October 11, 2009 Sermon
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Proper 23 - B 2009 (Stewardship Kickoff)
Mark 10:17-31 Allan Conkling
October 11, 2009 Emmanuel, San Angelo
Like a West Texas cold front blowing down highway 87 from Amarillo today’s readings send a chilly wind through our bones. I can only guess the seriousness of the situation the Old Testament prophet Amos was addressing in our first reading. The glorious age of King David and Solomon had long since faded away; the nation of Israel had fallen into a great depression and civil unrest. The economy had hit rock bottom. Looming on the northern horizon like a mighty dragon was the Assyrian army. Stability ebbed away like sand through the hourglass. The nation had become selfish; its leaders corrupt; its people greedy and worldly. People had turned their backs on God and had become lax in their faith. They had forgotten those at the margins, and turned their back on the poor. Surely the wrath of God was not far from them.
Any way that I look at the Old Testament reading there doesn't seem to be much in the way of hope. In fact the country did fall just as Amos had predicted. It came back for a few years, but alas, in the end all was lost. What was left was an appeal to an ethic that would go beyond worldly kingdoms. As Amos said, Nations, even good ones, will come and go, rise and fall. But our responsibility to our neighbors remains:
"Seek good and not evil, and establish justice in the gate"--which is to say, treat all persons fairly, with dignity and respect. Human nature being what it is we constantly struggle with living in the way that is morally right. In fact, we will never get it right this side of heaven. Jesus' words are absolutely true:
"For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for with God all things are possible."
God is our only hope. But that is not bad news--that is Good News!
Today at Emmanuel we are kicking off our annual Stewardship Campaign. Many times you have heard me say that this place is here today because folks have cared enough over the past 125 years to sacrificially return to God a portion of what they were themselves given. For that we are truly thankful. It will be our gift to the next generation to leave this place as, or better than, we have received it. If you are new to Emmanuel, or have not ever "officially" supported your church let me encourage you this year to "get on board" the Steward-ship. As your spiritual director I invite you not to be simply "hit our miss" about your giving, but instead to set your goals high and challenge yourself to make a pledge to support the operating budget of this church. I will share with you that for years it has been my custom to return to the church 10%--a tithe--of the net income paid to me each month. This has been hard at times but I believe that God has blessed my obedience more that I can ever say. The point though is not to be legalistic, rather to see that everything we have has been given to us by our Creator. We pledge, not because we think God is poor and needs our money--our time, talents or treasure. Rather we pledge but because we need to do so. What we are doing is releasing our lives and this church to be all that God would have us to be.
For months now our nation and many individuals and families, have felt themselves under financial, emotional and spiritual attack. It was just one year ago that the walls of Wall Street came tumbling down, and investors lost an estimated $2.4 Trillion in just a matter of days. The after effects are still being felt, as many compare this time to the 1930's. But if you have doubts that God is in control, let me remind you that the 1930's was the same time that this building was constructed. So after service today walk up and touch the side of this church. As you return to you seat after Communion run your hands along the wood; feel and see. As we continue to do God’s will, Emmanuel will stand the test of time.
Here at Emmanuel we march to a different drum. To invest in this place is to re-dedicate your life to God and to the service of Jesus Christ; to invest in something that you know is going to be good. We are still more solvent than your stock portfolio, and definitely more stable than a barrel of oil!
The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (our second lesson) seems so appropriate. You could circle it and make it your mantra for the week:
"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Here is the invitation, the "Altar Call" for men, women and children of every age and stage: Be persistent in the face of adversity. Fear not for God is with you. Proclaim Christ in your life by what you say and in what you do. And of course, pray again and often for God is listening.
The One who created you, sustains you, who loves you is glad you are here this morning.
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Revised: 10/20/09