Suffering And Serving, One And All
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
Object:
We have all been stunned and horrified by the shooting rampage this past weekend in Arizona, which left a congresswoman critically wounded and killed a federal judge. That such an attack happened at a routine constituent event outside a supermarket is particularly troubling, as it strikes a blow at our ability to interact with the government officials who represent us in the halls of power. In the wake of the attack, a nationwide debate has arisen regarding the presence in our national discourse of what New York Times columnist Paul Krugman has termed "eliminationist rhetoric," and more generally, whether the level of acrimony in our political conversation has created a toxic environment that encourages those on the margins of society to act on their violent impulses. But as more details emerge about the alleged shooter, Jared Loughner, it appears that he was mentally ill and there is much evidence that he may have acted irregardless of the political climate -- offering support to the view of many that the debate over the tenor of the national conversation is a diversion from the real issues that precipitated the attack. In this installment of The Immediate Word, team member Mary Austin discusses these issues, and finds in this week's assigned lectionary texts some wisdom that may point a way forward: our calling, as servants of Jesus, to build relationships even with those who are vastly different from ourselves and our viewpoints. That is the real path toward dialing back the animosity and hate that all too often are the hallmarks of our public interactions. Team member Ron Love offers some additional thoughts on the Isaiah passage and the prophet's admonition to "listen to me" -- and suggests that it underlines the importance of proclamation and witnessing our faith to others, even when we might be uncomfortable with doing so.
Suffering and Serving, One and All
by Mary Austin
John 1:29-42; Isaiah 49:1-7
Jesus' gentle invitation to "come and see" stands in sharp contrast to the highly charged political rhetoric that has come under scrutiny in recent days, after this past weekend's shooting rampage in Arizona. Politicians on both the left and the right have, rightly, denounced violence in any form, and many public figures have raised the question of how our language about violence and actual violence may be connected. As we know by now, the shooting in Tucson left Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, a number of others injured, and six people -- including a federal judge, three senior citizens, a Giffords staff member, and a third grader -- dead.
Many have commented that the metaphors used by public figures like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck of "lock and load" or "shooting" and "taking out" opponents contributed to this outbreak of violence in Arizona. Others contend that the language of politics has always been filled with war-like imagery, and that politicians using hyperbole to rally the faithful can't be responsible for the actions of unstable people.
The cause of the shooting is less interesting than how we, as people of faith, and we, as a nation of politically passionate people, will move forward after this. Jesus' call to his followers and the words of Isaiah offer us wisdom in this time of national grief and soul-searching.
THE WORD
The lectionary text from John's gospel shows Jesus inviting people to follow him, learning from him, and working with him. His invitation to them is stated as a simple and gentle "Come and see." As he invites people to join him, he displays a deep knowledge of who they are. His choice of words is compelling enough that, by the next day, his followers are inviting other people along with the same language: "Come and see." No proclamation of what to believe, no list of requirements, and no denouncing the other side. The "come and see" invitation is about a relationship.
The text from Isaiah is one of the four "Suffering Servant" texts in Isaiah that speak about an unnamed servant. Some Christian interpreters find this to be a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ, and other scholars believe that the suffering servant refers to the nation of Israel itself. For one perspective on this text, see Ron Love's comments below in the "Another View" section. Without debating the subject of these texts, we can see that this passage speaks eloquently about the burdens of serving as God calls us to do. The servant protests, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God" (v. 4). The voice of God promises that the servant will be "a light to the nations" (v. 6). All of us have felt that weariness at times, and yet the fatigue doesn't end the call from God.
Both aspects of being a servant -- which we all are, as we follow Jesus Christ -- are compelling in the wake of the sad day of killing in Tucson.
THE WORLD
In an opinion piece in the New York Times, columnist Paul Krugman asks: "When you heard the terrible news from Arizona, were you completely surprised? Or were you, at some level, expecting something like this atrocity to happen?" Noting the rise in dramatically violent speech in American politics, Krugman adds, "Put me in the latter category. I've had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since the final stages of the 2008 campaign... The Department of Homeland Security reached the same conclusion: in April 2009 an internal report warned that right-wing extremism was on the rise, with a growing potential for violence. Conservatives denounced that report. But there has, in fact, been a rising tide of threats and vandalism aimed at elected officials, including both Judge John Roll, who was killed Saturday, and Representative Gabrielle Giffords. One of these days, someone was bound to take it to the next level. And now someone has."
A review of comments on the Fox News website found, uniformly, the opposite view -- that there's no connection between campaign language and this shooting or any other violence.
As Clarence Dupnik, the sheriff who serves Tucson and has been the face of law enforcement after the Arizona shootings, put it, a big contributing factor is "the vitriolic rhetoric that we hear day in and day out from people in the radio business and some people in the TV business". Others have noted that it's hard to draw an exact connection between public speech and the actions of one disturbed, mentally ill person.
I find myself in sympathy with both views.
As a pastor, I believe that words are important. All of us who serve as rabbis, priests, and pastors have been called out of the pews to work with words on behalf of other people. We examine the timeless words of our respective faiths, wrestle with them, press them for new and fresh meanings for our time, and then choose words to convey that to the people we serve. Almost no one else in American life has the privilege of speaking to people uninterrupted (usually) for 8 or 12 or 20 minutes at a time. We have the honor of choosing words that can touch people's deepest reality.
