Sept 13, 2009
“The First Step”
If you were called out in the way Peter was – what would you do?
I believe our response to Jesus would be different from Peter’s.
His first step was not away.
We would have wilted, or run away.
I believe we would have stepped away because that seems to be people’s response to conflict these days. Step apart, draw lines to separate, and let unleash the ugliness.
How can it be true that people in churches decide the faithful thing is for them to “take their cookies” and go home? At least, away from the Other Side.
In our society, this method of conflict perpetuation has centered around the issue of health care.
You may not want to hear a word encouraging conversation on a ‘political issue’ in your sermon. But there are many reasons why I believe we should talk –
First, we, as Christians, should talk about health care because there has been a shift in conversation in the past six weeks.
Actually, there is no longer any conversation. People have simply moved to their side of the dividing line and started shouting. It is so fitting that we have the text from James today, identifying the power of the tongue – a power that can unleash fires.
There is a man who professes to be Christian and preaches that he is praying not only for the defeat, but the death of our president.
“Freedom of speech and religion are predicated on responsibility, not rancor.”
Rev. Chuck Warnock
I believe it is important for Christians to speak to, and against, this kind of divisiveness. Differing views are not bad – they are essential for the health of society. But, when they devolve into name calling and threats, they are no longer healthy. Difference is not bad – it is even healthy. But divisiveness is destructive.
Another reason for why we should talk – because fear is dominating the discourse. I don’t believe the opposite of faith is doubt. I believe that the opposite of faith is fear.
The fear seems to be that ‘they’ are going to take my stuff.
From the ELCA statement “Health and Healthcare”, “Because of our sinful nature, we often turn in on ourselves and away from God and neighbor. We frequently become unfaithful stewards of our health, tending at times to disregard it and at other times to idolize it. Sin also corrupts our social systems and relationships in ways that directly and indirectly threaten health.”
So let’s talk about health care, starting with why it is a faith issue.
We believe God is the creator – and God’s creation was, even is, good. But we also believe that illness is a sign of the brokenness of creation. “Healing is restoration of wholeness and unity of body, mind, and spirit. Healing addresses the suffering caused by the disruption of relationships with God, with our neighbors, and with ourselves.” (ELCA ibid)
And not only does God intend healing! We believe God has something to do with making healing happen: Jesus healed people. His healings demonstrated God’s power, and God’s will for healing. That’s why every Sunday we pray for people whose health has been compromised, those who suffer. We are saying it is something God cares about, and even has a hand in.
“The Bible does not outline specific public policies around the provision of health care, but it does make it clear that protecting the health of each human being is a profoundly important personal and communal responsibility for people of faith. Throughout the Bible, God shows a special concern for the vulnerable and sick and acts to lift them up. The Bible also teaches God’s command that society organize in such a way that all members have genuine access to the resources needed to live a dignified life, as well as provide for those who are unable to care for themselves. The Hebrew prophets consistently say that the measure of a nation’s righteousness and integrity is how it treats the most vulnerable. And Jesus says the nations will be judged by how they treat “the least of these” (Matthew 25:31-45).” (Sojourners resource, Health Care Toolkit)
It is a faith issue.
I started this sermon asking how you would have responded had Jesus called you out in the way he called out Peter. Before Peter got called out, he’d told Jesus: You are the Messiah. You are the one who saves. The man sent by God who saves people.
Who do you say Jesus is?
Spiritual teacher? Guru? Mystic? If you think God doesn’t care about health care in this country, then you are reducing Jesus to a mystic.
I believe Jesus is the Savior. He came into the world and healed through his life and death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit continues the work of reconciliation/healing in and through us. That shapes the conversation for me. I am not here to answer the question. I am here to say we need to be part of the conversation. Engaging the conversation is part of following Jesus.
Amen
