Here Or There?
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
Object:
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe Ascension Sunday and use those texts, while others will be use the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter. In this installment of The Immediate Word, team member George Reed addresses a theme that is intrinsic to the gospel passages for both Ascension and Easter 7 -- the seeming contradiction of being apart from the world while remaining intimately connected to it. Of course, that's one of the central paradoxes of Jesus' ascension as he physically departs the earth -- but more than that, it's also the predicament of modern Christians in a thoroughly secular world. On the surface, each text seems to contradict the other. In the Luke passage (for Ascension) Jesus tells his followers that they are to "stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49b). That's ostensibly a reference to our time here on earth -- but more broadly, it's also a charge to remain connected to the world and for us to be about God's work in the world. (You could even interpret it hyperliterally as a charge to urban ministry.) Yet in his great prayer in the John text (for Easter 7), Jesus says of his followers that "the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world" (John 17:14).
So what do we make of being told that we must "stay in the city" even though we do not belong to the world, especially if that means the world will hate us? George notes that this describes the situation of many "outsiders" in our world, particularly those who are dissidents (whether political, religious, or otherwise). Isn't that a good summary of predicament facing Chen Guangcheng, who as he sought temporary refuge in the American embassy struggled with an agonizing choice about whether to remain in his community or to leave China altogether? George also lifts up the experience of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who after years of house arrest and oppression by Myanmar's military rulers was elected to her country's parliament and faced the dilemma of whether or not to sign the regime's "loyalty oath" in order to take her seat. As George aptly points out, the common thread for these "outsiders" -- as well as for all Christians -- is to understand the grace-filled truth that underlies the paradox of simultaneously belonging and not belonging to the world.
Team member Ron Love shares some additional thoughts on the epistle text for Easter 7 that recounts the process of replacing Judas' slot in the twelve disciples. Ron notes that it's all too easy for us to become like Judas -- and contrasts the betrayal of a confirmed insider (Judas) with the genuine conversion of a rank outsider (Nicodemus). With reports of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's conversion to Christianity, Ron wonders whether Chavez is a Judas or a Nicodemus -- and asks us to look in the mirror and consider whether we are Judases or Nicodemuses. How can we tell when dealing with converts whether the change of heart is genuine as opposed to empty words? Of course, the answer is in the opening verses of the John passage, in which Jesus says that "the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me" (17:8).
Here or There?
by George Reed
Luke 24:44-53; John 17:6-19
In the Ascension lections we have the paradox that Jesus is leaving so that he can stay in the world. Conversely, in the Seventh Sunday of Easter lections we have Jesus talking about the disciples not belonging to the world and yet they are still in the world. What does it mean to belong and to not belong at the same time?
THE WORLD
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese dissident, has won a seat in the Myanmar/Burmese parliament and has taken the oath of office. After many years under house arrest and working diligently to change the government from the "outside," she now finds herself trying to accomplish that objective on the "inside."
The case of Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng also is continuing in a state of limbo. Chen, who made headlines after taking shelter in the U.S. embassy, eventually opted to leave the embassy and remain in China. But days later he reversed course and asked to be allowed to leave the country and study in America -- and while an agreement has been struck between the Chinese and American governments, Chen is still dealing with harassment from local authorities and remains wary about whether the Chinese will live up to their end of the bargain.
It's not just individuals who find themselves as outsiders. The United States military is in Afghanistan -- but finds itself suspecting the motives and behavior not just of the Taliban but also of many Afghanis who are supposed to be our allies. Our soldiers are definitely in the country but not part of it -- and their lives are constantly in danger as they try to be there.
Another example is undocumented workers in this country who are working to make a better life for themselves and for the United States. They fill a needed slot in the economy of the country, just as immigrants have always done. Yet because of restrictive laws that do not allow enough immigrants from Mexico into the country to fill the need we have for their work, they find themselves not really belonging.
THE WORD
In the gospel lesson for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Jesus talks about himself and the disciples being sent into the world and yet not belonging to the world. There is a mission, and there is no request for the removal of Jesus or the disciples from the world. Jesus specifically underlines this when he prays that "I am not asking you to take [the disciples] out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one" (John 17:15), and repeats that "they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world" (v. 16). The presence of God must continue.