Yet, as a pastor, I know how many words go unheard or unheeded, or are different to the listener than they seemed to me. Not once has anyone ever leapt up from the pew in the middle of a sermon to go and do what I was recommending. People may have changed something in their lives or beliefs after a long accumulation of words, continuing the dialogue begun by a sermon over coffee or dinner or in a hallway -- but the words that change our lives come rarely and incubate slowly.
However, as Steve Benen notes in a blog on the Washington Monthly website, the danger of violent language and the fact that the gunman in the Arizona shooting was apparently mentally ill are not completely separate realities. "I'm inclined to think the two points aren't mutually exclusive," he writes. We never know what tangled and unwell minds will make of hateful speech. Paul Krugman of The New York Times notes that energetic, violent hate speech draws in listeners and boosts ratings. "But," he continues, "even if hate is what many want to hear, that doesn't excuse those who pander to that desire. They should be shunned by all decent people."
CRAFTING THE SERMON
There are several places to go with this sermon, depending on a particular congregation and its needs.
The sermon could be about belonging -- what it takes to belong to a political party these days, or to the tea party, or to our civic organizations and favorite causes. That all stands in contrast to what it takes to belong to Jesus, who has a much shorter list of requirements, but asks for more depth from us. Where does our loyalty lie? How do we shape our lives so we belong to Jesus?
Or to take another direction, the sermon could also be about language and how our language shapes our reality. "Obamacare" and "health care reform" have two different connotations. "Illegal aliens" sounds more dangerous than "undocumented workers." Women, along with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people, and people of color have all seen changes in how they're described. Countless derogatory words have gone out of use. In the same way, how might we, as Christians, understand language about violence toward people with whom we have political differences?
Or the sermon could be about relationships, which will be the only balm for this hateful episode in our common life. We find it easy to demonize the other side of any debate because we lack genuine connections with each other. A call for civility in political life is a start, but only a start. Cleaning up our language so we can have civil discourse about the same attitudes we hold now is only wallpaper over a deep divide.
What we need is the foundation on which Jesus built his community of servants: relationship. That means connections with people who think differently, and even express those differences passionately, but with the foundation of a shared life. That kind of service, to one another as neighbors, comes with discomfort, and is not easily done. Being with people like us, who think like we do, is much easier, at least in the short run. But we will never be well, as a nation, until we hold onto the truth that we are all in this together. Left and right, Republican and Democrat, millionaire and homeless person, veteran and pacifist, meat-eater and vegan -- we will always have our differences, but we can create and hold onto a genuine sense of community. Then we will know that winning isn't winning when it comes at a cost to the greater whole.
As Roxanna Green, the mother of Christina Green, the nine-year-old girl born on 9/11 and killed in the Arizona shooting eloquently summed it up: "I think there's been a lot of hatred going, and it needs to stop".
ANOTHER VIEW
Listen to Me
by Ron Love
Isaiah 49:1-7
"Listen to me," Isaiah cried out to his people. Bold, courageous, uncompromising, assured -- these would be some of the adjectives that would describe the forthrightness of Isaiah's summons. The strength of Isaiah's convictions is displayed when he says "my mouth is like a sharp sword." His willingness to pursue his mission is demonstrated when Isaiah says God made him like a "polished arrow."
The people of Judea were in exile in the foreign country of Babylon. They needed a message of hope. They needed a message of deliverance. They needed a message that God was still with them. But even though Isaiah assured them of a coming Redeemer, the people would not believe. They refused to entertain the prophet's message. They could not accept that the covenant was still in place.
Because of their despondency, Isaiah felt, in his own confession, "I have labored in vain." The people would not listen to him. The people would not believe him. The people saw only the quiver, not the polished arrow.
Yet Isaiah persisted.
"Listen to me" is something I am sure most of us would feel uncomfortable saying. It sounds too harsh, too critical, and too intrusive. Standing on the street corner is not for me. But then, where do we stand?
Street corner evangelism may be a practice of the past, but the words "listen to me" are ever present today. And the brazenness to say "listen to me" has equally remained.
What has happened is that we have lost the courage of our convictions. We are uncertain of our message, so we can't speak as a "sharp sword." Worst of all, we are convinced that everyone has already heard, so there is no one left to listen.
No one is asking that you publicly embarrass yourself by hollering "listen"; but neither is it being said that "listen" can be replaced by silence, or even a whisper. It is time to be honest with ourselves. We are called to share the gospel message. We are commanded to say to others "listen to me." In so doing, we must tailor our approach to be reflective of our personality and situation.
The place to begin is to have a self-understanding of what Jesus means to me personally. Next, we must accept the discipline of studying the Bible so we are knowledgeable enough, not to be a scholar, but to be conversant. Lastly, we must admit that not everyone has heard; or better, they have heard but they have not listened.
Perhaps you are their new Isaiah. Other prophets have spoken to them, but to no avail. But as God said of Isaiah, "I will give you as a light," we too may be the new light that shines forth the message of redemption. It may be your words and your actions that cause an unbeliever not only to hear, but also to listen. But this will not happen unless we accept the responsibility to go forth as a "polished arrow."
In preparing a sermon on this theme you may want to follow or adapt this outline:
I. Begin by discussing Isaiah's mission and message.
II. Draw parallels between Isaiah's cultural setting and message and ours today.
III. Discuss how we can bring the biblical message to those who need a redeemer. Highlight how redemption goes beyond sharing a message of salvation, but it incorporates a message of hope to the ill and acceptance to the disenfranchised.
IV. Dialogue on how we can prepare ourselves to share the message through private meditation and attending the educational opportunities offered by the church.
