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Staying the Course Matthew 14:22 – 33; Genesis 37:1 – 4, 12 – 28 Several years ago I dated the most outrageously, reckless man with whom I have ever been involved. He found out how fast my car would go, and how quickly we could spin it on dirt roads. I taught him to snow ski — so he proceeded to challenge me to race daringly down slopes I never would have chosen. He wanted me to fly in the airplane he built (but I never got around to that). I thought of him as I was retelling a story about Christopher, my son. At 14, Chris was very conscious of my role as a pastor. He informed me that the congregation I was serving truly loved me and put up with a great deal from me. They dealt with the fact that I had a red convertible with a big engine. They liked the reality that I had discovered line dancing and could be found in the local arenas for such activities on Friday nights. “But”, he said, “they would not appreciate seeing you ride on the back of a Harley…so you tell that man you are dating not to come to this town with his motorcycle.” I have been thinking throughout this week what parting words I could give Kelly Rand as she finishes her time with us and heads back to university. Kelly, as most of you know, is a social work major at Texas Christian University. She is one of 19 Disciples HELM (Higher Education and Leadership Ministries) Leadership Fellows. Only a handful of those 19 chose or were chosen to do a summer internship. We are the fortunate ones. Our Outreach Department chose to fund an internship, and Kelly was chosen to be ours. She dove into the time with enthusiasm, determination, and a gutsy attitude. Not knowing anyone in St. Louis beyond Brad Lyons, Kelly quickly won her way into our hearts. Additionally, she spearheaded our work to get medical information sheets collected from members, an exploration of the development of a garden on our southeast corner green space, and the illustrious Walk to Jerusalem. Although Kelly’s major in university is social work, her umbrella consideration is her call into ministry. So, the sermon today is for Kelly. Others may listen in. Be smart, but don’t worry about what the church might think if you have the opportunity to ride on the back of a Harley! Dance until you hear your heart beating but take time to be alone in the mountains or gardens of peace. Race down the slopes if you so desire and take time to really listen to your own soul and the souls of precious children in your life. Feed the hungry even when you cannot figure out how to do it – or there seems to be no food. Keep your eye on Jesus Christ and don’t be afraid. The Gospel story of today is well loved and has been well (and not so well) preached. The setting is this: Jesus had heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded. Jesus’ response was to get in a boat and be by himself. Unfortunately the crowds followed him, and because Jesus was Jesus he dealt with the crowds compassionately — healing and teaching them, reaching into the reserve of energy and power, leaning on all that God would give him moment by moment. His disciples then told him to get rid of the crowds to which Jesus responded "feed them first." And, of course, that happened even though there were only two fish and five loaves of bread to achieve this. THEN (after they had been fed) Jesus dismissed the crowds, and THEN he tried once again to be alone while his disciples had left the scene in a boat. Thus, begins the reading for today. Kelly, it is very important to remember the teachings of this passage as you continue the trek through your call into ministry. This is first of all about the authority of Jesus Christ, and secondly, about our staying on course with him. God doesn’t ever wear out, but Jesus did on occasion and sought the respite of a boat by himself or a mountain to pray. Even so, when pressed, he revived immediately to do what he needed and felt called to do. Jesus was able to draw on the power of God instantaneously, but that probably had taken years for him to perfect. And yes, he walked on the water. I have no problem with that concept because if God in Jesus Christ isn’t something beyond what I can accept with my own human terms and boundaries then I do not need faith to believe. Jesus Christ – Lord of Life – is infused with the full power and authority of God and so we can expect not to be able to figure out all the hows and whys that accompany him. But, our walk on the water, Kelly?…that’s a little different…and that‘s why Peter is such an incredible character for us. And I think you have some of his traits. While the rest of disciples were swooning about the storm…and cowering about a ghost…Peter knew what was going on! For whatever reason, Kelly, you decided to be one of the few to get out of your own environment this summer…trust that you could make it in a strange place…believe in yourself and your relationship with God…and plunge into the waters of Union Avenue. How audacious…and how wonderful. May you continue to do this every year of your life. Here’s the caution. Peter started to sink when a fierce wind came up. There are many in life – those fierce winds show up quickly and can take us down just as quickly.
Kelly, the church will never move as quickly as you would like. But God will help you with your impatience AND stir up the church’s lethargy. Your friends and family will disappoint you, and Jesus Christ, as true friend, will hold you until you can forgive and then go on. The world’s injustice will break your heart, and the Holy Spirit of God will fill you with energy and passion and love to keep you working for what is right and true. You will hit those bumps, Kelly, and those stormy nights with high winds, but with your growing faith and determined passion, you won’t be one of the whimpering disciples sitting in the boat. Just remember to call for help and it will be there. Stay the course and you will be accompanied. We will pray for you and expect you to pray for us…and know assuredly that we all are being held in the precious heart and hands of God. SW |
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