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A Challenge

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Readings:

Genesis 18:1-15; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8

Why is it so difficult for us to believe that God can accomplish anything?

We are faithful enough — we attend church more or less regularly and we try to live a good life.

We hear about God’s promises.

But to accept that they are meant for us – to trust that God can actually make a difference in our lives and the lives of those we touch – is beyond our capabilities.

When we are challenged to trust in God – to trust that God can do something about a problem in our family or bring about healing in our lives, it is easy to laugh it off.

It is even easier to label the source as fanatical.

Yet God has made that promise to humanity over and over again.

Take, for example, the story of Abraham and Sarah.

They were not young when God led them out of their homeland promising to make them into a great nation.

God also promised that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.

It was a promise that filled them with a renewed sense of hope.

Yet Abraham and Sarah remained childless.

As they grew older it became difficult for them to continue to trust in God’s promise. They took it into their own hands.

Abraham produced an heir through Hagar, one of his servants.

Ishmael’s birth, however, brought, not joy, but conflict into their lives.

Then when Abraham was ninety-nine God renewed the promise.

Three visitors arrived during the hottest part of the day.

Abraham greeted them.

They told him that in nine months Sarah would have the baby that had been promised.

Sarah laughed hysterically.

Do you really blame her?

We all share Sarah’s laughter as she eavesdrops.

But we also share in her happy laughter as she plays with her son nine months later. You see nothing is impossible for God!

Another example from Scripture!

Paul was on his way to Damascus.

He had murder in his heart. He was on his way to arrest every Christian he could find. God interrupted him on his way. God changed his heart.

When he came to Jerusalem after his conversion, is it little wonder that most of the Christians there wanted nothing to do with him?

They had known him as a persecutor and an enemy of the Church.

It was the Apostle, Barnabas, the one who replaced Judas, who was willing to give him a second chance.

He looked him up, spoke with him, and brought him to see the other Christians, vouching for him.

We may not see the way clearly, but with God nothing is impossible.

However, this morning’s gospel reading points out that it takes somewhat more than trust to bring about God’s promises.

It takes some action on our part. Jesus in his earthly ministry went about preaching the coming of God’s kingdom.

He taught the people about God.

He healed the sick.

We’re told that he did it out of compassion for people who were like sheep without a shepherd.

But he did not try to do it alone.

He commissioned the disciples for ministry.

Their function was mission.

They are not disciples who are to sit at the feet of the master to learn.

They are sent out to do mission, to do the work of the church. In other words they are the laity – lay ministers sent out to give new life to the hopeless and helpless.

The healing activity of Jesus and his disciples was far more than kindness; it was a part of the proclamation of the kingdom of Heaven. Their mission was an extension of that of Jesus.                                                                        4

We sometimes think that there is nothing we can do to bring about a change in our world. But don’t we see exactly what Jesus saw?

Don’t we see people who are lost and confused?

Don’t we see people who are spiritually and physically hungry and in need?

What does that mean in our lives?

What action does it call for us to take?

We see things happen in our world.

We read in the paper about homelessness.

We see pictures of children, cold and shivering with little hope of a decent meal.

We become angry and say to God: “Why do you permit this?

Why don’t you do something about it?”

For a while God says nothing, but in the stillness of our hearts God answers our prayer, quite clearly: “I certainly did something about it.

I made you!

Now why don’t you do something about it?”

Matthew says that the call of Jesus is about what we can do. Even more importantly, he says that we have been given the authority to do something about it.

I want you to imagine for a moment or two what might happen if members of our congregation, of all ages, took Jesus’ instructions to the twelve seriously this summer.

Jesus didn’t send the disciples far away.

He sent them out into their own neighborhood.

He commissioned them to do the things that he did – to preach, to teach and to heal.

He told them to volunteer and not expect to receive much reward.

Where is God’s love needed in our neighborhood?

Are there elderly people who need us to visit them and bring cheer into their lives? Are there young families who need to be welcomed into a new community – who need programs for their children, who need nurturing in the faith?  Are there young people who need purpose in their lives?

Are there people who need food or shelter?

Are there people who need to hear the good news that we have to share?

Do we need to find a way to invite them into our church family?

What if, this summer, every worshiper in our congregation found just one person in need and found a way to pass on God’s love?

It wouldn’t be easy, would it?

Matthew warns us about that.

But we have God’s promise that God will be with us – each one of us – helping us to say and do what is needed. 

I’m asking you to make a commitment to this congregation and to God – not in writing or in any formal way but a real commitment – to do exactly that.

Consider it your mission for this summer.

Invite someone to church.

Or help someone in need.

Listen to what God is calling you to do.

And then do it.

Like Abraham and Sarah, like the disciples, like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s promises and give birth God’s realm in our lives, our communities, and our world.

In the midst of hardship, we too are called to trust in God’s timing and be open to God’s surprises.

And remember!

Nothing is impossible for God!

And with  God’s help, for us!