In the Ascension story we witness Jesus taking leave of the world -- and yet not leaving it. The Spirit that will be sent is experienced as the presence of God and the presence of Jesus. In the Acts passage (1:1-11) the Spirit is identified both ways.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
Christians should feel a kinship to the outsiders listed above, as we are among those who are here and yet do not belong here. We belong to a different realm -- our allegiance is to another reign. Our manifesto is based on the life and teachings of Jesus, most clearly spelled out in what we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount.
So why is it that we try so hard to fit in? Why is it that we want to act as if we hold the same values and ethics as the world? If we are disciples of Jesus, if we are Christians, if we are the Body of Christ and the presence of God in this world, then we are not like those around us.
We have a mission to fulfill. It is our only purpose in being here. We are here to share the good news that God is redeeming us and all creation. There is hope and life for us all.
ANOTHER VIEW
A Nicodemus or a Judas?
by Ron Love
Acts 1:15-26
THE WORLD
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has spent his entire career as a practicing socialist. As an adamant follower of Karl Marx he adopted Marxist principles, including that of atheism.
Yet Chavez suffers from life-threatening cancer and has traveled to Cuba on numerous occasions for treatment, the fear of death has led him to convert to Christianity. At all public gatherings and whenever he makes a television appearance, Chavez speaks openly about his Roman Catholic faith and always prominently displays icons representing his beliefs. In his motorcade there is a picture of Jesus on the front of his limousine. As he stands on a balcony before a crowd of people, he reverently kisses the crucifix. Chavez says that living with cancer has made him "more Christian." And before raising a cross to his lips, in reference to the healing powers of Jesus, Chavez said, "I'm sure our Christ will do it again, continuing the miracle."
We are not to question an individual's confession of faith but as elections near in which Chavez's re-election is not certain, we are given pause to think when political analyst Luis Vicente Leon says of Chavez: "He'll present himself as the chosen one, the man who has been cured and healed by the Lord to continue governing the country."
One wonders. Is Chavez the new Nicodemus, who sits in the Sanhedrin and then goes on to become a follower of Jesus? Or is Chavez like Judas, an open follower of Jesus who is quick to betray with the onset of disillusionment? And more to the point: in this continuum, where do you and I sit?
Reverend Patrick Conroy, the chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives, was recently interviewed by Nancy Haught for the Religious News Service. As a former teacher of theology, Conroy advises representatives who are confronted with a difficult vote that "Thomas Aquinas tells us to follow our conscience, to be honest with ourselves. If you can't do that, then we have a crisis." Absent of a conscience, there is a moral crisis. Though we are not to judge our brethren, neither do we unquestionably accept the sincerity of their words and convictions.
THE WORD
German theologian Dietrich Bonheoffer, who was martyred for his conviction opposing Nazism, wrote that Judas ought to be a warning to all of us who serve the church. Judas was one of the twelve. Judas was a part of the inner circle. Judas became misguided and betrayed the one whom he revered the previous day before. Bonheoffer notes that (like Judas) we who serve the church are also a part of that inner circle. Are our words and actions going to condemn us to be a Judas?
Luke recalls in this week's Acts passage that Judas "was numbered among us" (v. 17). Luke recalls that Judas has "accompanied us during all the time" we spent with Jesus (v. 21). Luke reminds us that Judas was trusted enough by the other eleven to be appointed treasurer. But then it was Judas who gave that fateful kiss in the garden.
The question becomes: Will we come out of the shadows like Nicodemus? Or will retreat into the shadows like Judas?
CRAFTING THE SERMON
I. Discuss how easy it is to become like Judas.
II. Discuss how we can protect ourselves by allowing our brethren to examine and challenge us in church school, prayer meetings, and small group studies. For this reason, discuss how important it is for us to become associated with one of these groups.
III. Discuss how we must always be enriching our lives spiritually through private meditation, Bible reading, worship, and small group participation.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Peter Arnett, well-known for his reporting from international hotspots, wrote in his autobiography about his experiences in Vietnam. He pointed out that one day he was near "the forbidding Man Yang pass," where in early 1950 the French Army group Mobile 100 was wiped out by a series of Vietnamese ambushes and assaults. Arnett was told that the French soldiers were buried near there and at their prior request were buried upright and facing France.
