It could be so easy to take this scripture and start pointing fingers. I am sure that is what the Pharisees would have loved to do!
“Who is Jesus talking about? It can’t be us!”
And that is of course the atmosphere of our culture right now. Everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else. It is always someone else’s fault for the mess we are in in the United States. No one takes responsibility! (Never mind that if that cup of coffee had been cold we would have complained!)
The problem I have with pointing fingers is of course that old saying: Always remember that when you're pointing your finger at someone, you've got three pointing back at yourself.”
So I guess I will start with the three pointing back at myself. How many times have I said no to God? Many Pastors tell the same tale. I told God there was no way I would ever be a pastor! So how did that work for you? I have tried to say no to God many times. I remember saying I would never work with sex offenders. Well, I praise God that the Adults Only service we started in Binghamton is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year! Adults only because sex offenders could not be around children.
But for the most part, we don’t usually say an out and out no to God. We all learned from Jonah that no’s can get us vomited on a shoreline. But we still have our ways. Like, I couldn’t do that. I can’t sing, I can’t speak in front of people, I can’t …..you name it. Or maybe it’s “I’m not worthy, I’m a sinner.” And then one day we find out that whatever God calls us to he also equips us for. Moses (a murderer) told God he couldn’t save the Israelites because of his stuttering. You know how that story ended.
I thought I could never preach because I was too shy to speak in front of people. It is hard to imagine how much of a wallflower I was. And so I said no but later on…well here I am, preaching.
But it’s that second son that we prefer not to think about. Because that too is us. Or at least me. I say yes and then don’t.
Oh I don’t necessarily mean to not do whatever it is. I usually fully intend to do what I have said yes to. But, well, there is this thing called life that gets in the way. Something else comes up that seems more important or, I admit, more enjoyable. Or perhaps I am too tired or too busy. And often the things I set aside don’t really seem all that big of a deal.
Morning prayer or devotion. (maybe this afternoon)
Visiting a sick friend. (maybe tomorrow)
Making a phone call, stopping to listen, apologizing. (any excuse will do)
None of those things seem like major issues, but that could change everything. And if God has called me to it, they will change everything.
And of course this isn’t just an individual problem. The church is known for not living up to its promises to God. We will follow you God until it means changing things, or giving away money, or being inconvenienced, or loving our neighbor of a different belief, race, or sexuality. Throughout history the church has chosen other options over God’s way.
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,
I am good at praying the prayer but only mediocre at following God’s teachings. I won’t ask for a show of hands because we all know we all struggle to obey our Lord. We even have a word for it. Sin. (Missing the mark.)
If this is where the message ended we would be lost. But Paul writes: for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
The New Living Translation reads this way: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
God’s very breath is your breath. The Holy Spirit resides within you; working, sighing, praying. Jesus’ life taught us, showed us, the love and forgiveness of God and the resurrection that is ours to be gained. Not just a physical resurrection but a new life for the soul, the spirit within. A resurrection of your love for the one who created you!
In Paul’s words:
God [created humanity] so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17)
I miss the mark, but God works in me; God breathes in me; God resurrects within me the desire to love him better; God imbues the power to do so.
Let me finish by rereading our Psalm (25) using the words of Nan C. Merrill:
To You, O Love, I lift up my Soul!
O Heart within my heart,
in You I place my trust.
Let me not feel unworthy;
let not fear rule over me.
Yes! May all who open their hearts
savor You and bless the earth!
Compel me to know your ways, O Love;
instruct me upon your paths.
Lead me in your truth,
and teach me.
For through You will I know
wholeness;
I shall reflect your Light
both day and night.
I know of your mercy, Blessed One,
and of your unconditional Love;
You have been with me
from the beginning.
Forgive the many times I have walked
away from You
choosing to follow my own will.
I seek your guidance, once again
I yearn to know your Peace.
Companion me as I open to your Will!
Amen.