V. Conclude by sharing the opportunities to witness at work and in the community. Present the different styles of evangelism that are available, both by word and action. Then challenge the congregation to have the conviction and courage to say, "Listen to me!"
ILLUSTRATIONS
Recreational boaters understand the need for a "no wake zone" near docks, piers, and homes along the waterfront. There is often more danger present in the wake created by a passing boat than in the boat itself. The wake emanates from a stern of the boat, and creates waves that can damage boats tied to piers and docks long after the offending boat has passed by. The faster and more recklessly the boat is driven, the bigger the wake and the greater the potential damage. So park and law enforcement officials create laws that protect people and property from the damage caused not by the boat but by the wake that follows after the boat. As a boater, you are responsible for your wake. You are responsible for the damage that is created by your actions after you have left the scene.
One cannot but wonder how our country would be improved by such a sense of responsibility where words are concerned.
* * *
"In the black hills of South Dakota, outlaws and opportunists stake their claims to capitalize on the richest gold strike in American history." That's how the Deadwood website introduces the popular and profane HBO television series about the town of Deadwood "where the only law respected is the law of survival." Violence and the threat of violence was an integral part of this non-traditional western series, and nowhere was that more explicit than in the language of saloon owner and villain Al Swearengen, ably played by British actor Ian McShane.
Swearengen, while not afraid to use physical violence to accomplish his nefarious ends, prefers the verbal kind. Faced with the need to overpower and intimidate someone, Al assaults his adversary with a stream of pornographic, profane, obscene language that makes even the most jaded viewer cringe and almost always overwhelms and defeats the person to whom it is directed. Just a few minutes with Al Searengen makes it clear that language can be as violent a weapon as the sharpest knife and the highest caliber revolver.
So sharp was that knife that HBO canceled the series after three years in spite of a huge outpouring of fan complaints.
* * *
Everyone knows that the best form of advertising ever invented, and the one that is still most successful is word-of-mouth -- people telling other people. About 40 years ago there used to be an automobile named the Packard. Packard was the last car manufacturer to get into advertising. It didn't happen until old man Packard died, because whenever he was approached to buy some advertising for his cars he always said, "Don't need any; just ask the man who owns one." After his death, "Ask the man who owns one" became the Packard slogan.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is also known through word-of-mouth advertising. That's how the word about him gets out.
-- Daniel G. Mueller, "The Best Advertising of All," Just Follow the Signs (CSS Publishing, 1984)
* * *
"Come and see." It's an open house. People are invited to informally stop in and see a new home, remember an anniversary, and celebrate a minor holiday. "Come and see." Don't make a big fuss. Don't dress up. Don't bring presents. Just come and be with us! "Come and see." It's an invitation into relationship. Yes, there is almost always a good "excuse" for the invitation. At its core, however, is a warm welcome, an openness, a desire for relationship. "Come and see." Andrew's inviting words summoned his brother Peter into relationship with the Christ. It was a simple invitation with no strings attached. "Come and see." This same invitation brings many to Christ today.
* * *
On the front lawn of a certain church is a sign that reads: "Everyone is either a missionary or a mission field." Our church members are either Christians who are actively at work sharing the good news, or else they are people who are in need of having the good news shared with them. When Andrew met Jesus, Andrew's first desire was to find his brother and to bring him to meet Jesus too. Are we missionaries or mission fields?
* * *
Five Ohio State University football players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 football season when the NCAA discovered that they had profited monetarily from the sale of their autographs and some of their football prizes and equipment. But the NCAA also ruled that the university shared in the fault for not sufficiently educating the players about the rules; so the suspended players were allowed to play in last week's Sugar Bowl game against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
OSU coach Jim Tressel was not as easy on his players, however. Fearing that the five might abandon college football for the big paychecks and glory of the NFL, he took them all aside as a group. He said, "If you want to play in the bowl game, look me in the eye and promise me that you'll be here with this team next year." Every player agreed to forego the draft and return for their senior season.
Coach Tressel understands the meaning of loyalty. His question was just another way of saying, "To whom do you belong? To OSU? Or to the NFL? Choose now."
* * *
When the prophet Isaiah says "listen to me," we would do well to employ some active listening skills to make sure we hear what it is he is saying.
Communications experts offer the following as ways to improve our reception and retention of the things we listen to:
1. Face the source. Many who grew up during the age of radio remember rushing to the living room to hear their favorite radio program (The Shadow or Gunsmoke, for instance) and arranging the family around the room with everyone facing the radio.
2. Lean forward. That is, try to look as though you want to convince the person you are listening to that you really are listening. Looking like you are listening often leads to listening.
3. Offer feedback to the speaker, to test that you are really hearing what they are saying. Paraphrase what you are hearing in your own words.
4. Take notes. Write down the highlights of what you are hearing.
5. Eschew judgment. There will be plenty of time to weigh and judge what you are hearing later. First, however, make sure you are hearing what is being said.
* * *
In Billy Graham's meditation for this week he noted that it is "never hopeless to bear witness to unbelievers." He went on to write that he has concluded that there are two major barriers to keep people from believing in Jesus Christ. Graham wrote, "The first is the barrier of self-will -- that is, their determination to control their life instead of letting Christ control it." The evangelist went on to write, "The second major barrier is harder for us to see -- but it's even more powerful. This is Satan's hold on the world, and his commitment to do everything he can to keep us from Christ."
There are many individuals who need to hear "listen to me," as we share the gospel message.
