June 29, 2008

"Discipleship III: Discipleship & Persecution”

Matthew 10:37-39
Outline Only

Worthy
-- The frequent use of the word “worthy” in this scripture reminds me of a scene in Monty Python’s movie, “Monty Python And The Holy Grail” (1975)
Arthur, King of the Britons, you and your Knights of the Round Table shall have a task, to make you an example in these dark times...
God: [angel chorus plays] Arthur. Arthur, King of the Britons! [Arthur and the Knights grovel] Oh, don't grovel! [chorus stops] If there's one thing I can't stand, it's people groveling.
King Arthur: Sorry.
God: And don't apologize! Every time I try to talk to someone, it's "I'm sorry" this, and "forgive me" that, and "I'm not worthy"... (1)

-- Worthy is from the Greek word Axios – the very same word used earlier in Chap. 10: 11-13 in determining whether or not a household is “worthy” for a disciple to stay.

-- being “worthy” is key to authentic discipleship, but something we cannot attain on our own. It is something we live into, but cannot deserve or attain.

"Worthy" is Different From “Deserving”
-- Conversation re: being “honored” to be a pastor. People often comment on how much an honor it must be to be a pastor. It is NOT an honor, it is a privilege, a responsibility, a challenge, and a call.. but not an honor.

-- I get very suspicious when someone seems especially enchanted by public aspects of ministry. It is EASY to be enchanted by the honor, it is harder to be enchanted by the service, hard work, and behind-the-scenes ministry. A great example from my Study & Renewal leave is Gordon & Mary Cosby, (Gordon Cosby pictured right) founders of Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC. He eschewed the public spotlight and worked hard to lift up those who were doing the real street-level ministry.

-- Question for discipleship is: am I worthy? Notice, in the hymn the question is “Are you ABLE, said the Master,” not, are you WILLING. (Full lyrics below)

Discipleship Is Demanding/Risky
-- In thinking about discipleship as described by Jesus, it feel something like what I imagine happened in the Civil War… setting parents against children, brothers and sisters against each other…

-- A Caution: We must be wary of who is naming “worthiness” and who is named as “worthless.” Those in power often use such labels to divert our attention from the real issues. In the 1950’s & 60’s the named threat was communism and integration; today it is gay marriage and abortion. In both instances, I would say the bigger threats (but less recognized by those in power) are growing consumerism, rampant isolationism, and deep apathy.

-- Contemporary examples of risky discipleship: doing the hard but vital work of becoming/being anti-racist in the 21st century; naming what it means to be “Open & Affirming, “being against the war in Iraq; believing there is a “middle way” in the “affordable housing/community development” wars…

Fire
Garth Brooks, singing of love and passion, speaks well of risky discipleship (echoing the martyrs of the faith) when he sings:
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide standing outside the fire (2)

***Is that fire the love of Jesus Christ and his prophetic mission on earth? Let us be disciples of Christ who are willing to step into the fire for the sake of something greater than ourselves. We may risk offending even those closest to us. Maybe, just maybe, then we will be considered worthy.***

Amen.

(1) Monty Python & The Holy Grail, from Internet Movie Database, www.imdb.com

(2) Garth Brooks - Standing Outside The Fire. This lyric is from www.lyrics007.com


Are Ye Able, Said The Master

“Are ye able,” said the Master,
“To be crucified with Me?”
“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered,
“To the death we follow Thee.”
Refrain

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be
A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.

Are you able to relinquish
Purple dreams of power and fame,
To go down into the Garden,
Or to die a death of shame?
Refrain

Are ye able, when the anguish
Racks your mind and heart with pain,
To forgive the souls who wrong you,
Who would make your striving vain?

Refrain

Are ye able to remember,
When a thief lifts up his eyes,
That his pardoned soul is worthy
Of a place in paradise?
Refrain

Are ye able when the shadows
Close around you with the sod,
To believe that spirit triumphs,
To commend your soul to God?
Refrain

Are ye able? Still the Master
Whispers down eternity,
And heroic spirits answer,
Now as then in Galilee.
Refrain

Rev. Allen V. Harris
Franklin Circle Christian Church
www.FranklinCircleChurch.org


 

Copyright 2008 -- The Rev. Allen V. Harris

Franklin Circle Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1688 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113-3096