The Person of Peace - Luke 10.1-16

The Great Commission tells us to go out and make disciples [Matthew 28.19]. Jesus' instructions to the disciples as he sends them out in Luke 10, tells us how he wants us to do it.

Here is a brief outline of the directions that Jesus gave to the 72 disciples:

• Jesus sent the disciples out 2 by 2. [verse 1]
• He sent them ahead of where He was going soon. [verse 1] Therefore, He had a strategy, which he prepared in advance of sending out the disciples.
• The harvest is plentiful. So, pray for workers.[verse 2]
• Sent the disciples out as lambs among wolves. [verse 3. See also: Matthew 5. 5, 9; 1 Cor. 8.9; 2 Cor. 12.10]
• Don't prepare too much. [verse 4]
• Don't get distracted or diverted. [verse 4]
• Bless the place as you enter. [verse 5] Christians bear the peace of Christ and it is evident to those around them. [see 2 Cor. 2.14-17]
• Invest in those who are receptive (the Person of Peace). [verses 6 - 9] Note the warning not to go from house to house [verse 7b]. Jesus places a higher value on building relationships than the numbers oriented approaches that are so common to present day ministries. A thousand flyers passed out is not as important as one real relationship.
• Graciously receive the host's hospitality. [verses 7-8] The disciple isn't the only one with something to offer. Christians should beware of arrogance, and be eager to get to know the Person of Peace. (Remember how dishonoring it feels to have someone monologue about themselves and their interests while never listening to you, nor asking you any questions.)
• Heal the sick. (Note: some of "the sick" seemed to be those troubled by demons.) [See verse 17]
• Proclaim: "the Kingdom of God has come near to you." [verses 9, 11] (note: Jesus emphasizes this twice!) Jesus' disciples are ambassadors and heralds proclaiming the nearness of God's Kingdom [2 Cor. 5.20. Cp Luke 10.16]
• Don't waste time with those who are not receptive. [verses 10 & 11]
• It is tragic for those who are not receptive.[verses 12-15]
• Jesus gives His disciples spiritual authority to speak in His name. [verse 16, 19]
• The greatest joy of the disciple is that Jesus has guaranteed our citizenship in heaven [verse 20]

Call No Man Father

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.   -- Matthew 23.8-12 (ESV)

One day while sitting on a park bench and wearing my priest collar, a man came passing by and without pausing in his stride, he turned toward me and smiled knowingly and said “call no man father” continuing on without waiting for a reply.  To be honest, I don't recall whether I replied or not – at least in my imagination, I retorted “Call no man teacher!”

As one who grew up in a fundamentalist denomination, I completely understand where that man was coming from in his gentle condemnation.  I grew up with the understanding that Jesus' admonition in Matthew 23 was directed at Roman Catholic priests.  And even though that is no longer my understanding, I strongly encourage those who are uncomfortable with the title "father" to follow their conscience and not say it.  It is more important that you follow your conscience regarding your understanding of God's Word, rather than  use a conventional title.  I am not offended by someone simply addressing me by my first name.

However, there is a title that I don't care for: “reverend.”  From my perspective, that title fits the context of Jesus' admonition in Matthew 23 more so than does the term “father” in our culture. The word “reverend” etymologically refers to one who is revered, or one who is worthy of reverence.  That doesn't fit me, or anyone else that I know!  The term “reverend” has come to be used as a formal title designating a clergy person, and I use it as such in formal correspondence, with gritted teeth.

The pride of wishing to be revered above other men is the very problem that Jesus addressed to the crowds and disciples regarding the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. To understand Jesus' warning to call no one “my master” (ie. Rabbi), “teacher” or “father”, we must consider the context of the passage.  In Matthew 23.2, Jesus recognized that the scribes and Pharisees had authority because they represented Moses, “so practice and observe whatever they tell you.”  But Jesus warned the people not to practice what the scribes and Pharisees do because of their pride and hypocrisy.  The problem then isn't so much with the title but the reason why the religious leaders wanted the title and position, and how they administered the authority associated with it: they viewed themselves as above the Law, and as superior to other people.

Moses identified the same issue when he warned future kings not to think of themselves as better than their subjects; rather to be devoted to studying God's Law [Deuteronomy 17:20a].

Jesus dealt with the sin of pride of place among the disciples when they argued over who was the greatest [Mark 9.33-37], and later when James and John tried to secure a place of honor in Jesus' kingdom [Mark 10.35-45.]  “Whoever would be first among you” Jesus said, “must be slave of all.”

Paul, who was well aware of the pride of the religious leaders, used the word “father” to indicate that he was  a spiritual father of those he taught and mentored:

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.  -- 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 (ESV)

Regarding Timothy, Paul wrote:

But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served me in the gospel. -- Philipians 2.22 (ESV)

[For more examples, see also 2 Kings 2.12; Acts 7.2; Romans 4:16; 1 Thessalonians. 2.11; 1 Timothy 1.2; 5.1-2, and Philemon 10]

Clearly, Paul viewed the Church as a family, and used those terms to describe her members. We use the same terms today, where "father" applies to the office of "elder".

