The Interview
Sermon
LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Sermons For Pentecost (First Third)
The young woman squirmed uncomfortably in the cushioned chair to which she had been directed by the receptionist. Not only was she nervous about the impending job interview, but the shuttle service which had provided transportation from the airport to this office building had been the worst of her life. The others who had been on the van seemed as upset as she was -- and just as captive. Now, because of the traffic, and because that driver had not known which building was hers, she was late for her appointment. She would be forced to wait until she could be "worked in" as the receptionist put it.
She kept trying to calm her nerves with the thought that none of this was her fault really. The flight from her home that morning had gone without a hitch: left on time, smooth flight, and arrived on time. It was that van and its overweight, non-stop-talking driver! Even though it would cost her more, she had already made her mind up that a cab would ferry her back to the airport. Not only was the air conditioner of the van not working, but the traffic jam had forced them to a standstill for nearly an hour. And then, of all things, the van tried to change lanes right into the path of an oncoming small car. Not even this seemed to phase the driver, although she and the other passengers on the back bench caught their breath, knowing they would feel the full impact of the impending accident. Thankfully, both vehicles swerved at the last moment, and the only thing injured was her blood pressure, which soared. All of that, of course, put her into this office well past her interview appointment time. Now she could do nothing but wait and fume.
This was no ordinary job interview for which she had come. From the looks of the furniture and the pictures adorning the walls, this was no ordinary company for which to work. She tried to write a story for each picture she saw. There was a small child obviously suffering from malnutrition, but with a smile as a bowl of rice was being handed down. Another picture was a group shot of young adults sitting around tables and standing around the walls. There were studious looks fixed on each face. What were they hearing? Who was speaking? A third picture was one she had seen often, and had always been stirred by it. It was the classic picture of "earth-rise" taken from the vantage point of the moon on one of those space adventures two decades ago.
Her spirit began to calm as she remembered what she had come here for in the first place. Scenes like those reminded her that she had been looking for a job that would make a difference in her life and in the lives of others. The "help wanted" ad for this position had aroused her curiosity from the moment she read it. She pulled that newspaper clipping from her shoulder bag and through the creases which had multiplied with each day, she read it once again.
There are immediate openings for harvest-laborers, full-time positions. Only those with compassion and a commitment to a cause greater than themselves need apply. Those chosen and sent will be paid nothing, but will receive everything. An equal opportunity employer. All persons -- male and female, young and old; all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities are encouraged to apply in person. No experience necessary. Complete on-the-job training program. Full job description available upon request.
She began to reflect on how she had come to make her application for one of those positions. Something deep inside had moved her, stirred her, inspired her, and finally challenged her to put off the process no longer. This sounded like just what she had been looking for. Yet, she knew that on the surface it sounded like an ad for foolish people. Her friends had teased her about all the education she had worked for, the degrees she had received, and now all that was required was compassion and commitment. Of course, the line about "no pay" concerned her, but she was, at the same time, encouraged by the sound of "receiving everything." At any rate, after weeks of waiting and that horrible morning van ride, here she was.
The receptionist interrupted her thoughts with the announcement that the human resources director would see her now. She could feel the blood rush to her head, her palms grow moist, and her heart pound as she walked with short, quick steps into the next office. She was warmly greeted by the director, who began by putting her at ease: "Heard you had a bad trip this morning. We never know about those things around here, but we learn patience." ["Patience!" she thought to herself. "It's definitely what I need, but I suspect this one has never had to ride one of those shuttle vans!"] What came out of her mouth was an attempted apology for being late, but she was halted in mid-sentence, with a smile and a word of understanding. She had certainly never met any human resources person quite like this.
The director walked back to the desk and picked up a stack of papers which she recognized immediately as her own. "Quite an impressive resume," were the words which broke the silence after what seemed like an eternity. "You've been a volunteer in a number of worthy groups, addressing some very difficult problems. And, it says here you are interested in working to make a difference in the lives of people. That's just the kind of person we are looking for."
"Well," she responded, "that was an intriguing advertisement for this position. It really got my curiosity. But, for some reason, I felt, you know, pulled toward this place."
