Notes from Easter 4 Yr B Sermon-FYI, I did a 'free' sermon, and it could have been better, but I think it is just practice that makes is possible.
Today's lessons are all about being invested in Christianity. And so I ask you, Are you all in?
We are the sheep. Jesus is the shepherd. (The psalm) We are trusting as individuals.
When we become the children of God, we become proxy shepherds. 'Feed my sheep' he said when he left. Bellwether sheep as it were. These sheep lead by example. The bellwether is not noticeable to the casual eye, but the shepherd depends on her as much as himself to keep the sheep safe. (I John)
We must be careful that we do not become like the hired hand, thinking we can replace the shepherd, because we will fail if we do. And just like any hired help, when the going gets tough, the tough look for other work. (John & I John)
The difference between the bellwether sheep and the hired hand is a matter of investment. The sheep is well invested. Her outcome is equal to that of all other sheep in the flock. Employees will look to their own advantage first, then the advantage of the company.
We are offered the example of the early church in Acts. Where members who had the means to make sure that the suffering for becoming a Christian was minimized. In the lesson from Acts, the people of the church are sharing their possessions. It says they were of one heart and one soul. That they gave up their private ownership and held all assets in common. It says there was not a needy person among them. Even though the family of origin disowns, Christians still have their basic needs provided for.
If anything, I think as a denomination, we are very concerned with the other sheep that do not belong to this fold (John), and often forget to take care of our own. And we often forget to let others take care of us. That is a very huge part of Christianity, the caring for each other. It is just as vital to the building of the kingdom of God to give of yourself in the service of others as to be the recipient of that giving. Sam told me that at a bible study last summer, that his gift of the holy spirit was to receive. That is one of the most beautifully moving things I have ever heard. I think it may be the best gift ever. Because when we give, and do not receive, we indulge in pride, in selfishness, in idolatry. Who are we to think that our cup is as full as that of God? Even Jesus didn't think such a thing.
Christianity requires investment. If we are not committed both as givers and as receivers, we will never see the kingdom of heaven, even in the select little group of people called Christians, or ECUSA or St David's.
So I ask, are you all in? Are you prepared to give of yourself so Christians can be seen to live out the kingdom of God? And are you all in, able to let go of your self sufficient notions and accept the kingdom as well?
