sent.” Jesus gave what’s called the great com-mission, recorded at the end of Matthew. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So while the word mission originates with the church, it is now broadly used to mean the fundamental purpose of an organization, succinctly describing why it exists and what it hopes to achieve. When mega-church Pastor Rick Warren wrote his best-selling devotional, The Purpose-Driven Life, his word “purpose” was just another word for mission. He asked the question, Why are you here? His five answers, in brief, are worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism. Not too different from the answer we give in our five goals for Peace Presbyterian: Inspiring Worship, Authentic Relationships, Nurturing Discipleship, Compassionate Outreach, and Responsive Stewardship.

Those are not very different from United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase’s Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: Passionate Worship, Radical Hospitality, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. Another simple way to say it is Love God, Love People, Become Like Christ, Share the Spirit, Serve the Needy.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has spent the last several years working on a new Form of Government, which opens with a Mission Statement. Presbyterians are not known for our brevity, but for our careful attention to every word, which sometimes requires adding more words for clarity. Over the next five weeks we will be examining in one way or another, this purpose statement which is called the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity,

Today we consider the opening paragraphs called the Mission of the church. To do that, we will turn to scripture which is at the heart of the Mission Statement: the first sermon of Jesus where he announces his purpose and a pivotal sermon of Peter, where he announces the mission of the church. Listen for the Spirit speaking to her church.

Luke 4:16-21

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, ¹⁷ and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ¹⁸ "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." ²⁰ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹ Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." (NRSV)

Acts 10:34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶ You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. ³⁷ That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹ We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; ⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, ⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (NRSV)

Preach to the people. Say that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, whom God anointed with Holy Spirit and power. He is the One who did good and healed everyone because God was with him. They put him to death by God raised him on the third day. Christ rules over life and death. Everyone who trusts in him receives forgiveness of sins. This news of peace is not just for some exclusive group of people – it’s for everybody. Everybody – not just some – everybody. This is the early church's mission - to tell everyone, to preach this peace of Christ, this power of the Spirit, this forgiveness of sins.

Have you ever been so excited about something that you just had to tell someone? Our 22 year old daughter Emily called us this past week to tell us about her new life as an English teacher in Korea. She was bubbly with enthusiasm about the food, the cultural differences, the elementary students whom she’s teaching English. Yesterday she posted photos on Facebook so we could see her apartment, neighborhood, fellow teachers, and even some of the work her students have done. Her excitement is contagious. Suddenly everything Korean is more interesting to me. We had Korean beef for dinner last night. Contagious enthusiasm.

That’s the way it was for Peter, sharing this amazing news about forgiveness. He wanted to get this news out – to speak it, to have it written down and shared with people all over Galilee and Judea.

I am afraid much of the church has lost its enthusiasm for sharing the good news of Christ’s love. Have we let the world shame us into believing that our news is not so good? Some Christians and group of Christians in history have been mean-spirited and unkind. Have we let scientists tell us our news is not provable? Have we let historians tell us that our story is not factual? Have we let sociologists tell us that our faith is a human construct? Have we let psychologists tell us that the real issue is our need to just feel good about ourselves?

Don’t get me wrong. I value the excellent contributions of science, history, sociology, and psychology. I’m just against their deconstruction of what theology and faith offer the world. I guess I’m tired of the church being seen with jaded eyes. We’re not the bad guys. We are followers of the best good guy there ever was. Our good news is great news! Jesus Christ came preaching peace, forgiveness, love, and opening the doors to all people. Jesus said himself, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Good news to poor people. We do that on Thursdays by packing bags of food. Release to captives and recovery of sight. We do that by challenging the values of our culture and by inviting people in worship and in education to live according to perspective of Christ. To let the oppressed go free – we resist all injustices, sometimes marching with farmworkers for a fair wage, sometimes speaking out against laws that are inhospitable to aliens and strangers in our midst. We proclaim the good news of Christ’s love for all people. This may sound like craziness to the world, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, but to us who have be called, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

Our mission is to be like Christ, so much like Christ, that people are amazed at how we care for the poor, and how we work for the liberty and dignity of all people. We are to be so much like Christ that people begin to see life differently – to view life with a new set of lenses. We have to know Christ to be like Christ.