In Jesus' prayer he acknowledges to God and to us that his followers don't belong to the world. More literally, "they are not of the world," in the sense that the true origin of their (second) birth isn't from this earth. Also, they owe their allegiance beyond this world (order). Even as we go to our graves, we know the direction in which to look for true life.
* * *
Teaching children to swim can be challenging. You can't pull them out of the water completely -- after all, that would defeat the purpose! It's not reasonable to refuse to teach them to swim; it's an ability that they may find useful later in life, and it will give them and their families peace of mind if they are ever on a boat or near a body of water. But water can be dangerous; many children drown every year. When teaching a child to swim, you must be extra careful. Did they take a big enough breath? If I pull them out too quickly, will they ever learn how to swim on their own? Should I make them go under with me even if they're petrified? Worries about teaching a child to swim echo Jesus' worries in John 17:15: "I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one."
* * *
Jesus' prayer for his followers linked their living in the truth (in Christ) with protection from the evil one. That assurance can fortify a disciple, even when life itself is threatened.
Galileo was known to be godly, but also committed to discovering and sharing truth in his discipline, natural science. But Galileo found himself confronted with evil in an unlikely form: the leadership of his own church. Having published his sensational and controversial study Dialogue on Two Chief World Systems, he was summoned before a church court to renounce his view that the earth moves, not the sun. His view was seen to be a challenge -- and a threat -- to Christian theology. Faced with torture, Galileo recanted on his knees, after which he was "rewarded" with house arrest for life. As he struggled up from his kneeling position, he was heard to mutter words that indicated the truth would not let him go, even under duress. Galileo said, audibly enough only for a friend to hear: "But the earth still moves."
* * *
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle, the Christian community was scrutinized for the two best leaders. Then with the casting of lots, an exercise that was to be guided by the Holy Spirit, Matthias was selected.
In selecting church leadership today, are we as selective? One example might be the 22 Roman Catholic cardinals who were appointed on January 6, 2012. The biographies that were distributed to the press were cut and pasted from Wikipedia -- a notoriously unreliable source of information but one that is popular for its ease of accessibility.
The Vatican library, containing more than 1.6 million books and 50 miles of shelves storing documents, is considered one of the most important research centers in the world. Yet instead of using this treasure house of information, the Vatican turned to the internet. Why? Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said they were driven by "haste."
Let us be sure we learn the backgrounds of our leaders with better scrutiny and reliable sources.
* * *
How would you like to be named Judas?
The name conjures up immediately and almost universally a picture of betrayal. It has a sting to it that causes a nauseating sensation. It causes frowns and feelings of anger mixed with depression. To betray someone is one thing but to betray the only perfect human being that ever lived is something else.
For all time in the future Judas' name will be linked with the demise of our Lord. While Jesus overcame Judas' dastardly act, the stigma continues to ride heavy. Indeed, when you and I see or hear of someone being betrayed, what single word often crops into our thought processes? Sooner or later, it's Judas.
You and I can betray the Master almost daily, but who is going to hang a noose around our necks that we have to carry to our graves? Indeed, who will speak ill of us because of our Judas-like acts? Spiritually, we seem to be home free in our traitorous dealings with the Christ... but are we?
* * *
Judas brings to mind one of the mysteries of life -- the capacity for good and evil within each of us. Luther had a Latin phrase for this: Simul justus et peccator. (We are at the same time justified and sinners.)
Yet Judas' still mother must have loved him. Francis Quarles has an enlightening word for us:
Before thou reprehend another, take heed thou are not culpable in what thou goest about to reprehend. He that cleanses a blot with blotted fingers makes a greater blur.
* * *
One of the great passions of Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2, is to end debt in the developing world and to end AIDS on the African continent. He once explained why he has this passion. Bono said, "I do believe that the kingdom of heaven is taken by force. God doesn't mind if we bang on heaven sometimes, asking him to listen to what we have to say... At least, that is the kind of religion I believe in."
Do we want to do the same? Do we have a similar passion that is willing to let God know we want to incite hope, and we will continue to pray aggressively until God shows us where we should start?
Jesus gave his disciples hope when he reminded them all that what Moses, the prophets, and the psalmists said had been fulfilled in him and now they had a task set before them, but they were to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them to give them the power to accomplish their task.
