June 14, 2009 Sermon
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Proper 6 - B
June 14, 2009 Allan Conkling
Once again we have arrived at the long summer season, and once again, we find the stories of the Bible waiting for us like a pair of comfortable old summer shoes found in the back of the closet. This morning, we are treated to several stories that are hopefully familiar to you. First in the book of Samuel is the story of David the shepherd boy. Least among his brothers and overlooked, it reminds me of kids choosing up sides for a game of baseball. I was always the last one to be picked, and I always ended up standing in the very un-coveted position of right field. No one ever hit to right field, and when they did I was either chewing on my glove or not paying attention. David didn't even bother going to the election of a new king of Israel. He would never be chosen. But this time brother after brother were passed over. "Isn't there anyone else," asked Samuel the prophet? Just the scrawny kid left to take care of the sheep. God had big plans for this one. It is funny how often God takes the least and makes it the greatest!
Next, Jesus tells a couple of stories about small things becoming great. The first is the story of the sower and the seed. the seed scattered to the ground. From a tiny seed comes the plant and finally a grain harvest, which will go on to sustain and nourish both human and animal. The second story is even more illustrative of God's plan: a mustard seed. Jesus compared God's kingdom to a wild mustard bush, which in his day was of no value at all except to scavenging birds. Hearers of this story no doubt wondered why Jesus would compare heaven to a bush instead of mighty oak, or one of the famous Cedars of Lebanon? It turns out this was kind of a comic jab, a mocking of the leaders of Israel. It is not the mighty, or the strongest or the most powerful who will inherit God’s kingdom. God often favors the marginal and weak. Ones overlooked in this world will find themselves on the A-Team in God's world. Small beginnings can result in great endings.
Are there are other messages in the readings for us today? How about that, apart from anything we say or do, Growth Happens. Every week in the Lord's Prayer we say, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is not the farmer who makes the seed grow. Sure the farmer can water and apply fertilizer--but God's kingdom, and the transforming of this world is going to take place whether we want it to or not. God is the life force, we are just helpers.
Paul says in the second lesson:
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see everything has become new." (2 Cor. 5:17)
These days many are experiencing what we call a crisis of faith. Where is God? Why does God allow suffering? What good are my prayers? These readings promise us that in spite of the outward evidence God not only is in control, but also that God continues us use us to do God's will. Our smallest efforts, our desires for a just and virtuous life, the help we give to others, our prayers, our gifts, time spent with our children: God will these things and use them for the increase of his Kingdom on earth. And this kingdom is one of blessedness, abundance and inclusion of all. It does not have to wait until the end of the ages. It can begin now.
How many churches preach a message of doom! In itself this is enough to cause a crisis of faith. Who needs to hear that they are a miserable sinner, just one heartbeat away from judgment and the fires of hell? But I see in these words a message of profound hope and assurance. We are on the right track when we live with a sense of joyful anticipation of the future. These stories of the Kingdom, of the sower and seed, give us an example of what has been called "Agricultural Grace". The Lord is working his purpose out--like a plant breaking through the soil growing slowly, steadily: on God's own time and in God’s own way.
Meanwhile, we live our life day by day in faithfulness, loving kindness, in service to others around us. We can "make it our aim to please him" as Paul says. Then, with open hearts and open minds the seed which took root in Palestine so long ago will flourish within us and in this church, and from us to the world beyond.
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Revised: 07/07/09