Children of the Light

Pentecost 25 – November 19, 2023

Readings:
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Mathew 25:14-30

I have heard a lot of discussion recently about the decadence of our time and how God is soon to come and bring God’s judgment upon us. Even the newly elected speaker of the house is saying this. Although, any reader of history will note that this kind of talk has been around for a long time. This has been going on from the beginning of the Christian era and probably earlier. While the issues that will bring this about are not the same it is clear to see that those who say these things are claiming that what they believe is God’s will and what everybody else is saying is not. I confess that discerning what God desires of the world is difficult to decide, the underlying principle is not. That principle is love and is stated in the Bible many ways. Jesus tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Paul tells in our reading from first Thessalonians, to “put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” Difficult tasks to do each day after your morning prayers as you enter into the world. But it is not for us to decide when Jesus will return or who will be judged. (Actually, we are told that all will be judged.) We are called to enter into the world and carry on Jesus’ work and relationship with the world.

Lately, I have even heard Christians who, claiming that the world is so evil, so corrupt, that they call for others to join them in separating from the world. There are many past examples of how this model does not work - from the Harmony Society to Jim Jones. It usually develops into a we-against-the-world mentality that ends up in death. It is while we interact with the world that we truly find God’s will and His call to us. Jesus learned that from incidents like the woman at the well and the death of Lazarus. Where would we be if Jesus had gone into seclusion because the world was against him? How about Paul? He learned by his interaction with people. While he was jailed and persecuted, Paul continued to interact with those same people who persecuted him.

Reading our Bible texts assigned for today can be depressing. They talk about God’s vengeance, a world that can be hostile, and the shortness of our lives. The gospel brings it all home to us when the slave, who feared his master, did what he thought was the best way to do what his master wanted. His action, much akin to those who wish to walk away from society, was not what God wanted and his punishment was severe and long. Fortunately we read these texts in the light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is through Jesus’ work upon the cross that we are able to go into the world and invest our talents by doing God’s work of bringing peace, truth, and justice to the world. And our weapon of choice is love. God’s love, not ours. Our love can be partial, selfish, and wanting. God’s love never ends, it is kind and gentle; holds no grudges. It is the love that opens our arms to the world and welcomes all into our lives.

Don’t worry about whether your effort will work or if it will bring in a great harvest. Just put on God’s love and set out into the world planning to share what God has given you. As our parable says, it is God who gives the growth. Remember also that you once were lost and now have been found. Someone took the time to share with you God’s love. You now are called to do the same.