When we are like Christ, we see differently, with more compassion, and this new view frees us and bring joy to others. Christ lived a life of sacrificial love, not me-centered self-gratification. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about following Christ in caring for others. Try that one in your troubled marriage or irritable workplace – it’s not about you or me, but about following Christ in caring for others.

Our mission is to make God known, not to make our own personal needs known – to make God known. Sure, your needs matter to God and to us, but our mission is to make God known. We cannot make God known if we are not growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, building a community of peace and caring for the needs of others. That’s what Jesus did in his earthly ministry and we are charged to keep doing his work. To do his work, we have to know him. Jesus said to his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” To do his work, we have to know who Christ is. To know him, we have to work on building relationship with him. What are you doing about that? I must ask. Are you making plans to nurture your faith more intentionally? In close relationship with him, we can better follow his ways and be his faithful disciples.

Finally, I guess if we are really living according to our mission by growing as disciples of Christ, building a community of peace and caring for the needs of others, then our faith will be more contagious and inviting.

You know the best teachers you ever had were the ones who were excited about their subject, as well as knowledgeable. They cared about the subject and cared about you. Teachers or profess-ors of the Christian faith (all of you who have joined the church have professed your faith) Profess-ors of faith need to care deeply about the subject of their faith -- Jesus Christ – and be willing to grow in knowledge of him. They need to care about others, whom they would like to share the subject of Christ. There’s the mission of the church summed up in one great commandment – love God and love neighbor.

If we can uncover the joy of trusting in Jesus Christ, shaking off the need to reduce our faith to the least common denominator -- something that harmonizes perfectly with other religions or something that can be reconciled perfectly with the hard sciences or the social sciences, then we might just get on with growing in discipleship, being fruitful. Then people might be curious to know why we live such with such love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those fruits of the Spirit would mark our lives and folks would say, “Hey, what’s with those people? Those Christians are really great people to be around. See how they worship God. See how they love and forgive one another. See how they care for the people in need. See how generous they are.”

If our character and life is not shaped by Christ’s, how can people to understand our name “Christian” or our mission as the Church? As a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian, I am also known as a teaching elder, so as we approach the beginning of another new academic year, I challenge you to remember what you are doing here. Remember who is leading you – not me – Christ. Remember what distinguishes you as the church. Remember where you are going – what your goals are. And remember, Jesus said, “I am with you always – to the end of the age.”

With God No Grudges

Genesis 45:1-15; 50:14-22
9th Sunday after Pentecost
Elizabeth M. Deibert

Today’s scripture lesson is about forgiveness. It is a fascinating look at God’s sovereign protection, even in direst circumstances. Today’s story shows us that those who put the past hurts behind them can get on with life, as Joseph did, because there’s no need to hold grudges when you know God is bringing about good in your life, despite the harm that you have experienced from others.

Let’s get on board with the whole story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph, the braggadocios favorite son of Jacob, seventeen years old, drives his brothers crazy with his arrogant dreams of greatness. They sell him into slavery, allowing their father to believe that he was killed by a wild animal. But the Lord was with Joseph and he did well and impressed his master, Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife, is attracted to Joseph (after all, the scripture tells us he was handsome and good-looking) but when he resists her inappropriate offer, she falsely accuses him, and he is cast into prison. But again God is with Joseph. Despite every unfair situation into which Joseph is thrown, we learn that God is with him and that God is making him do well in spite of his circumstances.

God rescues Joseph not by miraculous means but by employing the talents that Joseph has. By being fascinated by dreams, Joseph had offended his own brothers. By being fascinated by dreams, Joseph works his way out of prison and into the most powerful position in Pharaoh’s Egypt. Interpreting dreams is Joseph’s gift. It can bring disaster or reward. We are like Joseph, with gifts that can be used for ill or good. When we use our gifts to serve self alone, it can bring about disaster and ruin, but when we use our gifts to serve others, then we ourselves are lifted up to a higher place. When Joseph used his dreams to tell his half-brothers he was more important than they, his prideful behavior landed him in a slave trade as good as dead.

When he used dreams to interpret for others, he not only helped them but helped himself too. Because Joseph was so grateful for God’s rescue, he named his sons, Manassah, which means “God has made me forget my hardship” and Ephraim, which means, “God has made me fruitful in the land of misfortunes.” You see, Joseph does not develop a victim’s mentality. No self-pity parties for Joseph. He moves on to make the most of the current situation with God’s help.

