Let us Pray.

 

Over the last week the Disciple class has been reading Matthew. Studying and examining what it means to be radical disciples. Reading the stories of Jesus from Matthew’s perspective reminds me the Bible is a library of books, of stories of ordinary people, on a quest as God’s chosen people.

 

To become a disciple of Christ means to become a learner of Christ. But to know Christ means to accept that Christ is our Lord and Savior. And as easy as it for us to say that we are, it is more difficult to actually live into our discipleship as believers of Christ. To accept Christ as our Savior is to accept our call to be radical disciples. To be radical is to affect the fundamental nature of something. To be a radical disciple calls for us to give up everything and follow Jesus.

 

Being believers of Christ requires that not only do we learn the word of God but we become doers of the word. And we do that by treating every person as if they were Jesus himself. Treat every situation as if we are preparing to meet Christ. And I am sure you can agree that that means whatever you thought you were about to do, whatever you thought was about to happen, whatever you thought you were about to hear, forget it.

 

When Jesus shows up, it will not be what we expected, but will be just what we need. And so in order for us to be ready for that moment we are called to a radical reformation. Things can not remain the same, we can never settle for normal again.

 

The scripture from Romans helps prepare us, especially in our weakness. Listen to Romans 8:26-39. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

 

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then are we to say about these things?

 

If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

 

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God.

 

Reformation is the mantra for these days. And a radical reformation is what we are called to lead. First COVID-19 shows how something so small that it can not be seen by the naked eye can cause such destruction globally. Consuming the attention, livelihood, and resources of the world. Wrecking havoc on families, communities, the economy, the health care system, and nations world wide. The front lines of the virus were drawn at our doorstep and for many right through our homes. Walking out the door put everyone at risk.

 

Those that continued to go to work, especially those in the medical field, service industry, and transportation authorities were putting their lives at risk in order that others could live. The true reality of those front line workers were they were members of the most vulnerable population.

 

Then with the gifts of technology and everyone sitting at home we witnessed Amy Cooper attempt to use her power to cause harm when she was asked to follow the rules. And soon to follow, we witnessed the murder of George Floyd with no remorse or care. Which sparked civil unrest across not only our nation but the world for reformation of the systems built for peace and justice, but offered only harm and injustice.

 

As followers of Christ we are in essence called to lead a radical reformation. But as the days linger on I recognize we are still making our way to becoming disciples. In the past have I encouraged you to at least read the Gospel of Mark in order to start your journey. The Gospel of Mark speaks directly to the ministry and mission of Christ. I figured that if we could start there we would be on our way.

 

And for the last few weeks, we have found ourself in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew teaches us about Jesus’ lineage in order to prove that he is the Messiah. Then we witness through our readings the call of the disciples. Jesus calls the first by saying “Come, follow me.” Simon and Andrew, drop their nets and go. John and James leave their father and go with Jesus. There is nothing written about a discourse between the men at this turning point of their life. No questions asked, no push back, not even a question as to where they were going. What is it that stirred them to trust in this man, Jesus, enough to follow him without question? What will it take for us to do the same?

 

I can say that most of those who were called to follow Jesus wanted to take care of their personal affairs first, or to keep their possessions and comfortability as well, or found that the time is not right, not convenient. If we continue to wait until the time is right and we are comfortable to follow Jesus, we will get left behind. When we are called to be disciples for Christ we are called to trust fully in the Lord with everything concerning us.

 

I know, it is not easy. We like to be in control and comfortable and know what the plan is. We want everyone to conform to the ways of the world because it is working. But for who? Who are the ways of this world working for? For the children still on the border in detention centers, for the undocumented residents of our country whose children are at risk to be left as orphans, for black men being gunned down in front of their children, for the transgendered that are being brutally battered and killed, for the civil rights leaders that raise their voice and are threaten or and killed.

 

It is time for a radical reformation. Time for us to deny normalcy and reform this world as radical disciples of Jesus Christ. It begins by seeing every person as Christ himself. Let us feed him, heal him, protect him, serve him, teach him, and comfort him. If we would do that for Christ we can do that for any person we come into contact with, today.

 

Be sure to listen. Do not think you know the answer for them when you meet them. Take the time to get to know them, listen to their story. Be prepared that these days those stories might be more difficult to hear and understand. But commit to learning and being on the journey with them.

 

Be present. The ministry of presence sometimes is more powerful than any word you can say. There are so many people living in isolation and are lonely. They might have out-lived all their family members or their family does not live near by. Write a letter, a quick note, send a virtual hug, a quick text message, call them. Make them feel they are not forgotten.

 

Avoid being judgmental. Leave that to God. Just be present and show compassion. These are the things, the actions that bring the kingdom of heaven near. These are the seeds that may be small like a mustard seed, but when planted, blossom into the fullness of a long life. These small acts don’t take much to do, but have lasting effects. This is how we become doers of the word. There is a quote I say often that I heard at a youth event and then went to seminary I learned it was said by St. Francis of Assisi, he says, “Preach the gospel, and if you must use words.” Your small acts of compassion for those who need it the most is the opportunity you have to show them that God loves them, just where they are. And it happens through you.

 

Over and over again we read in the Gospels how Jesus cared for his friends and his followers. Relationships are more important to Jesus than rituals. Especially, our relationship with God, with Jesus and with each other. This would create wholeness across the land the the community of faith would honestly become holy. And that holiness of the community would be a holiness that would be fostered through unity and will break down barriers meant to separate people from one another.

 

As followers of Jesus we are to seek first, God’s Kin-dom. That’s it. Nothing comes before that. No convenience, comfort, possessions, or even family. When our focus is on the kin-dom of God, we are able to see those who are hurting and give them the care they need. We will not be able to do anything else. The good news beloved is that Christ was sent to earth for you. So you would be rescued and your relationship can be reconciled with God. You right there, right where you are, just as you are, are worth it all. God said so. Like the parable said, God was searching for the finest pearls and found you and gave up everything for you. Now, it’s up to you to allow yourself to be used for God’s purpose for Christ sake.

 

And so let me leave you with this charge, take the time to become a disciple of Christ for the transformation of the world so you can be a part of the radical reformation.