* * *
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has decided to remain in college rather than make himself eligible for this spring's NFL draft, where he would most assuredly be the number one pick. The reason Luck gave is, "I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of the spring quarter of 2012."
This is a witness, not by one's word, but by one's actions. Luck is demonstrating the value of an education. The gospel message does not always have to be about Jesus, but it can be about the values Jesus desires to instill within us. We are to live as "polished arrows," so that all of our actions direct others to the Lord Jesus Christ.
* * *
Fifty years ago, on January 9, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his farewell speech to the Massachusetts legislature before departing to Washington, DC, to prepare for his presidency. Kennedy opened his speech with these words: "We shall be as a city upon a hill." Kennedy was quoting John Winthrop, who used that phrase aboard the ship Arbella in 1630, as the Puritans were preparing to land in the New World. Kennedy was implying that the eyes of the world would be upon his new administration, and in so doing his presidency must be like a city upon a hill.
God said, "I will give you as a light to the nations." The light comes in many hues, but all are to illuminate a path to a better society.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by George Reed
Call to Worship
Leader: Happy are those who trust in God.
People: God has multiplied to us gracious deeds.
Leader: God does not require burnt offerings of us.
People: God requires that we only delight to do God's will.
Leader: Let us tell the news of deliverance to all.
People: We rejoice in the steadfast love and salvation of our God.
OR
Leader: Come and draw near to God.
People: We have come to be closer to our God.
Leader: Come and draw near to one another.
People: We aren't so sure about wanting to do that.
Leader: God resides in your neighbor. God and others go together.
People: God help us to love one another so that we can truly love God.
Hymns and Sacred Songs
"All Creatures of Our God and King"
found in:
UMH: 62
H82: 400
PH: 455
AAHH: 147
NNBH: 33
NCH: 17
CH: 22
LBW: 527
Renew: 47
"Now Thank We All Our God"
found in:
UMH: 102
H82: 396, 397
PH: 555
NNBH: 330
NCH: 419
CH: 715
LBW: 533, 534
"Many Gifts, One Spirit"
found in:
UMH: 114
NCH: 177
"Hope of the World"
found in:
UMH: 178
H82: 472
PH: 360
NCH: 46
CH: 538
LBW: 493
"O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"
found in:
UMH: 430
H82: 559, 560
PH: 357
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
found in:
UMH: 431
CH: 677
"Jesu, Jesu"
found in:
UMH: 432
H82: 602
PH: 367
NCH: 498
CH: 600
Renew: 289
"This Is My Song"
found in:
UMH: 437
NCH: 591
CH: 722
"I Am Loved"
found in:
CCB: 80
"People Need the Lord"
CCB: 52
Music Resources Key:
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982 (The Episcopal Church)
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African-American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day / Collect
O God who has sent us Jesus to teach us your ways: Grant us the grace to learn them and the faith to follow them through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We have come today, O God, to praise you and to learn from you. Open our hearts that we may truly receive the living Christ into our lives so that others may find in us reflections of you. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins, and especially the ways in which we allow the differences among us to divide our community and spoil our witness to your steadfast love and faithfulness.
People: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You have called us to be in community with you and with one another so that your love and salvation may spread throughout creation. Yet we have allowed so many things to divide us. We have forgotten that your love and being your children trumps all that is different among us. Forgive us and draw us closer to you so that we may draw closer to one another. Amen.
Leader: God calls us back together and welcomes us into the family of all God's children. Live in the unity of God's Spirit and know that nothing can separate us from God's love.
Prayers of the People (and the Lord's Prayer)
We praise you for your love, O God, which unites and never separates. You are no respecter of persons, but call us all to dwell in the joy of your loving kindness.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You have called us to be in community with you and with one another so that your love and salvation may spread throughout creation. Yet we have allowed so many things to divide us. We have forgotten that your love and being your children trumps all that is different among us. Forgive us and draw us closer to you so that we may draw closer to one another.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have drawn us into your love and care. When we have strayed, you have sought us; when we have rebelled, you have waited patiently for us to come to our senses. Your faithfulness has never failed us and your Spirit has never deserted us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We offer to your loving presence our broken world and our broken communities of faith. We pray for those who have sought a place near you and have been driven away by our actions and words. We pray for ourselves and a world that continues in a downward spiral of violence and hatred.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together, saying:
Our Father... Amen.
(or if the Lord's Prayer is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
Visuals
Scenes of separation and violence -- police and protesters; black and white mobs; scenes of war and violence. Not pretty, but neither is the reality of it all.
Children's Sermon Starter
Nothing cute, no gimmicks. This is a time to talk to the children about the harm words can do. Talk about times when you may have been called names or shunned by a group. Talk about how hurtful it is when people say mean things to us. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can break our spirit. Share how Jesus loves us all and invites us to live as God's family.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Come and See
John 1:29-42
Object: a party invitation
Good morning, boy and girls! I just love parties, don't you? What are some parties people may have? (get responses) Birthdays, graduations, weddings, Valentine's Day, Christmas -- there are lots of different kinds of parties. (show your invitation) People might use cards like this one to invite people to a party. This is an invitation. It lets people know all about the party and asks them to come join in.
After Jesus was baptized, he began to do his work. He had a lot to do and a lot to teach people before he died, so he needed people to help him. People began to tell stories about amazing things they had seen Jesus do. Some people even approached Jesus and wanted to know more about him. When they'd ask him, Jesus would invite them to follow him and learn more by being with him. He'd say, "Come and see." He invited them to spend time with him.
