Thrum Hall 3 September 2006
Matthew 5:1-16
Jesus was a wandering rabbi, who gathered together a small band of ordinary folk and changed the world - he spoke about salt, light, yeast, mustard seeds, friendship, serving one another, blessings for powerless people - so why has the church over the years striven for power, glory, world domination, why do we measure success by the number of people in the pews, the generosity of the collection plate, the height of the spire and the fame, influence, prestige of our leaders.At the end of Tim Severin's book Viking:King's Man (p315-316) the central character proclaims "the worship of the White Christ suits men who seek to dominate others. It is not the belief of the humble, but of despots and tyrants" His statement and the arguments which support the statement have too much truth for comfort - and in wishing for a return to Christendom - are we really wishing for a return to a place of power & glory? Such a role does not sit comfortably to the way of Jesus - the one who rejected the temptation of power and glory - look at those blessings in Matthew 5- they are for the meek, the grieving, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers - not those who seek success on the the terms of the rich and powerful. Salt is good in small does what’s the effect of too much salt - too much light?
Should the church be small but effective? small enough to know one another, care for one another, large enough to support one another? That is where we are but with weighed down by the past - emotionally, resources, structures, - it is time for liberation - for people to once again gather around God’s word and be faithful - not to be afraid - I’m not sure I should be standing here in lecture mode having picked the theme, the hymns, the scripture, led the prayers - I’ve done it because it’s expected - why do you let me do it?
There are times when I can’t believe I work for the institutional church - and yet this imperfect, flawed, exasperating church and it’s annoying people seems to be the way God has called us to work, to share, to know fellowship and learn of God, be strengthend to proclaim good news, live out good news, be good news - that shouldn’t stop us wondering, developing, reforming - Ecclesia Reformata, semper Reformata
Be salt, be light, be good news.