* * *
We don't have much use for dictators in the twenty-first century -- we want to vote and have a say in who runs things. Throughout the Bible, people felt the same way. When Moses had gotten the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt and on their way to the Promised Land, the people took a vote -- and their vote was that they had had enough of the sand and the heat and they wanted to go back. But God ignored their election results and led them on.
A short time later when Moses was up on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments, the people down below went to the ballot box. They voted to impeach God and elected a golden calf to take God's place. Again God overturned their decision and declared that he alone would be their God.
The truth is that the Christian church is a dictatorship. Although we have negative connotations when we hear that word, a dictator is one who dictates -- i.e., one who speaks. In the Christian church, our dictator is God, because it is God who wants to speak to us.
As Jesus departed from the disciples, he instructed them to wait in Jerusalem and to listen for God's instructions rather than to follow any plans that they themselves might devise.
* * *
A little boy who was attending his first symphony orchestra concert marveled at the different musicians as they came on stage and sat down. They were an odd mix of young and old, men and women. One by one they picked up their instruments and each began to play a few notes. It sounded like a terrible noise since they didn't seem to be playing the same music. Then the boy saw a man in a long black coat walk to the center of the stage. He raised a long thin stick and the noise stopped. With a sweep of this man's hand the musicians began to play again, and the music now was very beautiful.
When the disciples first saw the risen Christ they were fearful and confused. It was only after they received the promise to be "clothed with power from on high" that they came together with a newfound power and sense of direction.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by Mary Austin
Call to Worship
Leader: Clap your hands, people of God.
People: We will praise God with heart and voice.
Leader: Lift up your prayers, people of God.
People: We will listen for God speaking.
Leader: Bring your gifts, people of God.
People: We will worship with our treasure and our time.
Leader: Shout out with joy, people of God.
People: We will honor God with all that we are.
OR
Leader: The power of God meets us here.
People: We come to be touched by the holy.
Leader: The grace of God embraces us here.
People: We kneel to be forgiven in love.
Leader: The mercy of God renews us here.
People: We pray to be made servants.
Leader: The courage of God fills us here.
People: We leave to serve the world.
Prayer for the Day / Collect for the Day
Mighty and loving God, we come in praise and wonder this Sabbath day, marveling again that you are never where we look for you first. We gaze toward heaven and you bless us by being in our midst. Teach us again, we pray, how to find you and where to serve you. In the name of Jesus, our teacher and our redeemer, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Surprising God, you touch us with your power and we refuse to use it for good. You are here among us, but we continue to gaze toward heaven. You give us work to do, and we fail to be your witnesses. Forgive us our lack of courage, our failing energy, and our despair. Renew us, we pray, with your joy, and bless us with your power that we might serve you fully and worship you deeply. In the name of Jesus, who is with you and also with us, Amen.
Offering Prayer
God of unending gifts, we praise you for all that blesses our lives, knowing that all of it is a gift from you. Accept these gifts, we pray, as signs of our love for you and our hope to serve the world, in your holy name, Amen.
Suggested Hymns
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"
"At the Name of Jesus"
"Come, Christians Join to Sing"
"Crown Him with Many Crowns"
"He Is King of Kings"
"I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art"
"In Christ There Is No East or West"
"Lord, You Give the Great Commission"
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
"Rejoice, the Lord is King"
"Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart"
"Spirit of the Living God"
"The Church's One Foundation"
"Today We Are All Called to Be Disciples"
Children's Sermon Starter
Ask the children about times when people go up in the sky: flying in an airplane, skydiving, ballooning, on so on. All of us (hopefully -- don't use this idea if there's any history of plane crashes or people losing loved ones in airline disasters in your community) go up and come back down. The ascension story talks about Jesus leaving his friends to go to heaven. We don't see him in the same way now, but what we can see clearly is the work he left us to do.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Still With Us
Luke 24:44-53
Object: a Bible
Good morning, boys and girls! After Jesus was raised from the dead he remained here on earth for forty days. His disciples saw him, talked with him, and ate with him. At the end of forty days, he led his disciples out to a hill outside Jerusalem and as they watched, he was taken up into heaven.
