The Truth

November 25^th, 2018     “The Truth”   Rev. Heather Jepsen

Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-38a  

Today is Christ the King Sunday.  Smack dab in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is one of those liturgical holidays that we totally miss.  Advent and Lent have enough Sundays in them that we are not likely to miss them.  But Christ the King is right up there with Baptism of the Lord and Trinity Sunday when it comes to easy days to miss.  Christ the King is always the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar, sort of a final statement in the church year.  Next Sunday we start the cycle all over again as we begin Advent and get ready for the babe in the manger.

         Though we always forget about it, and it can be a doozey to preach, I happen to like Christ the King Sunday.  It’s a sort of “in-your-face” to the powers that be, and I think the rebel in me gets a kick out of that.  You see, today is the day that we declare we are not of this world.  We declare that political powers and systems may come and go, but we have only one true king and that is Christ.  Today is the day that we declare that no matter who is elected President, our allegiance lies with only one being, Jesus our Lord.  It’s pretty exciting really.

         In our reading from Revelation we come face to face with this power that we worship.  This isn’t just some one-time thing, some ruler come into power for a lifetime.  Not a Vladimir Putin who seems to always manage to get himself in power.  This isn’t even a generation of royalty like the British monarchy where one family just rules forever and ever.  No, this king we are talking about is the one who is and who was and who is to come.  This is the king of all time and space, the king of all authority, a king whose reign is beyond the scope of our imaginations. 

Not only is Christ the King’s reign one of all time and space.  He is the Alpha and Omega.  From A to Z this king encompasses everything.  From the grains of sand, to the forces that spin the earth, to the vast distance of the stars, to the movement of blood vessels through my very body, this king is the be all end all of life.  This king is ruler of everything and this king is everything.  As the gospel of Thomas puts it so eloquently, “Pick up a rock, and I am there.”

The wonder of this great king and kingdom is that Jesus consented to come among us, to limit himself to the finite in order to bring us a better understanding of the will of God for our lives.  Of course, for Jesus to come among us, he could not bring the whole wonder of his presence.  Just as Moses could not see God face to face, Jesus needed to cloak his holiness so to speak.  He needed to hide his otherworldliness in human flesh.  Fully human, fully divine, the king that is Christ was a like a ray of sunshine in a dark world.

I love Jesus’ encounter with Pilate in John’s gospel because I can see it so clearly in our modern setting.  Pilate is the one with power in a form that we are accustomed to, a form we can recognize.  Like all political figures before and after, Pilate is someone we are familiar with.  Jesus, on the other hand possess a power that is so distinct and different, a power that is foreign.  The power of Jesus is not of this world, and does not respond to Pilate’s subtle attempt at provocation.

I love the way author Frederick Buechner imagines this scene in his book “Telling the Truth”.  Buechner pictures a modern setting, Pilate as businessman, and he tells the story like this.  Having just gotten off the phone with his wife

         (read selection page 12-14)

Buechner brings this scene to life.  The power of Pilate and the empire he represents.  From the big desk to the picture of the ruler on the wall, all the trappings of our modern understandings of power are there.  Jesus, a nobody from nowhere, already broken and beaten in the office.  Here is the king of kings, whose kingdom is not of this world, waiting to be taken to his cross.  The contrast between these two understandings of power creates a memorable scene.

         I like to imagine that on that fateful day, Pilate got a glimpse of real truth.  Pilate got a glimpse of the real kingdom, and real power.  This Jesus, who refused to play by the rules of others, had a certain freedom that Pilate never would.  This Jesus had something, he had truth.  As if somehow sensing that Jesus is no ordinary rabble rouser, three times in John’s gospel Pilate attempts to have Jesus released.  I think that Pilate caught a glimpse of reality that day, he caught a glimpse of Christ the King.

         In our own lives, we too have those moments when we see the power of God, when we sense the bigger reality in our world.  There are breakthrough moments, like when someone is healed from cancer or we miraculously avoid a car accident.  Those are the times when we encounter the great one envisioned in the revelation to John. 

         And yet there are also those little times, times I think we see the Alpha and Omega, the God of it all.  In my own life I am thinking of those moments when I catch a glimpse of my children from afar and it brings a tear to my eye, or when I am able to somehow be in the right place at the right time to minister to someone, or those moments when you as a congregation minister to me and teach me who God is.  Perhaps you sensed a little in-breaking of our great and glorious God as you gathered at the table with family and friends this past week, giving thanks for all the blessings of this life.

         The wonder of Christ the King Sunday is this realization that our world of power and money is not the only thing out there.  Is perhaps not even the most real thing out there.  There is another power, another kingdom, a kingdom of love and justice that doesn’t respond to things like money and influence.  There is another king, one who is the be all end all of life, one who longs to be in relationship with us, one whose very name is love.