"Many who come this way say the same thing," the director responded. "When can you start?"
Just like that; she thought. Surely there must be something more to this than a few sentences, and off to work I go! The look on her face must have betrayed the list of questions she brought with her. It was not lost on the director. "I see by that look on your face that you must have a few questions. Well, that's what I'm here for, so fire away."
"As you might know," she began, "I want to be sure this is right for me. You know, I just don't want to jump into something before I'm absolutely positive."
"That's the kind of person we look for, the one who is prepared and at the same time careful -- and prayerful, I might add."
Looking back at her notes and at the help wanted ad that had lured her to this place, she paused for a long moment. "Prayerful," she thought to herself, "I can't believe my ears. I have prayed long and hard about this, but now to know that the human resources director suggests it. I do believe this is my kind of place!"
"Well, my first question," she began with hesitation in her voice, "will probably sound very stupid. I mean, after all, I am here, and you would think I would not have to ask this question, but here goes: what exactly is this ‘harvest-laborer' position that I'm applying for?"
The human resources director began: "That is a good question. In fact, everyone who comes in here asks the same one." ["That's a relief," she sighed and thought. "At least I'm not the only one!"] "Let me see if I can explain it, spell it out for you in some detail. Stop me if you need to ask another question."
"Agreed," she replied.
"Let's begin with this world in which you live. It is a maze of confusion, fear and frustration, like that traffic jam you were in this morning. People locked in their cars, headed in some direction, but unable to move. They are flustered and cornered and are looking for a way out. To use a phrase coined by Jesus the Christ -- you remember him -- this world is ‘harassed and helpless.' You were that way when you walked into the office this morning after your trip. I assure you that your van driver felt the same way. Now some people bring the pain on themselves and inflict it on others in the name of making progress, getting ahead, or climbing their ladders. And some of their confusion is simply that they are so uncertain and afraid of their future that they do not know where to turn.
"Enter the harvester! You will be expected to help others sort through their confusion, to sort out their entanglements with the world and with themselves, and to point them to that one who is the source of life and hope, health and wholeness -- Jesus Christ. Have you ever spent much time around farmers? [She nodded her head ‘yes.'] Well, then, you know that farmers understand the urgency of the harvest. When the time for harvesting the crop is come, there can be no delay, else the crop will spoil or the weather will change.
"That's what makes this position so important and extremely necessary at this time. The world is so fragmented and tormented that it does not know what to do. We need laborers, and many of them, now."
"Well, it sounds very exciting," she broke in, feeling her adrenalin rise. "But just how am I supposed to go about doing this? Your ad says there is a job description -- I'd like to see it."
"You've already seen it," came the director's reply, "if you have seen and read the story of Jesus, you've seen your job description."
"I'm not sure I understand," she said.
"For a full picture of what is expected of you, let me refer you to the life and work of Jesus as described in those gospel accounts. I simply expect you to continue his mission and ministry. Do you remember what they said about Jesus?"
"Well, one of the comments I remember," she was searching for all those pictures and words locked away in her mind, "was that he went about doing good. I've always liked that image."
"Precisely!" the director's shout startled her and caused her to jump a bit in her chair. "He went about doing good, and that's what we expect of our harvest-laborers. To be more specific, as I am sure you would like for me to be, one of the tasks is that of ‘preaching.' Now, don't start objecting too soon -- I see it in your face. I'm not talking about standing up in some pulpit somewhere and sharing with a congregation the fruit of all your study, research and prayer. There are some who take on that role, but it's not for everyone. However, everyone is expected to ‘preach,' by which I mean, share the good news -- tell the story! As you are going about your daily routine, in the coffee shop with your friends, on your street, in your neighborhood, tell the story."
"But I'm not sure I know what to say," she was beginning to grow a bit apprehensive about all this.
"Don't worry about the big words or even having a few words in the right order. The story is simple, and you learned it when you were a child: Jesus loves me, this I know. Just sing that with your life and you'll be preaching just fine.
