In chapel today, Dr. Lisa Seely, The Director of Global Education and Great Commission Center and Assistant Professor of Religion here at ETBU, gave a stirring message reminding us of the Christian responsibility to 'practice what we preach' by seeking justice and showing mercy. Her message was timely - marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated on this same day in Memphis 50 years ago. Her background text referenced the prophet, Micah - and her chosen text was from the Gospel of Luke, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. She moved through this story, one spoken purposefully by Jesus himself, reminding us of the cost of the Samaritan's actions. She challenged us to look, see and serve those 'on the road' of our journey. Then, for any still not convinced, she offered the staggering statistics of poverty in America - not to shame us but in order to open our eyes. As she closed, Lisa quoted a short paragraph from Dr. Kings' now famous letter from the Birmingham jail, intentionally reminding us that it was a letter written to clergy - the church - imploring that he STOP. In this long letter, the text of which is a worthy read especially considering its context and our times, King included a paragraph near the end that speaks to us especially today. He writes...
"But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century." (Letter from the Birmingham Jail, 16th April, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
As I looked about our chapel filled with young adults, 20 Somethings, living in a culture and time that is as fractured as any I can recall, I thought of two things - how difficult these times are and how filled they are with opportunity. Two words - strange bedfellows - so often placed together. Not just by poets and preachers, but in real life. Difficulty! Opportunity! "What will these 'youngs' do with this culture and their faith" I wondered. "If it is worship only - the signature response of their generation - it will not be enough." "And... if it is build a building, or start a new ministry, or pander to politics to push an agenda - the signature response of mine - it will not be enough, either." Social action is not the gospel, but it should be a response to it. The church bringing mercy to others will not save it, but it will give us a voice so that we can speak.The Israelites had many laws they were to keep, but Jesus said there were really only two upon which the entire law hangs. Only Two! To "love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37-40) Only these - but my, my - what a difference they can make.
After Jesus spoke this parable, He asked...
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 36-37)
Indeed,
Pastor Sam