And what a blessing he was to the entire region, not just Egypt, when he used his gifts to rightly interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He was able to help an entire nation prepare for famine by saving grain for seven years before the seven years of famine hit. When it did, everyone came to Joseph to buy food, even his own brothers from the land of Canaan. Now Joseph truly wielded power over his brothers, who did not recognize him in such a high position. He toyed with them over a period of time, seemingly wanting to punish them for their abuse of him as a boy. He accused them of being spies. He asked them inappropriately personal questions. He made them leave Simeon in prison while the rest returned to Canaan to bring young brother Benjamin. He planted his own silver cup in their bags and accused them of stealing it. He threatened to take his favorite little brother Benjamin from them, but they pleaded with him.

At last Joseph could not maintain the charade any longer. He finally confessed to his brothers his true identity and that’s the point at which our text begins.

Genesis 45:1-15. 50:14-22

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, "Send everyone away from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. 3Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. 4Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come closer to me." And they came closer. He said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

9Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. 10You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11I will provide for you there-- since there are five more years of famine to come-- so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.' 12And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you.13You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here." 14Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him...

After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father. 15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" 16So they approached Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17'Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.' Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, "We are here as your slaves."

19But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. 22So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's household; and Joesph lived one hundred and then years. (NRSV)

Hear these key words again. Joseph says to his brothers, “Do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Joseph’s perspective is that no matter harm human beings are doing to one another, God is ultimately in control. God can redeem any situation.

Imagine how life might be different for us if every time someone offended us, we could remember Joseph’s words: “Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good.” God intends it for good. Even when others betray us, hurt us, abandon us, reject us, God turns it to good. Romans 8:28 which we read a few weeks ago says “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” All things. I don’t know what’s been happening in your life that’s unfair or painful or difficult, but I know that we believe in a God who is Lord over that life of yours. And God will turn your situation into something good, hard as it may be right now.

To have Joseph’s perspective is to accept your life’s circumstances not as a victim but as one who knows that God is sovereign. God can take whatever people have dished out to you that you don’t like and turn it into something better than you would have had otherwise. Joseph wasn’t perfect and neither are we perfect. Joseph was an arrogant young man. He should not have boasted to his brothers about dreams that set him above them. But he did not deserve to be cruelly discarded by his brothers and shipped off to a foreign land. He did not deserve to be falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and sent to prison, but that is what happened. He could have had a big self-pity party, but he didn’t.

He could have become deeply embittered toward his brothers. He could have rightly held onto to his grudge. But He didn’t because he trusted God and he knew that God would make a way out for him. And God did. And no doubt God also gave Joseph an opportunity in the course of this hardship to grow in humility and wisdom.

If only we could maintain the perspective of Joseph, trusting God. Knowing that God is sovereign. Really believing that no matters what happens we are in God’s loving arms and we will be alright. Forgiveness is letting go of a better past. The past is done. You cannot get it back, but you have a future. You’re going to be alright. You really are. Let go of your fears. Let go of your pride. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Don’t waste your energy on being angry at those who did you wrong. Fred Buechner says that “Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back--in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you.”

I’m one of those people who replays conversations in my mind. Do you do that? Instant replay can be helpful if we learn a lesson or remember something valuable that was said in a conversation, but the temptation in instant replay is to nurse our wounds, hold our grudges. That comment your spouse or ex or sister or father or co-worker or daughter made three months ago or three years ago, and you have not forgotten it. You keep replaying it, thinking you’re going to figure out why he or she said it. The replay of the memory again and again deepens the offense. The more you play that video in your head, then the more embittered you become toward the person, the more justified you feel in maintaining your anger.

But you have the freedom to release the bitterness -- because you know that despite that hurt and sometimes through it, God is weaving your life’s story into a beautiful work of art. Forgiveness is letting the captive bird free, only to realize that you have been the captive bird. C.S. Lewis once said, “To be a Christian is to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Sometime we forget how much God has forgiven in us. All the major religions agree that forgiveness is a virtue. Gandhi said: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”.

Studies at the University of Wisconsin found the more forgiving people were, the less they suffered from a wide range of illness. The benefits included improved functioning of their cardiovascular and nervous systems. On-going anger and resentment will bring us nothing but trouble and unhappiness.

“How often do you forgive one person? Up to seven times?” Jesus Christ was asked by his disciple Peter. Jesus replied: “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven”. Jesus even asked God to forgive those who have crucified him: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray: “And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”.