         This Christ the King Sunday, as the world around us continues to rock with war and violence, with struggles for power and influence, let us take a deep breath.  Like Pilate, let us ask “what is truth?”  And let us open our eyes to the answer.  From the chance to lend a helping hand, to the smile on a child’s face, to the love we share within this congregation, there is another kingdom of which we are a part, there is another king which we serve.  Thanks be to God for this one, the Alpha and Omega, Christ the King, truth himself.  Amen.

Ever, Always, in the End Times

November 18^th, 2018   “Ever, Always, in the End Times”    Rev. Heather Jepsen

Mark 13:1-8 with 1 Samuel 2:1-10

         This morning we return to our readings in Mark.  This is Jesus’ final days in the gospel of Mark and he is visiting the temple with his disciples.  His followers are awed by the spectacle of the Temple Mount.  Such great and glorious buildings, such a wonderful expression of man’s faith in God.  Surely Jesus can see the glory of the place.  But Jesus warns that this man-made glory will not last.  All will be thrown down.  In fact, everything that the disciples have thought was stable in their world; religion, culture, government, identity, all will be torn down.  Jesus makes it clear that the only thing the disciples can count on is him.

         In the historical context of this passage, in the time it was written, Jesus is speaking mostly about the temple culture.  Jesus believed that the religion had become false and idolatrous.  The temple authorities, the religious leaders, had aligned themselves with the Roman Empire.  In their quest for security and power, the people of God had abandoned the teachings of their faith and allowed themselves to be wedded to lies and violence.  As the gospel of Mark continues, we see this to be true as the leaders of the faith work with the leaders of government to plan the death of Jesus. 

         Jesus knows that the people of God are easily led astray.  We see that story throughout the scriptures.  From the worship of the golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai, to the period of false judges, to the death of Jesus and the persecution of the early church, the people of God have a tendency to get confused and follow the wrong leaders.  We see it in our world today as well.  From the rise of cult leaders, to the powerful lie of the prosperity gospel, good and well-meaning people have become distracted and confused.  It has always been this way.

         And so, Jesus warns the disciples against such false leaders.  Do not be confused, and “beware that no one leads you astray”.  Many will come bearing the name of Christ, and they will be false gods.  Many people will fall for these false leaders, and their lies about the faith.  Things will grow dark.  There will be wars and famine, violence and earthquake, but the people of God are to remain vigilant.  “Pay attention” Jesus seems to say, “and keep your eyes on me!”

         What we have here in Mark’s gospel is what scholars refer to as the “little apocalypse”.  Those that are following along in their Bible will note that Jesus’ speech continues on from here.  He talks about the suffering that his followers are sure to endure.  He talks about the government marrying itself to religion and the dangers therein.  He talks about the people of God fleeing in fear and he talks about the stars falling from the sky.  And over and over again he tells his followers to not be afraid, to remain strong, to not be distracted, and to keep alert and keep their eyes on him alone.

         This is a prime example of Jewish apocalyptic literature which has several important themes.  First, the belief that God controls history.  This is the sovereignty of God.  Whatever happens in our world is in God’s hands.  It is God who controls our world and not the world that directs the actions of God.

         Second is the belief that the world has become so evil, that only God can save it.  People have gotten to such a rotten and broken place that we cannot possibly save ourselves.  It is God alone who can fix this horrible mess that we have made of everything.

         The third belief is that God will rescue the world from evil at the time of God’s own choosing with a new and just creation.  Not only will God fix the mess that we made, God will make a new and right world in its place.  God will heal all of creation, from the earth we have polluted and destroyed, to the relationships we have wrecked and ruined.  God will not only fix it, God will make a new and better world for God’s people.

         Our poem from 1 Samuel is another example of this apocalyptic tradition.  Much like Mary’s Magnificat, here we have a woman who has experienced a miraculous pregnancy and birth, singing the praise of God.  But within her song, we have a vision of the new world order.  Those of military strength will be brought to their knees, and those who have been trampled upon will rise to power.  Those who are fat will go away hungry, and those who are wasted away in hunger will have their bellies filled.  Those who have no families will be blessed with many children, and those who have borne many will be barren again.  The rich man will be poor, and the poor man will have great wealth.  God will judge this earth, and those who are in power will be brought down as the powerless are set up to reign.  This is an apocalyptic vision, God’s new world order.  This is the upside-down kingdom of God, where the last will be first and the first will be last.  This is the hope of all God’s people as we pray, “thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

         When I was reading these apocalyptic texts this week, I was marveling at how timely they always, always are.  We are ever, always, living in the midst of the end times.  Every time I have read the little apocalypse in Mark’s gospel, I have thought to myself, “why this sounds like today!”.  People being led astray by those who claim to come in the name of Christ?  Check.  Wars and rumors of wars?  Check.  Nation rising up against nation?  Check.  Earthquake and famine?  Check and check.  Add to that list fire, mass shootings, increased poverty, global warming, a rise in hate crimes, and whatever mess the internet is and we have got a full-blown apocalypse on our hands. 