Now what do you think? If Jesus was taken up into heaven, does that mean he is no longer with us? (let the children answer)
Well, Jesus did go into heaven but that doesn't mean he has deserted us. In fact, he promised that he would always be with us. How can he still be with us if he went up into heaven? (let them answer)
Jesus is always with us because Jesus is God, and God is everywhere. He is in heaven but also everywhere on earth. If I pray to Jesus, he is right there next to me listening to my prayer. If I want to find Jesus, all I need do is open this book. (show the Bible) The Bible is the Word of God, and Jesus is also called the Word of God. When I read this Bible, I am reading Jesus. He is with me whenever I open this book. Just as he promised, he is always with us.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your promise to be with us always. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, May 20, 2012, issue.
Copyright 2012 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
So what do we make of being told that we must "stay in the city" even though we do not belong to the world, especially if that means the world will hate us? George notes that this describes the situation of many "outsiders" in our world, particularly those who are dissidents (whether political, religious, or otherwise). Isn't that a good summary of predicament facing Chen Guangcheng, who as he sought temporary refuge in the American embassy struggled with an agonizing choice about whether to remain in his community or to leave China altogether? George also lifts up the experience of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who after years of house arrest and oppression by Myanmar's military rulers was elected to her country's parliament and faced the dilemma of whether or not to sign the regime's "loyalty oath" in order to take her seat. As George aptly points out, the common thread for these "outsiders" -- as well as for all Christians -- is to understand the grace-filled truth that underlies the paradox of simultaneously belonging and not belonging to the world.
Team member Ron Love shares some additional thoughts on the epistle text for Easter 7 that recounts the process of replacing Judas' slot in the twelve disciples. Ron notes that it's all too easy for us to become like Judas -- and contrasts the betrayal of a confirmed insider (Judas) with the genuine conversion of a rank outsider (Nicodemus). With reports of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's conversion to Christianity, Ron wonders whether Chavez is a Judas or a Nicodemus -- and asks us to look in the mirror and consider whether we are Judases or Nicodemuses. How can we tell when dealing with converts whether the change of heart is genuine as opposed to empty words? Of course, the answer is in the opening verses of the John passage, in which Jesus says that "the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me" (17:8).
Here or There?
by George Reed
Luke 24:44-53; John 17:6-19
In the Ascension lections we have the paradox that Jesus is leaving so that he can stay in the world. Conversely, in the Seventh Sunday of Easter lections we have Jesus talking about the disciples not belonging to the world and yet they are still in the world. What does it mean to belong and to not belong at the same time?
THE WORLD
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese dissident, has won a seat in the Myanmar/Burmese parliament and has taken the oath of office. After many years under house arrest and working diligently to change the government from the "outside," she now finds herself trying to accomplish that objective on the "inside."
The case of Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng also is continuing in a state of limbo. Chen, who made headlines after taking shelter in the U.S. embassy, eventually opted to leave the embassy and remain in China. But days later he reversed course and asked to be allowed to leave the country and study in America -- and while an agreement has been struck between the Chinese and American governments, Chen is still dealing with harassment from local authorities and remains wary about whether the Chinese will live up to their end of the bargain.
It's not just individuals who find themselves as outsiders. The United States military is in Afghanistan -- but finds itself suspecting the motives and behavior not just of the Taliban but also of many Afghanis who are supposed to be our allies. Our soldiers are definitely in the country but not part of it -- and their lives are constantly in danger as they try to be there.
Another example is undocumented workers in this country who are working to make a better life for themselves and for the United States. They fill a needed slot in the economy of the country, just as immigrants have always done. Yet because of restrictive laws that do not allow enough immigrants from Mexico into the country to fill the need we have for their work, they find themselves not really belonging.
THE WORD
In the gospel lesson for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Jesus talks about himself and the disciples being sent into the world and yet not belonging to the world. There is a mission, and there is no request for the removal of Jesus or the disciples from the world. Jesus specifically underlines this when he prays that "I am not asking you to take [the disciples] out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one" (John 17:15), and repeats that "they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world" (v. 16). The presence of God must continue.
In the Ascension story we witness Jesus taking leave of the world -- and yet not leaving it. The Spirit that will be sent is experienced as the presence of God and the presence of Jesus. In the Acts passage (1:1-11) the Spirit is identified both ways.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
Christians should feel a kinship to the outsiders listed above, as we are among those who are here and yet do not belong here. We belong to a different realm -- our allegiance is to another reign. Our manifesto is based on the life and teachings of Jesus, most clearly spelled out in what we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount.
