Sermon - 2019-02-17

Scripture is one of those things that has been written several thousands of years ago, and yet contained within it are messages that can span the ages.  Part of the challenge we have as a follower of Christ is to actually read the Scriptures so that we know it well enough to be able to see and understand how God HAS moved, so that we can see God moving around us.  We are the disciples who become the hands and feet of God in this world, and become an active agent to work on God’s behalf. That means first knowing who and how God is in the world. The feedback, that has been received, is a request that our sermons be more focused on modern day living.

Today’s Gospel is perhaps one that we need to hear now more than ever.  For we are the United States of America, as a nation we are currently the greatest and most powerful nation in the world.  And in the great state of Texas, we find ourselves at the very center of the conversation. That conversation includes how it is the world is perceiving us, and how it is we are being the beacon of what we are as Americans.  For it was just last week, that two rallies were held. Each rally had two Christians, who were the key speakers, the ones whom thousands of people gathered to hear their message. Now both speakers declare themselves as Christians.  Both men have very different messages when it comes to one particular issue that gives light as to how they view and thus how the world views our own nation and our values as a nation. The issue is immigration, which is a person who travels from one nation into another to take up residence.  Now Jesus speaks a lot about this very topic of the immigrant, the foreigner among you.

Now, one leader speaks of having a secure border, defined by having a barrier that would protect the people who are already inside the nation, and as means of detouring people from entering.  Particularly this person references a group of people who are bringing violence, drugs, and many aspects of things that might destroy a nation. This person is striving to unite the people for the purpose of preserving themselves for what could be. This speaker tells us that by building this barrier, we would be able to survive and thrive as a people, but this could lead to the exclusion or separation of the two people so that no relationship can be present.  So if a person is mourning or suffering, you would not be able to see it because they are on the other side of the wall and no longer your concern.

The second leader speaks of having an open border that is defined by having safeguards in place for the immigrant or foreigner.  This person’s particular focus is on the families, children, and the idea that we are a nation of immigrants. This person is striving to unite the people for the purpose of preserving the value of being a melting pot of people, so that can be a uniting force in the world.  By focusing on the immigrant, we would be able to embrace their skills, talents, and abilities to enrich our own community. However, this could lead to a person entering and bringing their own problems into our own community. A relationship is formed. So if a person is mourning or suffering, we would be able to see it because we can see them and be caring for one another in their life as part of this community.  

Now please understand, I have only highlighted their two approaches.  I have not voiced which one I support or agree with. However, I am wondering, in your own mind, have you already began to compare the two men? Have you also compared them to the Savior and Lord of the world, Jesus Christ, and whom both men claim to follow?  Have you determined which one you agree with based on your own belief or what you like to hear? Or have you determined your alignment based on what Christ said first, and then selected the person whom you would follow?

The reason Jesus gave these distinctions and why I am talking about it today. Is because when we call ourselves disciples, how we live our life, and how we treat people impacts how others perceive God in the world.  The decisions that we make in policy and especially in how we treat people coming to our nation speaks volumes. It focuses not on how we understand God, but gives others the message of how they understand the God whom we worship.

Now, I will not tell you how to vote, as some pastors or religious leaders will do.  What I do want you to do is look at the facts and take on the message that Jesus himself gives to us. Being Christ’s representative as a church in this world.  In our own United States, we are the wealthiest nation in the world. The Scriptures that we read can sometimes seem like a double edged sword, meaning that there are times that it will protect us in what we are doing, but also there are times that it will cut us. Causing us to wake up to the ways in which we need to change and be better in the world itself.  

Today, it is my hope that you are able to hear the Scriptures, engage in the world, and strive for justice and peace as your Baptismal Promise calls you to do.  Amen.