Eventually, Jesus had lots of people following and wanting to know more about him. They would listen to him teach and watch him perform incredible miracles. He told the most amazing stories, and he fixed all kinds of problems. He made the blind see, he helped the lame to walk, and he healed the sick of their illnesses. One time he even fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus said and did incredible things, and everywhere he went he invited people to follow and learn more about him.
You and I have received an invitation to follow Jesus too. Even today, Jesus invites us to come and see who he is and what he's doing in the world. He has so much to teach us about God and his love. All we have to do is accept his invitation and we can be part of the greatest party in the world.
Prayer: Jesus, you want us to come and see the amazing things you are. Give us the courage to accept your invitation. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, January 16, 2011, issue.
Copyright 2011 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.
Suffering and Serving, One and All
by Mary Austin
John 1:29-42; Isaiah 49:1-7
Jesus' gentle invitation to "come and see" stands in sharp contrast to the highly charged political rhetoric that has come under scrutiny in recent days, after this past weekend's shooting rampage in Arizona. Politicians on both the left and the right have, rightly, denounced violence in any form, and many public figures have raised the question of how our language about violence and actual violence may be connected. As we know by now, the shooting in Tucson left Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, a number of others injured, and six people -- including a federal judge, three senior citizens, a Giffords staff member, and a third grader -- dead.
Many have commented that the metaphors used by public figures like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck of "lock and load" or "shooting" and "taking out" opponents contributed to this outbreak of violence in Arizona. Others contend that the language of politics has always been filled with war-like imagery, and that politicians using hyperbole to rally the faithful can't be responsible for the actions of unstable people.
The cause of the shooting is less interesting than how we, as people of faith, and we, as a nation of politically passionate people, will move forward after this. Jesus' call to his followers and the words of Isaiah offer us wisdom in this time of national grief and soul-searching.
THE WORD
The lectionary text from John's gospel shows Jesus inviting people to follow him, learning from him, and working with him. His invitation to them is stated as a simple and gentle "Come and see." As he invites people to join him, he displays a deep knowledge of who they are. His choice of words is compelling enough that, by the next day, his followers are inviting other people along with the same language: "Come and see." No proclamation of what to believe, no list of requirements, and no denouncing the other side. The "come and see" invitation is about a relationship.
The text from Isaiah is one of the four "Suffering Servant" texts in Isaiah that speak about an unnamed servant. Some Christian interpreters find this to be a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ, and other scholars believe that the suffering servant refers to the nation of Israel itself. For one perspective on this text, see Ron Love's comments below in the "Another View" section. Without debating the subject of these texts, we can see that this passage speaks eloquently about the burdens of serving as God calls us to do. The servant protests, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God" (v. 4). The voice of God promises that the servant will be "a light to the nations" (v. 6). All of us have felt that weariness at times, and yet the fatigue doesn't end the call from God.
Both aspects of being a servant -- which we all are, as we follow Jesus Christ -- are compelling in the wake of the sad day of killing in Tucson.
THE WORLD
In an opinion piece in the New York Times, columnist Paul Krugman asks: "When you heard the terrible news from Arizona, were you completely surprised? Or were you, at some level, expecting something like this atrocity to happen?" Noting the rise in dramatically violent speech in American politics, Krugman adds, "Put me in the latter category. I've had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since the final stages of the 2008 campaign... The Department of Homeland Security reached the same conclusion: in April 2009 an internal report warned that right-wing extremism was on the rise, with a growing potential for violence. Conservatives denounced that report. But there has, in fact, been a rising tide of threats and vandalism aimed at elected officials, including both Judge John Roll, who was killed Saturday, and Representative Gabrielle Giffords. One of these days, someone was bound to take it to the next level. And now someone has."
A review of comments on the Fox News website found, uniformly, the opposite view -- that there's no connection between campaign language and this shooting or any other violence.
As Clarence Dupnik, the sheriff who serves Tucson and has been the face of law enforcement after the Arizona shootings, put it, a big contributing factor is "the vitriolic rhetoric that we hear day in and day out from people in the radio business and some people in the TV business". Others have noted that it's hard to draw an exact connection between public speech and the actions of one disturbed, mentally ill person.
I find myself in sympathy with both views.
As a pastor, I believe that words are important. All of us who serve as rabbis, priests, and pastors have been called out of the pews to work with words on behalf of other people. We examine the timeless words of our respective faiths, wrestle with them, press them for new and fresh meanings for our time, and then choose words to convey that to the people we serve. Almost no one else in American life has the privilege of speaking to people uninterrupted (usually) for 8 or 12 or 20 minutes at a time. We have the honor of choosing words that can touch people's deepest reality.
Yet, as a pastor, I know how many words go unheard or unheeded, or are different to the listener than they seemed to me. Not once has anyone ever leapt up from the pew in the middle of a sermon to go and do what I was recommending. People may have changed something in their lives or beliefs after a long accumulation of words, continuing the dialogue begun by a sermon over coffee or dinner or in a hallway -- but the words that change our lives come rarely and incubate slowly.
However, as Steve Benen notes in a blog on the Washington Monthly website, the danger of violent language and the fact that the gunman in the Arizona shooting was apparently mentally ill are not completely separate realities. "I'm inclined to think the two points aren't mutually exclusive," he writes. We never know what tangled and unwell minds will make of hateful speech. Paul Krugman of The New York Times notes that energetic, violent hate speech draws in listeners and boosts ratings. "But," he continues, "even if hate is what many want to hear, that doesn't excuse those who pander to that desire. They should be shunned by all decent people."