"Then there is the matter of healing. Again, don't make your plans to go to medical school unless you really want to. [The director rose, walked to the window and continued with a note of sadness.] There are plenty of heart-wounds and spirit-needs in that fragmented world out there. Discouragement is reaching epidemic proportions. And people are trying to heal themselves with make-shift, quick fix ‘highs' which only destroy them in the long run. As surely as Jesus restored spirits, lifted hearts, and renewed a passion for life itself, so go to heal those persons with whom you share this place."
Now the director turned and looked her in the eyes, and with the pain of love, added: "there is also the matter of cleansing that which infects the spirits of the people. It is the task of removing that which is not constructive in life, that which is not healthy, that which threatens to destroy all of life. That is the difficult part of the task, which is possible with discernment and in prayer and by grace. That's what I promise to provide for you."
"That does bring up one other small detail," she was now on the edge of her chair ready to sign up.
"And what is that?"
"The matter of compensation. I'm not sure about this line concerning being paid nothing but receiving everything."
"Another very appropriate question! You see your compensation and the incentive which I hope will keep you involved is not measured in gold and silver, and is not counted by the world's pay scale. Take your example from Jesus. Go and serve without expecting anything in return, and without demanding payment in kind. You will be provided for over and above what you might expect. The rewards will be measured in terms of meaning and purpose and long-term investments that pay eternal dividends. May I sign you up?"
With pen in hand, she stood to write her name on the bottom line. The book handed to her for her signature is filled with other names, some with ink obviously written that very day. To that list, she added her name. With the interview complete and her name signed, the young woman turned to go. Maybe she would take that van back to the airport after all. And if she just happened to get the same van, she could begin her work immediately.
That help wanted ad is still held out for us. It's not much to go on and like that young woman, we may be hesitant and confused. But through the centuries many persons have responded. The first harvest-laborers to sign on are recorded for us in the opening lines of Matthew's tenth chapter: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew himself, James bar Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon a patriot from Canaan, and Judas who eventually left. The list of others is long and impressive: Augustine, Benedict, Francis, Wycliffe, Luther, Calvin, Wesley and Asbury. Countless Sunday school teachers, pastors, leaders and servers have added their names to the list. And an imaginary young woman in a make-believe office being interviewed by the ultimate human resources director. I was just wondering: may I add your name to the list?
She kept trying to calm her nerves with the thought that none of this was her fault really. The flight from her home that morning had gone without a hitch: left on time, smooth flight, and arrived on time. It was that van and its overweight, non-stop-talking driver! Even though it would cost her more, she had already made her mind up that a cab would ferry her back to the airport. Not only was the air conditioner of the van not working, but the traffic jam had forced them to a standstill for nearly an hour. And then, of all things, the van tried to change lanes right into the path of an oncoming small car. Not even this seemed to phase the driver, although she and the other passengers on the back bench caught their breath, knowing they would feel the full impact of the impending accident. Thankfully, both vehicles swerved at the last moment, and the only thing injured was her blood pressure, which soared. All of that, of course, put her into this office well past her interview appointment time. Now she could do nothing but wait and fume.
This was no ordinary job interview for which she had come. From the looks of the furniture and the pictures adorning the walls, this was no ordinary company for which to work. She tried to write a story for each picture she saw. There was a small child obviously suffering from malnutrition, but with a smile as a bowl of rice was being handed down. Another picture was a group shot of young adults sitting around tables and standing around the walls. There were studious looks fixed on each face. What were they hearing? Who was speaking? A third picture was one she had seen often, and had always been stirred by it. It was the classic picture of "earth-rise" taken from the vantage point of the moon on one of those space adventures two decades ago.
Her spirit began to calm as she remembered what she had come here for in the first place. Scenes like those reminded her that she had been looking for a job that would make a difference in her life and in the lives of others. The "help wanted" ad for this position had aroused her curiosity from the moment she read it. She pulled that newspaper clipping from her shoulder bag and through the creases which had multiplied with each day, she read it once again.
