Mark 4:35-41
As Fred Craddock once said in a sermon about John the Baptist, what made John the Baptist intriguing was that his preaching brought people right into the presence of God which, as Craddock put it, “Is what everybody wants, and what nobody wants.”1
We have a very familiar story in 1 Samuel this morning - David and Goliath story – the classic underdog tale. But at its essence it’s a story about the power and presence of God – God that everybody wants and nobody wants…
Two Sundays ago, we started this story. You’ll remember, it started when the elders of Israel came to Samuel – who was their priest and prophet, ordained by God to lead them – and said – we don’t want you anymore. You’re old. We don’t like your sons. This trying to follow the ways of God stuff is too hard – and besides – it’s odd, it’s not how everyone else does it. We want a king – like everyone else! We don’t want to be chosen, figuring out for ourselves how God’s ways translate into the nitty gritty of living – we just want to be told what to do.
Poor Samuel,he brought this to God feeling rejected and feeling like a failure. But God – infinitely patient, merciful and present God said to him – it’s not you Samuel – it’s me. They are rejecting my ways – they are rejecting me as God. They want me, but only when I do what they want. They, themselves, don’t want to change. So, let’s give them what they want – but be sure to let them know what they’ll get. Kings are all about power – so they can expect to be exploited and enslaved. But if they’d rather be in that type of relationship – as opposed to relationships of mutuality and self-awareness grounded in love – then by all means – let’s let them have it.
So Samuel anoints Saul as king – and that’s an interesting story we don’t have time for. But Saul doesn’t do too well. Perhaps he couldn’t handle the pressure. And since you can never please all the people, Saul also had his detractors. And eventually – Samuel says – and God says – that was a mistake, ok you’re not king anymore – which Saul doesn’t accept readily.
So last week we heard how God sends Samuel to Jesse the Bethlehemite saying there is a king among his sons. And 7 of Jesse’s sons stand before Samuel – but none of them are it. Samuel hears God say, Do not look on the boy’s appearance or the height of his stature – that’s not how God makes decisions – for God doesn’t see as mortals see – the Lord looks on the heart.
And finally the dad says – well there is one more kid out back – but he’s just the shepherd, you don’t want him. Go get him – Samuel says – and of course, that’s David.
So here we are on the battlefield. Surrounded by a line of the Israelites over there – and a line of the fierce Philistines over there. And Saul, who as I mentioned is struggling to let go of power says – you can’t do this David! You’re a shepherd not a warrior. But, I guess if you’re gonna try, wear this armor and helmut and carry this sword and spear. And David’s like, no – I don’t need that! And besides I can’t even walk in this stuff.
God’s given me my talents and my abilities and I have complete trust in God’s help. The point isn’t me – the point is that we will see the presence of God, all of this assembly will know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for all of it is in the Lord's hands.
And again the people, like it or not, are brought into the presence of God and witness a miracle. And again the people have the opportunity to just celebrate a one-time defeat over a giant – or take on the harder battle of changing the ways of their hearts….
So this sermon went down one direction earlier in the week, but then, life – and death – in a church happened. And I don’t know what else there is to do as we come together in a church except to try and open our hearts and listen for God as we absorb a horrific event that has happened in our country – again - faithful worshipers in a black church being brutally murdered by a white person out of hate. And it just seems giant – the heartbreaking tragedy, and what lies beneath it. And we don’t want to label this Goliath with certain words – because that starts giant arguments between giant political parties and giant media outlets.
And it’s just so big and so horrible. And besides, aren’t these the battles for the kings, the leaders, the political process – issues like gun control, racism, issues like police brutality, like poverty, mental illness, drug addiction? We hear the echoes of those Israelites, expecting and wanting the “leaders” or the political system to solve these giant problems. They are too big for any one of us to really take on.
This letter Paul writes to the Corinthians we hear every year on Ash Wednesday. The day we’re invited to take a long hard look on our hearts – and to repent – and turn back to God. I love the passage – but the words never resonate with me on a personal level – because I’ve never been persecuted for being Christian. But hearing those words and thinking of those Christians on Wednesday night at that particular church, suddenly these words – hardships, calamities, beatings, riots, sleepless nights – have meaning. And when I listen to testimony of their family members in court just two days later – responding with purity, knowledge, patience, kindness and holiness of heart express words of forgiveness and mercy.
And how in that posture of reconciliation they are standing their ground against a giant. And modeling – what Paul describes – as opening wide our hearts, no restrictions. Do we believe that acting in that way is significant? Do we believe those are the stones that chip away at the walls of giant problems?
This whole Christianity movement starts by Jesus taking 12 guys in a boat to get to the other side! The miracle in this story isn’t that Jesus saves everyone from drowning. Just like the miracle on that battlefield wasn’t the Israelites being saved from the Philistines. Miracles aren’t about quick fixes. Miracles put us in the presence of the Almighty – giving us the choice to change our ways, or not.
I do think it’s significant that this happens out on the water. I mean Jesus could have stilled a storm on land too, right? But water – you don’t get to freedom anywhere in scripture without going through some mighty deep waters. And the metaphor is even broader. The deep waters of the past that’s always beneath our present. The deep waters of our own individual stories that are always below the surface. Somehow it’s only by crossing and navigating the deep waters that the disciples can really start their journey with God.
Desmond Tutu who knows more than a thing or two about politics and reconciliation – says that true reconciliation cannot avoid a proper confrontation. If differences are merely glossed over, the arguments never cease, but usually grow more violent.2
Charleston is far away, or is it? Do you or I believe there are connections between the violence there this week – and the violence in our city just a few months ago? You know our Outreach committee which is engaged in relational ministry, partnerships not just financial support - at our Outreach committee meetings I’ve shared that it seems to me we need something like what Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela offered in South Africa to deal with their giant problem – a way in which people from all the different sides can come together and navigate the deep waters of our story. Listening with open hearts to one another’s truths in postures of reconciliation.
Paul asks those of us who work with Christ to not accept the grace of God in vain. And there is no time like the present! Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Be as the quote says – the change you want to see in the world – instead of depending on others who are “in charge.” Acting as if the presence of God is right here, now. Salvation is thy kingdom come, thy will be done – on earth, right now – as it is in heaven.
Where are we being called to navigate the deep waters, trusting God is at the helm? Where are you being called to show holiness of heart and use words of truthful speech? In each all of our communities where are you called to stand your ground in a posture of reconciliation? What sides do we need to cross in our community and in ourselves to open wide our hearts? Do we believe that God is the God of all and that there are no giants – inside or out – that we, with God’s help, cannot overcome? Amen.
The Rev. Arianne R. Weeks
1. Thanks to - http://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper-7b-2/?type=the_lectionary_gospel#sthash.KlKEEO8g.dpuf
2. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/truth_and_reconciliation
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