CRAFTING THE SERMON
There are several places to go with this sermon, depending on a particular congregation and its needs.
The sermon could be about belonging -- what it takes to belong to a political party these days, or to the tea party, or to our civic organizations and favorite causes. That all stands in contrast to what it takes to belong to Jesus, who has a much shorter list of requirements, but asks for more depth from us. Where does our loyalty lie? How do we shape our lives so we belong to Jesus?
Or to take another direction, the sermon could also be about language and how our language shapes our reality. "Obamacare" and "health care reform" have two different connotations. "Illegal aliens" sounds more dangerous than "undocumented workers." Women, along with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people, and people of color have all seen changes in how they're described. Countless derogatory words have gone out of use. In the same way, how might we, as Christians, understand language about violence toward people with whom we have political differences?
Or the sermon could be about relationships, which will be the only balm for this hateful episode in our common life. We find it easy to demonize the other side of any debate because we lack genuine connections with each other. A call for civility in political life is a start, but only a start. Cleaning up our language so we can have civil discourse about the same attitudes we hold now is only wallpaper over a deep divide.
What we need is the foundation on which Jesus built his community of servants: relationship. That means connections with people who think differently, and even express those differences passionately, but with the foundation of a shared life. That kind of service, to one another as neighbors, comes with discomfort, and is not easily done. Being with people like us, who think like we do, is much easier, at least in the short run. But we will never be well, as a nation, until we hold onto the truth that we are all in this together. Left and right, Republican and Democrat, millionaire and homeless person, veteran and pacifist, meat-eater and vegan -- we will always have our differences, but we can create and hold onto a genuine sense of community. Then we will know that winning isn't winning when it comes at a cost to the greater whole.
As Roxanna Green, the mother of Christina Green, the nine-year-old girl born on 9/11 and killed in the Arizona shooting eloquently summed it up: "I think there's been a lot of hatred going, and it needs to stop".
ANOTHER VIEW
Listen to Me
by Ron Love
Isaiah 49:1-7
"Listen to me," Isaiah cried out to his people. Bold, courageous, uncompromising, assured -- these would be some of the adjectives that would describe the forthrightness of Isaiah's summons. The strength of Isaiah's convictions is displayed when he says "my mouth is like a sharp sword." His willingness to pursue his mission is demonstrated when Isaiah says God made him like a "polished arrow."
The people of Judea were in exile in the foreign country of Babylon. They needed a message of hope. They needed a message of deliverance. They needed a message that God was still with them. But even though Isaiah assured them of a coming Redeemer, the people would not believe. They refused to entertain the prophet's message. They could not accept that the covenant was still in place.
Because of their despondency, Isaiah felt, in his own confession, "I have labored in vain." The people would not listen to him. The people would not believe him. The people saw only the quiver, not the polished arrow.
Yet Isaiah persisted.
"Listen to me" is something I am sure most of us would feel uncomfortable saying. It sounds too harsh, too critical, and too intrusive. Standing on the street corner is not for me. But then, where do we stand?
Street corner evangelism may be a practice of the past, but the words "listen to me" are ever present today. And the brazenness to say "listen to me" has equally remained.
What has happened is that we have lost the courage of our convictions. We are uncertain of our message, so we can't speak as a "sharp sword." Worst of all, we are convinced that everyone has already heard, so there is no one left to listen.
No one is asking that you publicly embarrass yourself by hollering "listen"; but neither is it being said that "listen" can be replaced by silence, or even a whisper. It is time to be honest with ourselves. We are called to share the gospel message. We are commanded to say to others "listen to me." In so doing, we must tailor our approach to be reflective of our personality and situation.
The place to begin is to have a self-understanding of what Jesus means to me personally. Next, we must accept the discipline of studying the Bible so we are knowledgeable enough, not to be a scholar, but to be conversant. Lastly, we must admit that not everyone has heard; or better, they have heard but they have not listened.
Perhaps you are their new Isaiah. Other prophets have spoken to them, but to no avail. But as God said of Isaiah, "I will give you as a light," we too may be the new light that shines forth the message of redemption. It may be your words and your actions that cause an unbeliever not only to hear, but also to listen. But this will not happen unless we accept the responsibility to go forth as a "polished arrow."
In preparing a sermon on this theme you may want to follow or adapt this outline:
I. Begin by discussing Isaiah's mission and message.
II. Draw parallels between Isaiah's cultural setting and message and ours today.
III. Discuss how we can bring the biblical message to those who need a redeemer. Highlight how redemption goes beyond sharing a message of salvation, but it incorporates a message of hope to the ill and acceptance to the disenfranchised.
IV. Dialogue on how we can prepare ourselves to share the message through private meditation and attending the educational opportunities offered by the church.
V. Conclude by sharing the opportunities to witness at work and in the community. Present the different styles of evangelism that are available, both by word and action. Then challenge the congregation to have the conviction and courage to say, "Listen to me!"
ILLUSTRATIONS
Recreational boaters understand the need for a "no wake zone" near docks, piers, and homes along the waterfront. There is often more danger present in the wake created by a passing boat than in the boat itself. The wake emanates from a stern of the boat, and creates waves that can damage boats tied to piers and docks long after the offending boat has passed by. The faster and more recklessly the boat is driven, the bigger the wake and the greater the potential damage. So park and law enforcement officials create laws that protect people and property from the damage caused not by the boat but by the wake that follows after the boat. As a boater, you are responsible for your wake. You are responsible for the damage that is created by your actions after you have left the scene.