There are immediate openings for harvest-laborers, full-time positions. Only those with compassion and a commitment to a cause greater than themselves need apply. Those chosen and sent will be paid nothing, but will receive everything. An equal opportunity employer. All persons -- male and female, young and old; all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities are encouraged to apply in person. No experience necessary. Complete on-the-job training program. Full job description available upon request.
She began to reflect on how she had come to make her application for one of those positions. Something deep inside had moved her, stirred her, inspired her, and finally challenged her to put off the process no longer. This sounded like just what she had been looking for. Yet, she knew that on the surface it sounded like an ad for foolish people. Her friends had teased her about all the education she had worked for, the degrees she had received, and now all that was required was compassion and commitment. Of course, the line about "no pay" concerned her, but she was, at the same time, encouraged by the sound of "receiving everything." At any rate, after weeks of waiting and that horrible morning van ride, here she was.
The receptionist interrupted her thoughts with the announcement that the human resources director would see her now. She could feel the blood rush to her head, her palms grow moist, and her heart pound as she walked with short, quick steps into the next office. She was warmly greeted by the director, who began by putting her at ease: "Heard you had a bad trip this morning. We never know about those things around here, but we learn patience." ["Patience!" she thought to herself. "It's definitely what I need, but I suspect this one has never had to ride one of those shuttle vans!"] What came out of her mouth was an attempted apology for being late, but she was halted in mid-sentence, with a smile and a word of understanding. She had certainly never met any human resources person quite like this.
The director walked back to the desk and picked up a stack of papers which she recognized immediately as her own. "Quite an impressive resume," were the words which broke the silence after what seemed like an eternity. "You've been a volunteer in a number of worthy groups, addressing some very difficult problems. And, it says here you are interested in working to make a difference in the lives of people. That's just the kind of person we are looking for."
"Well," she responded, "that was an intriguing advertisement for this position. It really got my curiosity. But, for some reason, I felt, you know, pulled toward this place."
"Many who come this way say the same thing," the director responded. "When can you start?"
Just like that; she thought. Surely there must be something more to this than a few sentences, and off to work I go! The look on her face must have betrayed the list of questions she brought with her. It was not lost on the director. "I see by that look on your face that you must have a few questions. Well, that's what I'm here for, so fire away."
"As you might know," she began, "I want to be sure this is right for me. You know, I just don't want to jump into something before I'm absolutely positive."
"That's the kind of person we look for, the one who is prepared and at the same time careful -- and prayerful, I might add."
Looking back at her notes and at the help wanted ad that had lured her to this place, she paused for a long moment. "Prayerful," she thought to herself, "I can't believe my ears. I have prayed long and hard about this, but now to know that the human resources director suggests it. I do believe this is my kind of place!"
"Well, my first question," she began with hesitation in her voice, "will probably sound very stupid. I mean, after all, I am here, and you would think I would not have to ask this question, but here goes: what exactly is this ‘harvest-laborer' position that I'm applying for?"
The human resources director began: "That is a good question. In fact, everyone who comes in here asks the same one." ["That's a relief," she sighed and thought. "At least I'm not the only one!"] "Let me see if I can explain it, spell it out for you in some detail. Stop me if you need to ask another question."
"Agreed," she replied.
"Let's begin with this world in which you live. It is a maze of confusion, fear and frustration, like that traffic jam you were in this morning. People locked in their cars, headed in some direction, but unable to move. They are flustered and cornered and are looking for a way out. To use a phrase coined by Jesus the Christ -- you remember him -- this world is ‘harassed and helpless.' You were that way when you walked into the office this morning after your trip. I assure you that your van driver felt the same way. Now some people bring the pain on themselves and inflict it on others in the name of making progress, getting ahead, or climbing their ladders. And some of their confusion is simply that they are so uncertain and afraid of their future that they do not know where to turn.
"Enter the harvester! You will be expected to help others sort through their confusion, to sort out their entanglements with the world and with themselves, and to point them to that one who is the source of life and hope, health and wholeness -- Jesus Christ. Have you ever spent much time around farmers? [She nodded her head ‘yes.'] Well, then, you know that farmers understand the urgency of the harvest. When the time for harvesting the crop is come, there can be no delay, else the crop will spoil or the weather will change.