Forgiveness begins with God, in our relationship with God. With God, there is no need for grudges because with God we know we are forgiven and they are forgiven. With God, we can trust that all will be well. Those who know that all will be well are able to release themselves and others from the pressure of forcing the hurts of the past go away. The hurts heal only as we release them to God.

All will be well. Julian of Norwich, mystic theologian of the 14^th century, first woman to write in English, lived through the bubonic plague during which half the people in the city died. Julian was an anchoress, a spiritual counselor who lived in isolation in a small room in the church. Jesus spoke to her in a vision just like Jesus is speaking to you today saying, “I may make all things well, and I can make all things well, and I shall make all things well, and I will make all things well, and you shall see yourself that all manner of things shall be well.

Storm Survival Kit

Matthew 14:22-33
8th Sunday after Pentecost
Elizabeth M. Deibert

Have you heard Don and Judy Simpsons’ story of the storm which demolished their vehicle and nearly all the houses around them. They were spending the night with friends when that mile wide tornado ripped through Alabama. Are you ready for hurricane season? What’s in your storm survival kit? Bottled water, non-perishable food, a supply of medicines, flashlights, batteries, a generator? Or are you a person who rushes out at the last minute when the forecast is foreboding?

Our Gospel story today teaches us that it is not only what you have with you in the storm, but whom you have with you. These fishermen, were well –acquainted with storms. They knew harsh winds as well as anyone, but even so, they were frightened. These tough men in harsh elements needed more than anything, the comfort of their friend, their leader, their teacher Jesus. But even the arrival of Jesus on the scene creates fear. After all, he’s walking on the water. Their minds cannot comprehend what their eyes see.

Hear the Gospel:

Matthew 14:22-33

(NRSV)

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat

and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

²³ And after he had dismissed the crowds,

he went up the mountain by himself to pray.

When evening came, he was there alone,

²⁴ but by this time the boat, battered by the waves,

was far from the land, for the wind was against them.

²⁵ And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.

²⁶ But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,

they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

²⁸ Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

²⁹ He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat,

started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.

³⁰ But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened,

and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him,

saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

³² When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

³³ And those in the boat worshiped him, saying,

"Truly you are the Son of God."

Jesus has been in his own storm, hearing of his cousin. John Baptist’s death, then being surrounded by the crowds, who always need something – food, healing, help of one kind or another. Twice in chapter 14 we are told that Jesus intentional got away from the crowd. There’s a lesson in that for each of us. Time away from people and/or responsibilities is crucial to our health. Time for prayer is vital to our well-being, our shalom, our peace. Even God on earth needed it, so of course we do.

Jesus goes away for renewal, comes back to feed 5000 men, probably 18,000 people we figured last week. Feeds them with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Whew! That must have been exhausting. Goes away again for prayer. The disciples are on the stormy sea. Jesus walks across the water to rescue them. When he finishes calming the storm, he’s on to healing the sick and the people bring him all in the region who have ailments of any kind.

Now, like I said last week, if you like to think that the miracle of multiplying bread happened by the sharing of everyone what they had, or if you find your faith inspired by thinking that a sandbar helped Jesus get out to the boat, that’s okay with me.

I prefer to lean into the mystery of the miracle, believing that Jesus is capable of things we cannot explain rationally. Again, I figure these fishermen knew where the shallow water was. This was a shocking event for them. But Jesus says to them. “Take heart, it is I (or more literally, I AM) Don’t be afraid.” In modern parlance, it might be “Chill out, guys, it’s me.” But that “I AM” reminds us of the Burning Bush story where Moses wants to know the name of the God who speaks to him out of the bush and tells him to lead the people out of Egypt. Moses says, “Who are you? Whom shall I say sent me?” And God says, “I AM who I AM.”

Have you ever had the “I AM” response from God? Sometimes is not the answer we what to hear. It is like the parental response to the child asking why. It is that “Because I said so, and I am your mother” kind of response.

Jesus’ encouragement not to be afraid part reminds me of the angels coming to the shepherds at his birth. The shepherds were scared, like the fishermen. But the angels said, “Do not be afraid, for we bring you good news of great joy.” The news they brought was of God’s coming to them in the human-divine presence of Jesus Christ. And that Jesus, all grown up, says to his buddies, his followers, when he startled them. “Settle down, guys. It’s me. I am here with you.” Presence.

