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Donate| November 16, 2008 Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 28 Commentary by Bruce G. Epperly |
See also: [2005] |
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Today’s readings invite us to take an adventure into the realm of possibility. Our world is often too small; our hopes often pint-sized when they should be planetary. While mainstream and progressive Christians may chuckle and critique what they call the “theology lite” approaches of the “name it and claim it” spirituality of some Pentecostals, the “possibility thinking” of Robert Schuller, and the “your best life now” approach of Joel Osteen, we need to take a hard look at our own self-imposed theological
limitations—too often we progressive and mainstream Christians expect too little from God and too little from ourselves in the transformation of body, mind, spirit, congregation, and planet. Although the meaning of Jesus’ words to his disciples from John 14:12 remain vague and open-ended, those of us who call ourselves progressive and mainstream Christians are challenged to wrestle with Jesus’ affirmation as we face issues of personal health, church finances, and congregational growth—“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the [Parent].”
Matthew’s gospel presents a challenging word to congregations and individuals. How often have we witnessed congregations and denominational bodies succumb to a type of “practical atheism” when it comes to the financial “bottom line” or to our congregational or personal resources? Often, we act as if we live in a “closed system” in which no new energies or possibilities can emerge. Often, we see ourselves in terms of what we lack rather than the surprising and life-changing possibilities residing within our concrete limitations. We have not, because we ask not—and dream not!
Recently, Lancaster Theological Seminary where I serve as Director of Continuing Education and Professor of Practical Theology decided to challenge the scarcity theologies of small congregations in the areas of worship and music. With the assistance of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, my department established a program in “Enlivening Worship and Music in the Small Church” as a way of helping small congregations see their gifts, rather than their limitations, in terms of faithful congregational worship. While small can be challenging, small can also be beautiful – a mustard seed can grow into a great tree and five loaves and two fish can feed a multitude.
Jesus’ “parable of the talents” is not intended to provide us with a formula for our personal retirement investments or congregational endowments. While it may challenge congregations that “sit on their assets” to make bold, creative, and wise moves as they seek to be faithful to the gospel, the heart of the parable is the challenge to faithfully and boldly explore and develop God’s gifts in our lives. There is threat in this scripture, but the threat is dwarfed by the promises of abundant life. Will we sacrifice growth and adventure to because we are afraid to take risks? If we cling safely to the status quo, what are we missing in terms of divine energy and possibility? The universe is moving forward, evolving and emerging, and so should we!
My field education pastor, Dr. George Tolman of First Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona, once noted in a sermon, preached nearly thirty years ago, that “life is risky business; no one ever gets out alive!” The first two servants were risk-takers – they invested everything they had in order to secure a good profit. And, they succeeded! Without the risk, there would not have been the fortune. Sadly, the final servant was so afraid of failure that he buried his assets in the ground, neither gaining nor losing at the end of the day. While some of us may have wished that we had buried our investments in the ground in light of the recent economic downturn, this passage involves more than dollars and sense or bricks and mortar. It is about our approach to life. Will we approach life with a sense of adventure and possibility or fear and scarcity?
This scripture raises a number of questions: Does our wise risk-taking open the door for a greater influx of divine energy and possibility in our lives? Do institutions that move forward, inspired by dreams, align themselves with divine possibility in such a way that God can move more creatively in their lives? When we open the door to divine possibility, does this activate God’s vision for us in new and exciting ways? The gospel reading invites us to live in a world of wonders, possibilities, and lively energies in which each day can become a holy adventure with God as our companion.
This scripture challenges persons and congregations to think big and live big. In light of God’s abundant life, we are called to be spiritual visionaries who ground our visions in the transformation of daily personal and institutional life. What great thing is God calling you toward today? What vision of your congregation’s future is luring your church forward? What limitations do we need to break out of both personally and congregationally in order to become God’s partners in healing the world?
The Joshua passage is problematic in its theology of divine punishment. It is almost too anthropomorphic in its depiction of God’s swift judgment on the Israelites for their turning away from God. While we may question the acts-consequences and linear cause and effect theology found in this passage, there is one nugget that is worth preserving—the visionary spirituality of Deborah. Despite the oppressor’s power, Deborah was inspired by a vision of freedom. She first saw and then she proclaimed the military strength, residing among the Israelites, despite their subservient position. She claimed the vision of freedom and victory in a challenging time. She reminded them that God would provide them with opportunities to rebuild their society.
Having recently lived through two diagnoses of cancer in my immediate family, I know how easy it is to lose heart and let illness shrink your spirit and sense of possibility. I also know the power of claiming God’s healing possibilities. Persons facing challenges of health, relationships, or finances, can boldly affirm: “I am more than my cancer! I can respond with creativity to the challenges of illness! I can love again and find healthy relationships! I can learn to live simply and discover God’s presence as I seek to reclaim financial health!” Congregations, too long dominated by visions of shrinking memberships and inadequate budgets, can move ahead with affirmations such as “Despite our size, we will worship God with love and fidelity! We are a gifted community and make a difference in our neighborhood! God has a dream for our congregation and its mission!” While such affirmations are not magic, nor do they call us to deny current health and budgetary limitations, they remind us that God calls us to be actors and not victims as we face personal and institutional challenges.
Perhaps, the homiletical value of the Joshua passage is its inspiration for mainstream and progressive Christians to articulate what William James described as “the moral equivalent of war.” The stakes are high in our world today – culturally, politically, environmentally, and economically. Mainstream and progressive Christians have until recently stood at the sidelines, allowing more conservative voices to take control of the popular religious, political, and cultural worlds. Mainstream and progressive Christians are called to go from complacency to courageous social and cultural leadership. Perhaps Deborah’s surprising vision can lead the way.
The passage from I Thessalonians can also be a source of visionary thinking. Once we get beyond popular apocalyptic images, we will discover that this passage is about character and vision. It challenges us to live faithfully in the context of uncertainty. Empowered by God’s promise – God has destined us for salvation and wholeness – the community can live with confidence and hope in the future. Trusting that God has a vision for them, personally and corporately, this Christian community is called to affirmative living – “encourage one another and build up one another.” In the midst of persecution, the Thessalonians can embrace hope and explore possibilities because God is with them, inspiring them with a vision and a hope.
Today’s readings, including Psalms 123, call us to look for possibilities, to see a way when there is no way, to discern God’s movements in difficult situations. Faith in God means trusting what is yet unborn and lies on the horizon. But, our trust is not passive. God has called us to be partners and midwives in bringing forth great things in our lives and in the world. What great thing is God calling our church toward today? What holy adventure is God luring you toward? In limitation, there is possibility; in challenge, there is hope; in death there is resurrection.
Bruce Epperly is professor of practical theology and director of continuing education at Lancaster Theological Seminary and co-pastor of Disciples United Community Church in Lancaster, PA. He is the author of fifteen books, including Holy Adventure: Forty-one Days of Audacious Living (Upper Room), his recently-released response to the Purpose Driven Life.
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