So why is it that we try so hard to fit in? Why is it that we want to act as if we hold the same values and ethics as the world? If we are disciples of Jesus, if we are Christians, if we are the Body of Christ and the presence of God in this world, then we are not like those around us.
We have a mission to fulfill. It is our only purpose in being here. We are here to share the good news that God is redeeming us and all creation. There is hope and life for us all.
ANOTHER VIEW
A Nicodemus or a Judas?
by Ron Love
Acts 1:15-26
THE WORLD
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has spent his entire career as a practicing socialist. As an adamant follower of Karl Marx he adopted Marxist principles, including that of atheism.
Yet Chavez suffers from life-threatening cancer and has traveled to Cuba on numerous occasions for treatment, the fear of death has led him to convert to Christianity. At all public gatherings and whenever he makes a television appearance, Chavez speaks openly about his Roman Catholic faith and always prominently displays icons representing his beliefs. In his motorcade there is a picture of Jesus on the front of his limousine. As he stands on a balcony before a crowd of people, he reverently kisses the crucifix. Chavez says that living with cancer has made him "more Christian." And before raising a cross to his lips, in reference to the healing powers of Jesus, Chavez said, "I'm sure our Christ will do it again, continuing the miracle."
We are not to question an individual's confession of faith but as elections near in which Chavez's re-election is not certain, we are given pause to think when political analyst Luis Vicente Leon says of Chavez: "He'll present himself as the chosen one, the man who has been cured and healed by the Lord to continue governing the country."
One wonders. Is Chavez the new Nicodemus, who sits in the Sanhedrin and then goes on to become a follower of Jesus? Or is Chavez like Judas, an open follower of Jesus who is quick to betray with the onset of disillusionment? And more to the point: in this continuum, where do you and I sit?
Reverend Patrick Conroy, the chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives, was recently interviewed by Nancy Haught for the Religious News Service. As a former teacher of theology, Conroy advises representatives who are confronted with a difficult vote that "Thomas Aquinas tells us to follow our conscience, to be honest with ourselves. If you can't do that, then we have a crisis." Absent of a conscience, there is a moral crisis. Though we are not to judge our brethren, neither do we unquestionably accept the sincerity of their words and convictions.
THE WORD
German theologian Dietrich Bonheoffer, who was martyred for his conviction opposing Nazism, wrote that Judas ought to be a warning to all of us who serve the church. Judas was one of the twelve. Judas was a part of the inner circle. Judas became misguided and betrayed the one whom he revered the previous day before. Bonheoffer notes that (like Judas) we who serve the church are also a part of that inner circle. Are our words and actions going to condemn us to be a Judas?
Luke recalls in this week's Acts passage that Judas "was numbered among us" (v. 17). Luke recalls that Judas has "accompanied us during all the time" we spent with Jesus (v. 21). Luke reminds us that Judas was trusted enough by the other eleven to be appointed treasurer. But then it was Judas who gave that fateful kiss in the garden.
The question becomes: Will we come out of the shadows like Nicodemus? Or will retreat into the shadows like Judas?
CRAFTING THE SERMON
I. Discuss how easy it is to become like Judas.
II. Discuss how we can protect ourselves by allowing our brethren to examine and challenge us in church school, prayer meetings, and small group studies. For this reason, discuss how important it is for us to become associated with one of these groups.
III. Discuss how we must always be enriching our lives spiritually through private meditation, Bible reading, worship, and small group participation.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Peter Arnett, well-known for his reporting from international hotspots, wrote in his autobiography about his experiences in Vietnam. He pointed out that one day he was near "the forbidding Man Yang pass," where in early 1950 the French Army group Mobile 100 was wiped out by a series of Vietnamese ambushes and assaults. Arnett was told that the French soldiers were buried near there and at their prior request were buried upright and facing France.
In Jesus' prayer he acknowledges to God and to us that his followers don't belong to the world. More literally, "they are not of the world," in the sense that the true origin of their (second) birth isn't from this earth. Also, they owe their allegiance beyond this world (order). Even as we go to our graves, we know the direction in which to look for true life.