         And we are not alone.  For over 2,000 years we’ve thought this was it.  When Mark wrote these words, either right before or right after the fall of temple, the people of God thought it couldn’t get any worse.  But we know it could get worse and it did.  World Wars and concentration camps, nuclear weapons and mass migrations, increasing violence and the threat of death to our planet, we are ever and always living in the end times. 

         And what should we do?  Jesus makes it clear.  Stay alert, keep awake, watch out for fakers, and don’t get distracted.  Hold the course, keep the faith, don’t let that glimmer of hope in your heart die.  Jesus tells us that all of this madness is but the beginning of the birth pangs.  And what is birth, but new life?

         I think that each of these moments, each of these darknesses, is a chance for new life to be born and new hope to shine through.  Whenever we suffer, as individuals or as a nation, we emerge stronger.  We make mistakes and we hurt each other, but then we try hard not to make those mistakes again.  We find meaning in our suffering, and we grow.  We are broken people, but the light of God shines through our brokenness.  Slowly, slowly, as the earth turns, God is making things right.  Each day, each moment, is a chance we have to right our wrongs and start again.  We are ever always living in the end times, but we are also ever always at the very beginning.  Each day, each morning, is a chance for a new life, a better life, a fresh start to try again and do better this time. 

         So, these days, as you watch the news with me, and read your Bibles at home, despairing over wars and rumors of wars, despairing over those who have been led astray, and despairing over the mess that we have made, don’t lose heart.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Pay attention to who he is and the things he teaches us.  Love your God with all that you are.  Love your neighbor with all that you have.  Share and give and love and grow.  Make this world a better place.  This is but the beginning of the birth pangs and we have a long way to go.  Do not be alarmed, but stand strong in your faith.  God’s new world is being born in our midst, ever, always, today.  Amen.

The family of hospitality and fidelity

November 11^th, 2018     “The Family of Hospitality and Fidelity”      Rev. Heather Jepsen

Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

         This morning we continue the story of Ruth and Naomi, as well as our discussion about what it means to be the family of faith.  In typical lectionary fashion, we only have snippets from the book of Ruth today.  Last week we studied the beginning of the story.  Naomi and her husband Elimelech along with their two sons had fled the land of Judah during a time of famine.  They landed in Moab, the neighboring and enemy country, only to have Elimelech and both the sons die.  Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law journey back to Judah.  Orpah turns back for Moab, but Ruth decides to cast her lot with Naomi.  “Where you go, I will go.”  And so, the women, a strange and sad family, returned to Judah.

         In the chapters before our reading for today, Ruth and Naomi find themselves in Bethlehem just in time for the barley harvest.  Naomi has a kinsman named Boaz, a relative of her dead husband, and she sends Ruth to glean in his field.  As the reapers would pass through, bits of barley would be left behind, and these Ruth would collect for her and Naomi to eat. 

         Boaz returns to his field and takes note of Ruth.  He has heard her story, that her husband died and that she left her country of Moab to stay with and care for Naomi.  Boaz takes pity on Ruth, offering her food and water as well as the best gleanings from his fields.  When Naomi hears of Boaz’s attention, she begins to form a plan.  That is where our first reading for today comes from . . .

         (Read Ruth 3:1-5)

         Naomi advises Ruth to clean herself up and return to the threshing floor.  Boaz will be there asleep with his men and she is to sidle up along side him and make herself noticed.  If you think this sounds a bit like hanky-panky you are right.  Ruth approaches Boaz in the dark and when he awakens in the night, he is surprised to find her there.  Boaz is older, and he is moved that such a beautiful young woman would choose him instead of a younger man.  Ruth says they are kin, and Boaz has the right to marry her.  He spreads his cloak over her that night and promises in the morning to secure her future.

         There is one hurdle in this ancient love story.  There is a man of closer lineage who has first rights to Ruth.  But this man declines the offer, and Boaz stands as redeemer kinsmen, taking Ruth as well as Naomi’s inherited land to be his own.  That is where our second reading from the book of Ruth comes in.

         (Read Ruth 4:13-17)

         Ruth and Boaz are united in marriage, again a mixed marriage as an Israelite marries a Moabite.  A son is born named “Obed” meaning “Child of Destiny”.  The child is given to Naomi as her own, and she nurses the baby as if it were hers.  We can see that this is a miracle child, as we know a grandma would not be able to do such a thing. 