One cannot but wonder how our country would be improved by such a sense of responsibility where words are concerned.
* * *
"In the black hills of South Dakota, outlaws and opportunists stake their claims to capitalize on the richest gold strike in American history." That's how the Deadwood website introduces the popular and profane HBO television series about the town of Deadwood "where the only law respected is the law of survival." Violence and the threat of violence was an integral part of this non-traditional western series, and nowhere was that more explicit than in the language of saloon owner and villain Al Swearengen, ably played by British actor Ian McShane.
Swearengen, while not afraid to use physical violence to accomplish his nefarious ends, prefers the verbal kind. Faced with the need to overpower and intimidate someone, Al assaults his adversary with a stream of pornographic, profane, obscene language that makes even the most jaded viewer cringe and almost always overwhelms and defeats the person to whom it is directed. Just a few minutes with Al Searengen makes it clear that language can be as violent a weapon as the sharpest knife and the highest caliber revolver.
So sharp was that knife that HBO canceled the series after three years in spite of a huge outpouring of fan complaints.
* * *
Everyone knows that the best form of advertising ever invented, and the one that is still most successful is word-of-mouth -- people telling other people. About 40 years ago there used to be an automobile named the Packard. Packard was the last car manufacturer to get into advertising. It didn't happen until old man Packard died, because whenever he was approached to buy some advertising for his cars he always said, "Don't need any; just ask the man who owns one." After his death, "Ask the man who owns one" became the Packard slogan.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is also known through word-of-mouth advertising. That's how the word about him gets out.
-- Daniel G. Mueller, "The Best Advertising of All," Just Follow the Signs (CSS Publishing, 1984)
* * *
"Come and see." It's an open house. People are invited to informally stop in and see a new home, remember an anniversary, and celebrate a minor holiday. "Come and see." Don't make a big fuss. Don't dress up. Don't bring presents. Just come and be with us! "Come and see." It's an invitation into relationship. Yes, there is almost always a good "excuse" for the invitation. At its core, however, is a warm welcome, an openness, a desire for relationship. "Come and see." Andrew's inviting words summoned his brother Peter into relationship with the Christ. It was a simple invitation with no strings attached. "Come and see." This same invitation brings many to Christ today.
* * *
On the front lawn of a certain church is a sign that reads: "Everyone is either a missionary or a mission field." Our church members are either Christians who are actively at work sharing the good news, or else they are people who are in need of having the good news shared with them. When Andrew met Jesus, Andrew's first desire was to find his brother and to bring him to meet Jesus too. Are we missionaries or mission fields?
* * *
Five Ohio State University football players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 football season when the NCAA discovered that they had profited monetarily from the sale of their autographs and some of their football prizes and equipment. But the NCAA also ruled that the university shared in the fault for not sufficiently educating the players about the rules; so the suspended players were allowed to play in last week's Sugar Bowl game against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
OSU coach Jim Tressel was not as easy on his players, however. Fearing that the five might abandon college football for the big paychecks and glory of the NFL, he took them all aside as a group. He said, "If you want to play in the bowl game, look me in the eye and promise me that you'll be here with this team next year." Every player agreed to forego the draft and return for their senior season.
Coach Tressel understands the meaning of loyalty. His question was just another way of saying, "To whom do you belong? To OSU? Or to the NFL? Choose now."
* * *
When the prophet Isaiah says "listen to me," we would do well to employ some active listening skills to make sure we hear what it is he is saying.
Communications experts offer the following as ways to improve our reception and retention of the things we listen to:
1. Face the source. Many who grew up during the age of radio remember rushing to the living room to hear their favorite radio program (The Shadow or Gunsmoke, for instance) and arranging the family around the room with everyone facing the radio.
2. Lean forward. That is, try to look as though you want to convince the person you are listening to that you really are listening. Looking like you are listening often leads to listening.
3. Offer feedback to the speaker, to test that you are really hearing what they are saying. Paraphrase what you are hearing in your own words.
4. Take notes. Write down the highlights of what you are hearing.
5. Eschew judgment. There will be plenty of time to weigh and judge what you are hearing later. First, however, make sure you are hearing what is being said.
* * *
In Billy Graham's meditation for this week he noted that it is "never hopeless to bear witness to unbelievers." He went on to write that he has concluded that there are two major barriers to keep people from believing in Jesus Christ. Graham wrote, "The first is the barrier of self-will -- that is, their determination to control their life instead of letting Christ control it." The evangelist went on to write, "The second major barrier is harder for us to see -- but it's even more powerful. This is Satan's hold on the world, and his commitment to do everything he can to keep us from Christ."
There are many individuals who need to hear "listen to me," as we share the gospel message.
* * *
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck has decided to remain in college rather than make himself eligible for this spring's NFL draft, where he would most assuredly be the number one pick. The reason Luck gave is, "I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of the spring quarter of 2012."
This is a witness, not by one's word, but by one's actions. Luck is demonstrating the value of an education. The gospel message does not always have to be about Jesus, but it can be about the values Jesus desires to instill within us. We are to live as "polished arrows," so that all of our actions direct others to the Lord Jesus Christ.
* * *
Fifty years ago, on January 9, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his farewell speech to the Massachusetts legislature before departing to Washington, DC, to prepare for his presidency. Kennedy opened his speech with these words: "We shall be as a city upon a hill." Kennedy was quoting John Winthrop, who used that phrase aboard the ship Arbella in 1630, as the Puritans were preparing to land in the New World. Kennedy was implying that the eyes of the world would be upon his new administration, and in so doing his presidency must be like a city upon a hill.