* * *
Teaching children to swim can be challenging. You can't pull them out of the water completely -- after all, that would defeat the purpose! It's not reasonable to refuse to teach them to swim; it's an ability that they may find useful later in life, and it will give them and their families peace of mind if they are ever on a boat or near a body of water. But water can be dangerous; many children drown every year. When teaching a child to swim, you must be extra careful. Did they take a big enough breath? If I pull them out too quickly, will they ever learn how to swim on their own? Should I make them go under with me even if they're petrified? Worries about teaching a child to swim echo Jesus' worries in John 17:15: "I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one."
* * *
Jesus' prayer for his followers linked their living in the truth (in Christ) with protection from the evil one. That assurance can fortify a disciple, even when life itself is threatened.
Galileo was known to be godly, but also committed to discovering and sharing truth in his discipline, natural science. But Galileo found himself confronted with evil in an unlikely form: the leadership of his own church. Having published his sensational and controversial study Dialogue on Two Chief World Systems, he was summoned before a church court to renounce his view that the earth moves, not the sun. His view was seen to be a challenge -- and a threat -- to Christian theology. Faced with torture, Galileo recanted on his knees, after which he was "rewarded" with house arrest for life. As he struggled up from his kneeling position, he was heard to mutter words that indicated the truth would not let him go, even under duress. Galileo said, audibly enough only for a friend to hear: "But the earth still moves."
* * *
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle, the Christian community was scrutinized for the two best leaders. Then with the casting of lots, an exercise that was to be guided by the Holy Spirit, Matthias was selected.
In selecting church leadership today, are we as selective? One example might be the 22 Roman Catholic cardinals who were appointed on January 6, 2012. The biographies that were distributed to the press were cut and pasted from Wikipedia -- a notoriously unreliable source of information but one that is popular for its ease of accessibility.
The Vatican library, containing more than 1.6 million books and 50 miles of shelves storing documents, is considered one of the most important research centers in the world. Yet instead of using this treasure house of information, the Vatican turned to the internet. Why? Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said they were driven by "haste."
Let us be sure we learn the backgrounds of our leaders with better scrutiny and reliable sources.
* * *
How would you like to be named Judas?
The name conjures up immediately and almost universally a picture of betrayal. It has a sting to it that causes a nauseating sensation. It causes frowns and feelings of anger mixed with depression. To betray someone is one thing but to betray the only perfect human being that ever lived is something else.
For all time in the future Judas' name will be linked with the demise of our Lord. While Jesus overcame Judas' dastardly act, the stigma continues to ride heavy. Indeed, when you and I see or hear of someone being betrayed, what single word often crops into our thought processes? Sooner or later, it's Judas.
You and I can betray the Master almost daily, but who is going to hang a noose around our necks that we have to carry to our graves? Indeed, who will speak ill of us because of our Judas-like acts? Spiritually, we seem to be home free in our traitorous dealings with the Christ... but are we?
* * *
Judas brings to mind one of the mysteries of life -- the capacity for good and evil within each of us. Luther had a Latin phrase for this: Simul justus et peccator. (We are at the same time justified and sinners.)
Yet Judas' still mother must have loved him. Francis Quarles has an enlightening word for us:
Before thou reprehend another, take heed thou are not culpable in what thou goest about to reprehend. He that cleanses a blot with blotted fingers makes a greater blur.
* * *
One of the great passions of Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2, is to end debt in the developing world and to end AIDS on the African continent. He once explained why he has this passion. Bono said, "I do believe that the kingdom of heaven is taken by force. God doesn't mind if we bang on heaven sometimes, asking him to listen to what we have to say... At least, that is the kind of religion I believe in."
Do we want to do the same? Do we have a similar passion that is willing to let God know we want to incite hope, and we will continue to pray aggressively until God shows us where we should start?
Jesus gave his disciples hope when he reminded them all that what Moses, the prophets, and the psalmists said had been fulfilled in him and now they had a task set before them, but they were to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them to give them the power to accomplish their task.
* * *
We don't have much use for dictators in the twenty-first century -- we want to vote and have a say in who runs things. Throughout the Bible, people felt the same way. When Moses had gotten the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt and on their way to the Promised Land, the people took a vote -- and their vote was that they had had enough of the sand and the heat and they wanted to go back. But God ignored their election results and led them on.
A short time later when Moses was up on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments, the people down below went to the ballot box. They voted to impeach God and elected a golden calf to take God's place. Again God overturned their decision and declared that he alone would be their God.