Then Peter questions the identity of Christ, saying “If it is you, Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” This seems like the same sort of question the devil gave to Jesus in the wilderness in the temptations. “If you are the Son of God, then command these stones to become bread.” Jesus invites Peter out. But Peter, looking around to see the danger he is in, begins to sink, and cries out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.”

All of us get into situations of danger. The disciples in the boat are in a dangerous situation, not of their own making. Peter is in dangerous situation because he asked for it. In both cases Jesus is present to rescue.

When Jesus says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” I think he is not chastising Peter for sinking, I think he is saying why did you question who I was. Why did you say, “if you are the Son of God, prove it to me by helping me walk on water.” Peter did not need to walk on that water. Jesus was coming to the boat.

Jesus agrees to let him step out, but it is not Jesus’ idea. Good example of the freedom God gives us. Good example of how all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, as we read together two weeks ago in Romans. Christ gives us freedom to stay in the boat or get out of the boat, even allows us to question who he is. But what he hopes is that we will recognize, as the all the disciples in the boat do in the end, and as the centurion says at the cross, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Okay, so what about those of us who are calling out to God in our own stormy seas? People like the Tuite family. Their boat has been blown around like crazy for the last couple of years, taking Rob to the east coast, where Kim and the kids finally joined him this summer. But before they could settle, before getting internet hooked up, before the kids were registered for school, before Patrick could go off to college, before the family had made any friends in Vero Beach, and while they were on a mini vacation in Ft. Lauderdale, Rob got terribly ill with pancreatitis. Some of you will remember he was hospitalized with that some months back, while they still lived here. Well, this time, he’s been in the hospital four weeks, and keeps getting worse. They rushed him to Shands teaching hospital in Gainesville, hoping to find the answer. It’s not cancer, but now he’s on a respirator, not stable at all. Poor Kim’s got a three and a half hour journey between her kids and her husband. What a stormy summer, what a wild sea!

It was a stormy night for the disciples and Jesus did not come right away. He was near, but not so they could see him. He was praying. Sometimes God is near you, but you do not see God, but we know by the scripture we’ve read, and the church’s creeds and confessions that God is present, even when unseen. We too are scared. We too could be said to have little faith. But we, like the disciples can tell our stories of rescue, as well as fear.

Are we testifying to the truth of God’s ability to save? Are we singing God’s praise because the wind does die down and we do experience the peace the passes all understanding? Are we being the body of Christ to encourage others with God’s help from their doubts and fears, their sinking situations?

The spiritual survival kit takes more time to build than the material kit. That’s just a quick drive down to the local store. What should we have in our soul survival kit?

What about a vibrant faith, a strong relationship with the only One capable of stilling the storms? What about a church community of friends who can sit with you when Jesus is near but seems far away? What about a Bible? What about the words of a confession or prayer or creed in your head? The lyrics of a hymn or song full of faith? What about a rhythm of weekly liturgy, Word and Sacrament reminding us over and over again that “In life and in death, we belong to God.” Say it with me. “In life and in death we belong to God.”

“In life and in death, what? We belong to God.” In health and in sickness, what? we belong to God. In joy and in sorrow, we belong to God. In wealth and in poverty, we belong to God. In fullness and in emptiness, we belong to God. In marriage and in divorce, we belong to God. In comfort and in discomfort, we belong to God. In righteousness and in sinfulness, we belong to God. In good times and in bad times, we belong to God. In addiction and in sobriety, we belong to God. In community and in loneliness, we belong to God. In storms and in sunshine, we belong to God. In success and in failure, we belong to God. In depression and in contentment, we belong to God.

Christ is coming to lift you out of that sinking situation in which you find yourself – whether you are sinking in sadness, sinking in frustration, sinking in debt, sinking in helplessness, sinking in schoolwork, sinking in exhaustion, sinking in fear, sinking in sickness. God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Be humble and bold enough to call out to the Lord in your sinking situation. It may be the nighttime of your despair and fear, but I promise the daybreak of Christ’s coming to you is near. “Take heart, Christ says, “I am here. Do not be afraid. Do not doubt. Believe that I am the Son of God, your Savior.”

Give thanks to God who hears our cries
and saves in troubled days
with wondrous works to humankind
that call for highest praise.
Let all who know God’s saving love
sing grateful songs always.