Neither was Paul adverse to using the title “teacher” in the context of ministry:

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. -- 1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV)

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  -- Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

If we believe that Jesus forbids us to use the term “father” in any context, why are we not troubled to use the term “teacher” or “Sunday School teacher”?  I suspect it is because Jesus' use of “teacher” as a hyperbole to make a point is obvious to us.  Were it not for the visceral reaction to the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation Movement, we might not be any more troubled by the title “father” than we are by the title "teacher".  Especially, when addressing a Christian pastor whom we view as a member of our Christian family.

Correspondingly, the title “elder” (presbyter), which was used in the Early Church for the office that we call “priest” today, is also found in Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus.  "Elder" referred to those who were recognized as having spiritual maturity as Christians, and who were called (or ordained) to serve in roles of leadership in the Church.  The term “father” as we use it today carries the same connotation by Christians as does “elder”.  Not one to be revered, but one who has been entrusted with a measure of fatherly spiritual responsibility for the brothers and sisters in the church.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” -- 1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. -- Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

The Episcopal Church Welcomes You . . .

. . . to Heresy, Oligarchy and Dissolution.

Psalm 63:1-4

Psalm 63
English Standard Version (ESV)
My Soul Thirsts for You

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
    in your name I will lift up my hands.

Unexpected Blessing

The Lord provides blessings in the most unexpected ways.

Last night around 9:30 I was returning home after a 12 hour day, which ended with our weekly ministry to the children in our neighborhood.  Briefly, this is something like trying to establish an orderly ministry on Peter Pan's Island, or under the direction of The Lord of the Flies. So, I was exhausted.

I stopped at the local grocery store for a couple things, and as I was checking out noticed that the checker had a hand-written note pinned to her apron.  It read simply "Philippians 1:20-25".  There was no one else in line so I said, "I'm straining to recall what that section of Philippians is about." Her eyes twinkled and she related a gist version of the following:

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. 23 I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.  25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. [NLT]

I then asked her, why this passage was meaningful to her.  She said that people [assuming Christians] need to be more focused on living for Christ than themselves.  And, that they need to be out ministering to other people.

I had to hold back the tears, because I knew that was an encouraging word from the Lord.  And, to encourage her, I told her how blessed I was by what she said, because I was just returning from a difficult evening of ministry.  The checker smiled brightly and said "Yes!  That's what I'm talking about. That's great that you want to do that."  But I corrected her and said, "No. I don't WANT to do it, unfortunately.  I'm just being obedient."  "Good, that's even better - keep it up!"  She replied enthusiastically, and then welcomed the next customer who walked up to the register.

I rarely find bumper stickers and buttons that people wear to be of much influence, but that little note the checker had pinned on was a great blessing.  I had entered the grocery store worn, haggard, and depressed.  I left the store in joy feeling like Jesus walked up smiling and patted me on the back saying, "Stop feeling sorry for yourself!  Everything is fine. You're doing a good job - just keep going."

Mary and Martha

The Confession of Saint Peter - January 18, 2012

On the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter, I celebrate the tenth anniversary of my ordination as a priest.  As I do every year, I take the day to go on a retreat, to pray, reflect and write.  This one day retreat has come to be more valuable to me than the celebration of my birthday or any number of other significant dates.

Ordination is marriage to our Lord – even for those who are also married to a wife.  Of course, Baptism is also marriage.  It is the first step in our marriage to Christ – it is the believer entering the Church and becoming the Bride of Christ.  Confirmation is the renewal of our baptismal vows, ideally a moment where we recognize that we need to take our marital vows more seriously. Ordination in part, is another renewal of vows, but it is more than that.  It is the commitment to spend the rest of one's life encouraging the whole body of Christ to be faithful to their marriage vows to Christ, and to invite others to become the Bride of Christ.  Of course all Christians share in this responsibility, but clergy bear a unique responsibility in this effort.  [Consider Hebrews 13.17]

I have come to this retreat exhausted and spiritually famished.  This has been one of the most trying years of my life.  The reason for this was made obvious within the first hour of my retreat: I am so busy and stressed that I hardly remember what is to be a human being. As the Bride of Christ, I am spending very little time with my husband.  I am spending a lot of time cleaning His house, but very little time just enjoying His presence, and I am bitter about it.  I'm tired of listening to everyone's problems.  I'm tired of trying to solve everyone's difficulties.

Now if we take this analogy the wrong way, we might start to think in human terms like, “Why doesn't he clean-up his own messy house!”  We could slip into that bitterness that Martha felt when she saw Mary just enjoying being with Jesus.  [Luke 10.38-42]

Luke tells us that “Martha was distracted by all of her preparations.”  We can easily imagine her frowning red-faced as she pointed to her sister Mary and scolded her Lord saying, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?”