The truth is that the Christian church is a dictatorship. Although we have negative connotations when we hear that word, a dictator is one who dictates -- i.e., one who speaks. In the Christian church, our dictator is God, because it is God who wants to speak to us.
As Jesus departed from the disciples, he instructed them to wait in Jerusalem and to listen for God's instructions rather than to follow any plans that they themselves might devise.
* * *
A little boy who was attending his first symphony orchestra concert marveled at the different musicians as they came on stage and sat down. They were an odd mix of young and old, men and women. One by one they picked up their instruments and each began to play a few notes. It sounded like a terrible noise since they didn't seem to be playing the same music. Then the boy saw a man in a long black coat walk to the center of the stage. He raised a long thin stick and the noise stopped. With a sweep of this man's hand the musicians began to play again, and the music now was very beautiful.
When the disciples first saw the risen Christ they were fearful and confused. It was only after they received the promise to be "clothed with power from on high" that they came together with a newfound power and sense of direction.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by Mary Austin
Call to Worship
Leader: Clap your hands, people of God.
People: We will praise God with heart and voice.
Leader: Lift up your prayers, people of God.
People: We will listen for God speaking.
Leader: Bring your gifts, people of God.
People: We will worship with our treasure and our time.
Leader: Shout out with joy, people of God.
People: We will honor God with all that we are.
OR
Leader: The power of God meets us here.
People: We come to be touched by the holy.
Leader: The grace of God embraces us here.
People: We kneel to be forgiven in love.
Leader: The mercy of God renews us here.
People: We pray to be made servants.
Leader: The courage of God fills us here.
People: We leave to serve the world.
Prayer for the Day / Collect for the Day
Mighty and loving God, we come in praise and wonder this Sabbath day, marveling again that you are never where we look for you first. We gaze toward heaven and you bless us by being in our midst. Teach us again, we pray, how to find you and where to serve you. In the name of Jesus, our teacher and our redeemer, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Surprising God, you touch us with your power and we refuse to use it for good. You are here among us, but we continue to gaze toward heaven. You give us work to do, and we fail to be your witnesses. Forgive us our lack of courage, our failing energy, and our despair. Renew us, we pray, with your joy, and bless us with your power that we might serve you fully and worship you deeply. In the name of Jesus, who is with you and also with us, Amen.
Offering Prayer
God of unending gifts, we praise you for all that blesses our lives, knowing that all of it is a gift from you. Accept these gifts, we pray, as signs of our love for you and our hope to serve the world, in your holy name, Amen.
Suggested Hymns
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"
"At the Name of Jesus"
"Come, Christians Join to Sing"
"Crown Him with Many Crowns"
"He Is King of Kings"
"I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art"
"In Christ There Is No East or West"
"Lord, You Give the Great Commission"
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
"Rejoice, the Lord is King"
"Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart"
"Spirit of the Living God"
"The Church's One Foundation"
"Today We Are All Called to Be Disciples"
Children's Sermon Starter
Ask the children about times when people go up in the sky: flying in an airplane, skydiving, ballooning, on so on. All of us (hopefully -- don't use this idea if there's any history of plane crashes or people losing loved ones in airline disasters in your community) go up and come back down. The ascension story talks about Jesus leaving his friends to go to heaven. We don't see him in the same way now, but what we can see clearly is the work he left us to do.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Still With Us
Luke 24:44-53
Object: a Bible
Good morning, boys and girls! After Jesus was raised from the dead he remained here on earth for forty days. His disciples saw him, talked with him, and ate with him. At the end of forty days, he led his disciples out to a hill outside Jerusalem and as they watched, he was taken up into heaven.
Now what do you think? If Jesus was taken up into heaven, does that mean he is no longer with us? (let the children answer)
Well, Jesus did go into heaven but that doesn't mean he has deserted us. In fact, he promised that he would always be with us. How can he still be with us if he went up into heaven? (let them answer)
Jesus is always with us because Jesus is God, and God is everywhere. He is in heaven but also everywhere on earth. If I pray to Jesus, he is right there next to me listening to my prayer. If I want to find Jesus, all I need do is open this book. (show the Bible) The Bible is the Word of God, and Jesus is also called the Word of God. When I read this Bible, I am reading Jesus. He is with me whenever I open this book. Just as he promised, he is always with us.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your promise to be with us always. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, May 20, 2012, issue.
Copyright 2012 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