The wonder of the story is found in its last few verses.  Not only is this child a miracle for Naomi, this child is a miracle for Israel.  For Obed is the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David, Israel’s favorite king and the linage from who Jesus is traced.  Remember I told you this story was written when prophets were preaching against mixed marriages and immigrants in Israel?  And here we have a Moabite woman, sworn enemies of Israel and Judah, as the great Grandmother to David, Israel’s hero king.  Though the book of Ruth is small, it has a lot to say about who is welcome in the family of God.

So, what does this have to do with us?  We talked last week about how it is God alone who forms the family of faith.  Ruth and Naomi are an unlikely pairing, brought together by the hand of God.  So too, Ruth and Boaz are an unlikely match, separated by age and culture.  And yet, through their union the nation of Israel continues.  There is little overt mention of God in the Book of Ruth.  Like so often in our own lives, God is part of the background.  But the overall message of Ruth is that God is the glue that holds us all together.  And if we remain faithful to those bonds, if we hold tight to that glue, then God will bless us with new life.

The two main themes in Ruth’s story are hospitality and fidelity.  There would be no story of Ruth without folks showing hospitality to the strangers in their midst.  Ruth shows hospitality by giving to Naomi all that she has, her very life.  Naomi shows hospitality to Ruth by helping her secure a future with Boaz.  And from the beginning, Boaz is hospitality itself.  He honors the stranger, the foreigner, gleaning in his field.  He heaps bounty upon Ruth and Naomi, honoring the Israelite tradition to care for the widow.  And when the opportunity arises to redeem the women, Boaz does not hesitate.  His gift of hospitality to this foreign widow is the opening that God needs to breathe new life into the nation of Israel.

The other theme of Ruth is fidelity, or faithfulness.  Naomi is faithful in her care of Orpah and Ruth, wanting what is best for each of them as she returns to Judah.  Ruth is faithful to Naomi, aligning her life with her and refusing to send the elderly widow away alone.  Together, they are a team, and they each work for the other’s benefit.  From Naomi’s desire to seek a new husband for Ruth, to Ruth’s willingness to share her son Obed with Naomi, the faithfulness of the women is clear.  Even Boaz shows faithfulness as he honors the rules and practices of the culture, securing the kinsman redeemer place only after he checks with the man first in line.  Through it all, the characters of this story are faithful to God, the glue that holds them all together, and the power that blesses them with miraculous new life.

Here in the church family, we have the opportunity to practice both hospitality and fidelity.  This is a church that practices what it preaches when we say “Find Welcome Here”.  Our nation is as divided as ever, but here in this place we are one family.  From varying political stances to varying religious opinions, we honor our call to practice hospitality by creating a place where everybody is welcome.

Through our mission work we extend that hospitality to those outside these walls.  From volunteering at the Food Center, to the manna bag project, to supporting the children’s homes in Columbia, to our work in Malawi and beyond, this church lives out hospitality in every community it touches.  We welcome the stranger, and in doing so, we open a path for God’s blessings in our world.

This church practices fidelity to God, when we practice faithfulness here in the church community.  God is the glue that has brought us together.  We certainly would not have come together without God!  Sometimes being faithful to the ones we are stuck with, is a way we are faithful to God.  Even though our church isn’t perfect, it is worthy of our offerings of energy and passion.  From serving on committees, to sharing our tithes and offerings, fidelity to this church is faithfulness to God.  And through our fidelity, God has blessed this church with new life.

Today in worship we have two ways to practice hospitality and fidelity.  Soon, we will gather at the communion table, and as is our practice in November, we will celebrate family style.  Those that are able, will move to the parlor and pass the bread and juice together.  As we remember Jesus’ death that gives us life, we remember the life that we have found in this family, this community of faith.  Even those of us that can’t gather at the table, will be served as a valuable part of the family.  Together we share one bread and one cup, together we are one family of faith, a place where everyone is welcome to share, friend and stranger alike.

Today we will also offer our pledges in worship.  As a practice of our faithfulness we make a promise of financial support.  We commit to keep funding the mission and ministry of this church in the coming year.  We also commit our time and energy to the mission and ministry of this congregation.  By practicing faithful giving, we create an environment of hospitality, and God blesses us with opportunities for new life.

The story of Ruth and Naomi reminds us that God calls many diverse people into the family of faith.  Our job as followers of God is to practice hospitality to the stranger and to remain faithful to the glue that holds all of us together.  May God bless this church today, as we celebrate in friendship and love and as we make an offering in gratitude and generosity.  And may God bless this church this year as we continue to be a family of hospitality and fidelity in these walls and out in the world.  Like the story of Ruth and Naomi, may our openness and generosity create a space for new life to be born.  Amen.