"That's what makes this position so important and extremely necessary at this time. The world is so fragmented and tormented that it does not know what to do. We need laborers, and many of them, now."
"Well, it sounds very exciting," she broke in, feeling her adrenalin rise. "But just how am I supposed to go about doing this? Your ad says there is a job description -- I'd like to see it."
"You've already seen it," came the director's reply, "if you have seen and read the story of Jesus, you've seen your job description."
"I'm not sure I understand," she said.
"For a full picture of what is expected of you, let me refer you to the life and work of Jesus as described in those gospel accounts. I simply expect you to continue his mission and ministry. Do you remember what they said about Jesus?"
"Well, one of the comments I remember," she was searching for all those pictures and words locked away in her mind, "was that he went about doing good. I've always liked that image."
"Precisely!" the director's shout startled her and caused her to jump a bit in her chair. "He went about doing good, and that's what we expect of our harvest-laborers. To be more specific, as I am sure you would like for me to be, one of the tasks is that of ‘preaching.' Now, don't start objecting too soon -- I see it in your face. I'm not talking about standing up in some pulpit somewhere and sharing with a congregation the fruit of all your study, research and prayer. There are some who take on that role, but it's not for everyone. However, everyone is expected to ‘preach,' by which I mean, share the good news -- tell the story! As you are going about your daily routine, in the coffee shop with your friends, on your street, in your neighborhood, tell the story."
"But I'm not sure I know what to say," she was beginning to grow a bit apprehensive about all this.
"Don't worry about the big words or even having a few words in the right order. The story is simple, and you learned it when you were a child: Jesus loves me, this I know. Just sing that with your life and you'll be preaching just fine.
"Then there is the matter of healing. Again, don't make your plans to go to medical school unless you really want to. [The director rose, walked to the window and continued with a note of sadness.] There are plenty of heart-wounds and spirit-needs in that fragmented world out there. Discouragement is reaching epidemic proportions. And people are trying to heal themselves with make-shift, quick fix ‘highs' which only destroy them in the long run. As surely as Jesus restored spirits, lifted hearts, and renewed a passion for life itself, so go to heal those persons with whom you share this place."
Now the director turned and looked her in the eyes, and with the pain of love, added: "there is also the matter of cleansing that which infects the spirits of the people. It is the task of removing that which is not constructive in life, that which is not healthy, that which threatens to destroy all of life. That is the difficult part of the task, which is possible with discernment and in prayer and by grace. That's what I promise to provide for you."
"That does bring up one other small detail," she was now on the edge of her chair ready to sign up.
"And what is that?"
"The matter of compensation. I'm not sure about this line concerning being paid nothing but receiving everything."
"Another very appropriate question! You see your compensation and the incentive which I hope will keep you involved is not measured in gold and silver, and is not counted by the world's pay scale. Take your example from Jesus. Go and serve without expecting anything in return, and without demanding payment in kind. You will be provided for over and above what you might expect. The rewards will be measured in terms of meaning and purpose and long-term investments that pay eternal dividends. May I sign you up?"
With pen in hand, she stood to write her name on the bottom line. The book handed to her for her signature is filled with other names, some with ink obviously written that very day. To that list, she added her name. With the interview complete and her name signed, the young woman turned to go. Maybe she would take that van back to the airport after all. And if she just happened to get the same van, she could begin her work immediately.
That help wanted ad is still held out for us. It's not much to go on and like that young woman, we may be hesitant and confused. But through the centuries many persons have responded. The first harvest-laborers to sign on are recorded for us in the opening lines of Matthew's tenth chapter: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew himself, James bar Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon a patriot from Canaan, and Judas who eventually left. The list of others is long and impressive: Augustine, Benedict, Francis, Wycliffe, Luther, Calvin, Wesley and Asbury. Countless Sunday school teachers, pastors, leaders and servers have added their names to the list. And an imaginary young woman in a make-believe office being interviewed by the ultimate human resources director. I was just wondering: may I add your name to the list?