God said, "I will give you as a light to the nations." The light comes in many hues, but all are to illuminate a path to a better society.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by George Reed
Call to Worship
Leader: Happy are those who trust in God.
People: God has multiplied to us gracious deeds.
Leader: God does not require burnt offerings of us.
People: God requires that we only delight to do God's will.
Leader: Let us tell the news of deliverance to all.
People: We rejoice in the steadfast love and salvation of our God.
OR
Leader: Come and draw near to God.
People: We have come to be closer to our God.
Leader: Come and draw near to one another.
People: We aren't so sure about wanting to do that.
Leader: God resides in your neighbor. God and others go together.
People: God help us to love one another so that we can truly love God.
Hymns and Sacred Songs
"All Creatures of Our God and King"
found in:
UMH: 62
H82: 400
PH: 455
AAHH: 147
NNBH: 33
NCH: 17
CH: 22
LBW: 527
Renew: 47
"Now Thank We All Our God"
found in:
UMH: 102
H82: 396, 397
PH: 555
NNBH: 330
NCH: 419
CH: 715
LBW: 533, 534
"Many Gifts, One Spirit"
found in:
UMH: 114
NCH: 177
"Hope of the World"
found in:
UMH: 178
H82: 472
PH: 360
NCH: 46
CH: 538
LBW: 493
"O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"
found in:
UMH: 430
H82: 559, 560
PH: 357
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
found in:
UMH: 431
CH: 677
"Jesu, Jesu"
found in:
UMH: 432
H82: 602
PH: 367
NCH: 498
CH: 600
Renew: 289
"This Is My Song"
found in:
UMH: 437
NCH: 591
CH: 722
"I Am Loved"
found in:
CCB: 80
"People Need the Lord"
CCB: 52
Music Resources Key:
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982 (The Episcopal Church)
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African-American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day / Collect
O God who has sent us Jesus to teach us your ways: Grant us the grace to learn them and the faith to follow them through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We have come today, O God, to praise you and to learn from you. Open our hearts that we may truly receive the living Christ into our lives so that others may find in us reflections of you. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins, and especially the ways in which we allow the differences among us to divide our community and spoil our witness to your steadfast love and faithfulness.
People: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You have called us to be in community with you and with one another so that your love and salvation may spread throughout creation. Yet we have allowed so many things to divide us. We have forgotten that your love and being your children trumps all that is different among us. Forgive us and draw us closer to you so that we may draw closer to one another. Amen.
Leader: God calls us back together and welcomes us into the family of all God's children. Live in the unity of God's Spirit and know that nothing can separate us from God's love.
Prayers of the People (and the Lord's Prayer)
We praise you for your love, O God, which unites and never separates. You are no respecter of persons, but call us all to dwell in the joy of your loving kindness.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. You have called us to be in community with you and with one another so that your love and salvation may spread throughout creation. Yet we have allowed so many things to divide us. We have forgotten that your love and being your children trumps all that is different among us. Forgive us and draw us closer to you so that we may draw closer to one another.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have drawn us into your love and care. When we have strayed, you have sought us; when we have rebelled, you have waited patiently for us to come to our senses. Your faithfulness has never failed us and your Spirit has never deserted us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We offer to your loving presence our broken world and our broken communities of faith. We pray for those who have sought a place near you and have been driven away by our actions and words. We pray for ourselves and a world that continues in a downward spiral of violence and hatred.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together, saying:
Our Father... Amen.
(or if the Lord's Prayer is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
Visuals
Scenes of separation and violence -- police and protesters; black and white mobs; scenes of war and violence. Not pretty, but neither is the reality of it all.
Children's Sermon Starter
Nothing cute, no gimmicks. This is a time to talk to the children about the harm words can do. Talk about times when you may have been called names or shunned by a group. Talk about how hurtful it is when people say mean things to us. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can break our spirit. Share how Jesus loves us all and invites us to live as God's family.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Come and See
John 1:29-42
Object: a party invitation
Good morning, boy and girls! I just love parties, don't you? What are some parties people may have? (get responses) Birthdays, graduations, weddings, Valentine's Day, Christmas -- there are lots of different kinds of parties. (show your invitation) People might use cards like this one to invite people to a party. This is an invitation. It lets people know all about the party and asks them to come join in.
After Jesus was baptized, he began to do his work. He had a lot to do and a lot to teach people before he died, so he needed people to help him. People began to tell stories about amazing things they had seen Jesus do. Some people even approached Jesus and wanted to know more about him. When they'd ask him, Jesus would invite them to follow him and learn more by being with him. He'd say, "Come and see." He invited them to spend time with him.
Eventually, Jesus had lots of people following and wanting to know more about him. They would listen to him teach and watch him perform incredible miracles. He told the most amazing stories, and he fixed all kinds of problems. He made the blind see, he helped the lame to walk, and he healed the sick of their illnesses. One time he even fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus said and did incredible things, and everywhere he went he invited people to follow and learn more about him.
You and I have received an invitation to follow Jesus too. Even today, Jesus invites us to come and see who he is and what he's doing in the world. He has so much to teach us about God and his love. All we have to do is accept his invitation and we can be part of the greatest party in the world.
Prayer: Jesus, you want us to come and see the amazing things you are. Give us the courage to accept your invitation. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, January 16, 2011, issue.
Copyright 2011 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.
