Looking Ahead to June 25, 2023 -- 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7A

 The Scripture Reading this week is Matthew 10:24-39

The Sermon title is Choose a Side

Early Thoughts: Sometimes we play it safe. Sometimes we try to keep the peace. Sometimes we shy away from controversy.

In this week's reading Jesus tells us we shouldn't do that.

Near the end of the 1st century of the Common Era (also known as the Christian Era, still sometimes referred to as AD [Anno Domini, Year of the Lord]) John of Patmos wrote down an account of his vision (or visions) in the book we call Revelation. In chapters 2 and 3 of that book we have letters to 7 churches in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Re-reading Jesus' words in Matthew this morning I was drawn to think of the letters to the Churches in Sardis and Laodicea. Both those churches are challenged on how they show their commitment to live as transformed people, followers of Christ. Multiple times over the last 20 years (or more) I have heard those words to Laodicea about being lukewarm applied to the United Church. To be fair I have also hear the United Church being accused of being too hot, to committed to certain causes. Sometimes it is hard to know how much heat is a good thing.

{Side note, for a while now I have been considering taking a few weeks to explore those letters to the 7 churches and see what wisdom they may hold for the modern church}

The challenge Jesus lays before us in these verses from Matthew 10 are not entirely comfortable. At least not for me, your response may vary. Does your vision of Jesus, the one we call Prince of Peace, include these words: 

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,

Then there is the challenge to take up your cross, to risk execution and ostracism, as a way of proving your commitment to The Way. These are not comforting images. They challenge my natural tendency to just keep things at as even a keel as possible.

Are we ready to take a strong, loud, active stand in the world? Even if it causes some discomfort and conflict? Even if we feel we are taking a big risk? Can we stand in the light and proclaim from the rooftops?  Are we lukewarm or will we blow hot or cold?

What does it mean to choose God's side?
--Gord