How Do We Become What God Wants - One?

 Link to the Collect and Scripture. 

Another week of grumbling and complaining in the wilderness. God rained manna on his people, not punishment in last week's lesson. This week, acting through his agent, Moses, who strikes a rock with his staff, life giving water gushes forth. Living bread, living water. 

What do we look for, what do we find when we are in wilderness times? Do we see our glass half empty? Half full? Is it wrong to question God? Is God present in the good times, but not the bad times? Do we look for mirages instead of the truth in times of want, need or trouble? Security instead of facing our fears and troubles? Read Kate Matthews' "Everyone's a Critic."

And Jesus, speaking with authority (ἐξουσία - a liberating power, not a dominating force), gives us the parable of the two sons who are asked to work in the vineyard. One says he will, and doesn't. One says he won't, but does. Who does the Father's will?

In Paul's beautiful letter to the Philippians, we have the kenosis (κενόω - to empty out). After telling us we need to have the mind of Christ, Paul tells us a love story of Christ's sacrifice from the beginning to the cross. Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross." 

So, with all the grumbling and complaining, how are we to do the Father's will? How can a grumbling church become the church God wants us to be? How can a divided nation become one nation, under God? Consider Will Willimon's "One in Christ." Debie Thomas tells us Words Are Not Enough. 

When Life Is Not Fair

 Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45  • Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Psalm 145:1-8  • Philippians 1:21-30  • Matthew 20:1-16

Life isn't fair. So said the murmuring Israelites when they complained about being led into the wilderness from the fleshpots of Egypt. And Jonah when God spared Nineveh,  capital of Assyria which conquered Israel and took the brightest and best into captivity. And what about Jesus' parable of the last arriving workers in the vineyard being paid the same as the first to arrive?

How did God respond to the Israelites? To Jonah? And what is Jesus teaching us?

Read Debie Thomas' "On Fairness," and "The Generosity of God," by The Rev. Dr. Michael Foss.

What forgiveness is, and is not

 Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21  • Genesis 50:15-21 and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13  • Romans 14:1-12  • Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus tells Peter, in answer to his question, how many times must I forgive, "Seventy times seven." What does he mean? Does he mean to forgive indiscriminately? While forgiveness should be our everyday practice, is there anything which is not forgiveable?

What is involved in forgiving, for ourselves, and others? What should we expect? To avoid the rush to "cheap grace," we should ask what what forgiveness is, and what it is not. Especially in the age we live in, in the face of injustice and inequity, which we are also called to address.

There is work to be done before there can be reconciliation, not the least of which is honestly addressing denial. Read Debie Thomas' "Unpacking Forgiveness." Forgiveness is not meant to be hollow, or cheap. For Christians, there is always the cross before new and everlasting life, and peace.

When two or more are gathered together in my name, I am there among them

 Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14 and Psalm 149  • Ezekiel 33:7-11 and Psalm 119:33-40  • Romans 13:8-14  • Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus' beautiful saying that when two or more are gathered in his name, he is in their midst is often read at weddings, and, in fact, is sublimely present in one of my favorite songs of Peter, Paul and Mary, "The Wedding Song," but Jesus said this in regard to matters of church discipline. What do we do when there is conflict in the church?

In this week's gospel lesson, Jesus  instructs the church which will carry his good news as a mission to the world about what do if another member of the church "sins" against you. The Greek word for sin is αμαρτάνω, which means "missing the mark. A discreet one on one meeting with the offending person is the step, followed by another discreet meeting, and finally a meeting of the church itself. All of this respects the dignity of persons. If that doesn't resolve it, then what? We should look at the context in which Jesus speaks. Immediately prior to this message, Jesus teaches the disciples about humility when they ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, saying that unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Immediately after this week's gospel, Jesus answer's Peter's question of "how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me," with "seventy times seven," which means what?

Humility, forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of Jesus' instructions for resolving church disputes. Many have interpreted the gospel to authorize shunning. What should we do when one leaves the church? How is "power" or "authority" to be exercised and received?

Finally, if we remember that when two are three are gathered in his name, he is with us, how can we not come together in humility in the presence of the one who gave his all that all might be saved?

Consider these articles: "What kind of Community Will We Be?" by David Lose; "Unforgiven," by William L. Hawkins; "A Careful Read," by Deanna Langle; and "The Power to Bind or Loose," by The Rev. Whitney Rice; The Beloved Community by Debie Thomas.