Martha's frustration pretty well sums up my prayer life over the past several months: “Lord, do you not care . . .”  Ironically, I suspect Martha wasn't as irritated with her sister's lack of help as she was with feeling like she was missing out on the best part of being a disciple – because she was!

And that is what Jesus tells her.  Listen to Jesus' tender reply:  “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered by so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

“Only one thing is necessary” spending time with Jesus; being in his presence.  It is the very heart of humanity: we have friends because we want to spend time with them.  We get married because we want to enjoy one another's company.  We become Christians because we want to live with Jesus.  But we become so worried and bothered about unnecessary things, that we lose our friends and family, we suffer from loneliness and divorce, and some even leave Christ and His Church.

Jesus' answer to Martha is the same answer that we need: “Only one thing is necessary, spending time with Me.”  Nothing is more important.  Don't you see it?  Jesus was not condemning Martha's service.  He just wanted her to understand that all of her worry and bother for Him was pointless without taking the time to be with Him.

“Jesus I've forgotten the words that You

have spoken pomises that burned within

my heart have now grown dim with a

doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly

wisdom forgive me for my unbelief

renew the fire again

Lord have mercy Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy on me

I have built an altar where I worship things

of man I have taken journeys that have

drawn me far from You now I am returning

To Your mercies ever flowing pardon

my transgressions help me love You again

I have longed to know You and all Your

tender mercies like a river of forgiveness

ever flowing without end so I bow my heart

before You in the goodness of Your

presence Your grace forever shinin like a

beacon in the night” 

[Lord Have Mercy – by Robin Mark]

Apostolic Succession

One of the defining features of being a member of one of the catholic churches (Orthodox, Roman & Anglican) is Apostolic Succession.  As I understand it, Apostolic Succession IS the defining principle of being Catholic.  It is not so, if you only understand Apostolic Succession as the lineage of bishops over the centuries who have had hands laid upon them in unbroken succession since the first apostles.  That in itself, is a remarkable fact, but it is what was conveyed upon them through the laying on of hands that makes this great ancient tradition the defining feature of what it means to be a Catholic within Apostolic Succession.  A man who is consecrated as a bishop receives much more than just hands laid upon him; he receives the authority of the Church through the action of the Holy Spirit.  The bishops of the Church who are consecrating their brother are praying for the Holy Spirit to set him aside for a unique and holy work because they believe that Christ Himself has called the ordinand to carry on the ministry of the Universal Church by means of the Holy Spirit and the Apostolic Tradition.  This holy work that the bishop is called to carry on is not a new work, nor a new truth, nor a new church; it is the Faith once received by the apostles who conveyed it into the future by the command of Christ and the laying on of hands.

Apostolic Succession is not merely a romantic historic anchronism of the old liturgical churches - it is the very fiber of the Church.  Apostolic Succession is the conduit for ensuring that the Faith received by Jesus' disciples is the same faith that is taught today.  We would not have Bibles in our homes and churches without Apostolic Succession.  Jesus entrusted his teaching to the Apostles, who entrusted it to their disciples, who entrusted it to the first bishops of the Church, who carried it through the many decades of martyrdom and persecution until the point that the Church as a whole had the opportunity to codify it into a unified body of writings which we now call Holy Scripture, or the Bible.  Even the new non-denominational churches who no longer have the corporate memory of the Church, are the blessed beneficiaries of this fact.

I am so awed by this, that I have made it a point to mention in a number of my sermons, that "I do not have permission to preach anything new."  The responsiblity of both the clergy and the laity is to know the difference between the Faith once delivered to the Apostles and something new.  The clergy must study and preach the Received Faith, and the laity must search the Scriptures to see if the preaching is true.  When this is done faithfully and energetically by both clergy and laity, our Faith is transferred to the next generation and we are fullfilling the Great Commission.  Conversely, when we hear bishops and priests teaching a "new tradition" that is different than the recieved Faith, we know that something is not right.  Those bishops and priests may have recieved the laying on of hands within the human lineage of Apostolic Succession but they are not following the commission that they vowed to keep when they were ordained.  Apostolic Succession without the Received Faith is empty. It is a lifeless shell.  In fact, Apostolic Succession without the Received Faith is NOT a true succession. It is a masquarade.  In the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21.28-32),  Jesus made it clear that it was the son who finally went as his father bid him, who did the will of his father, not the one who said he would go and then did not obey.

A bishop vested in cope and mitre, who holds a crozier, and wears a brilliant ring with the seal of the diocese is a very imposing figure.  But only the one who protects and conveys the Faith once Received - the Good News of Jesus - only that bishop is bearing witness to the full measure of Apostolic Succession.