They were talking about their church in the grocery-store (at the cafe, at the post-office, on the sidewalk - you know how we are). They were bragging about the building (its antiquity, its decor, its beauty, its "glory" - you know how we are). But then a Stranger spoke:
"All that you praise is fleeting, and will one day it will all fall."
Now, the church was a dear treasure to them, and in fear they begged the Stranger for more details: "How can this be?" "When will this be?" What of our investments?" "What of our improvements?"
"Many will claim to know when you will have to close your doors, and warn you of impending doom - do not give your ear to these false prophets. You will see horrible wars and atrocities on the news, and be tempted to see approaching Armageddon. Great division will form among people, and you will be tempted to see rapture and end-time. The environment will collapse, and you will be tempted to despair. The World will attack you of the Body because it cannot harm the Head - this is not a punishment but an opportunity! You will then talk about greater things than upholstery, carpeting, and drapes. You will testify!
"But beware of locking-in your testimony in advance. You must make room … room for the Spirit to act through you. At the proper time in the proper place, words and concepts will come to you that no earthly or demonic force can stand before. Yes, other members of your church will betray you, and friends and family will abandon you, and you will be hated because they hate me; but, you will be sanctified as you abide.
"Though the building will fail and your church will fall, the Church will endure and be perfected." – (from Luke 21;5-19)
For many, these last weeks have brought about a result the result for which they have long anticipated. It seems as if their pleas for a win, to God and man, have gone long denied. Pundits and media speculated and there were close analyses of every move and in the end
... The Cubs Took the World Series.
What did you think I was going to say?
Got to admit, it was and amazing last game, eh?
When I looked into the lectionary text for today and read Luke 21:5-19 I figured that this text would resonate with at least half of the people in our congregation. It seems to be a “Doomsday Deliverance” type of text. Everything is going to “you know where” in a handbasket. I knew that half of the people would be jubilant and others would say, this is how I feel. The end is nigh!
Well, let’s consider something for a moment.
This week 120 million Americans of the eligible 250 million over the age of 18 participated in the national election.
That works out to slightly less than half of the potential voters did.
Of that 120 million who did vote, slightly less than half that number voted for Mr. Trump. On December 19th the Electoral College votes will be tallied and in accordance with tradition we anticipate that they will confirm Mr. Donald Trump as the President Elect … to be sworn in on January 20, 2017.
Slightly less than one-quarter of our citizens received the election results as good news. All the while, the other quarter of Americans who voted for Sec Clinton struggle with the results of this election.
A small percentage of that group are vocally speaking out, posting complaints on social media holding rallies and marches and are acting up in ways that are not appropriate for a nation that prides itself for its “peaceful exchange of power” following an election.
Both Mr. Trump, Secretary Clinton and President Obama have encouraged us to accept the results, give the guy a chance and become unified.
Some have told others to “get over it”, “move on”, “be united” which is difficult considering the vitriol of the previous 18 months.
What many are dealing with is called – “Greif”
People grieve when a relationship is broken, a divorce takes place, hopes are dashed. A terminal illness is diagnosed. When change takes place, people grieve. Try to take pews out of the back of the sanctuary, people get upset. Change in the church is not easy … let alone a nation.
I took a workshop on change in an organization, the presenter shared that people express grief in a variety of ways. When change happens in an organization, people may grieve that change.
Grief is a base emotion that defies a “normal expression.”
Anger, acting out, sullenness, depression, sadness, weepy, silence … any one of these or a variety of these could be considered normal.
Have you ever walked up to a person who just lost a loved one and smugly told them “to get over it,” or “move on?” Your sister, brother, daughter or son just experienced a break up, “get over it,” or “move on?” Someone lost a job that they loved, “get over it” or “move on?”
If you are struggling, do not grieve as if there is no hope. Wading through grief takes time. In time, all will be well. It may take months, be easy on yourself and be understanding toward those who do not know how to console someone going through a difficult time. Take the time you need to grieve… its okay.
Our text for today has all the all the element of Apocalyptic writings. The course of events are beyond our control, while we may face persecution, the followers of Christ are called to be faithful to God. We are called not to put our allegiance in any other. Only God. God will redeem us … even from ourselves. In this I believe and put my only trust.
Friends, I believe that we are all living into a new reality and an uncertain future. But every future is uncertain. What I do know is that God is still God and while there may be rumors of war, earthquakes and famine (elements that humanity has lived with for all seasons and times) and it may seem that through the course of these recent human events when families are divided, neighbors against neighbor. We the people of Christ are called to remain steadfast in God.
Jesus calls us to love, love one another, for people will know we are followers of Jesus by the way we love.
God is still God. Our mandate and our mission is still
Changing lives through Jesus Christ to make a difference.
In response to the message today, Peggy selected a phenomenal hymn with words set to the tune Jerusalem. Please open your hymnal and turn to page 729. And listen and read along as the choir leads us in the first verse and you are invited to join in the second verse.
The opening verse reads.
O day of peace that dimly shines,
Through all our hopes prayer and dreams
Guide us to justice, truth, and love
Delivered from our selfish schemes
May swords of hate fall from our hands
Our hearts from envy find release
Till by God’s grace our warring world
shall see Christ’s promised reign of peace.
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