Let Loose the Elephants
Preacher: Marcia C. Wilkinson

October 1, 2006

Mark 9: 38-48

Every once in a while, the gospel message is one that I would really rather not preach.  Either the text is too complicated to do justice to the teaching of Christ in the time allotted, or, the message is so pointed that I would just rather not go there; or both, as it is today.  Jesus’ words are strong, and his message difficult, so we must listen and receive it with the deepest love he has for us.  Jesus’ intention is not only to give us hope, but also to make his word the reality of our lives.

I believe the situation in our gospel lesson parallels our present situation as believers.    The disciples had a problem when outsiders were healing in Jesus’ name but not following them- the 12 elect.  Jesus obviously wants to nip this problem in the bud and to teach his disciples that others would also show his power and glory and reach out to others with the gospel. So Jesus used graphic hyperbole to make his point.  He did not want his disciples to be stumbling blocks and prevent others from serving and bringing people to him.  The consequences for such actions would be dire.  In fact, Jesus said it would be better to lose body parts than to be separated from Jesus in hell.
And, hell is not hyperbole.  It is real, and you will feel eaten alive.  But Jesus doesn’t leave his beloved disciples with that terrible image of separation. He gives them an alternative.  You are meant to be salt.  Simple salt, in the right amount, adds flavor and gives zest to my mission, said Jesus.  I need you disciples to be salt- to bring my purpose and vitality to others who need to meet and know me.

2000 years later that is what Jesus wants for us: to live as salt.  Our friend, George Carey, says in his book:  Know the Truth:  “Our vitality in faith comes from being in touch with God’s vision for change and renewal”. (p.446).  What does Jesus want from us?  I believe Jesus is telling us today; trust my word and clear away all misconceptions and obstacles so that the life I want to offer is not hindered.

What are the obstacles we face in our community of believers and need to let loose?  Our gospel lesson addresses three and I call them elephants.

The first elephant that needs to be let loose is the elephant of possessiveness.  Possessiveness is the belief that only a certain group of followers belong to Jesus and they are the only ones who should be ministering in his name.  But Jesus told his disciples and tells us that those who minister in his name do so because he has given them the power, and people’s lives are set free. “In Jesus’ name” faith is exercised, but it is the powerful name of Jesus that brings healing and saves.

The point is Jesus uses many people, even those who are on the fringe to do his work if their intent is to honor him.  Love given in Christ is tangible evidence of God’s power to transform and bring vitality.  When we have encounters with the awesome power of God, our spirits are ignited with new truth, and we believe and respond to others with what we have discovered.

No one can claim to own the name of Jesus because of the power of the lord goes where God wills.  Jesus said: “Whoever is not against us is for us.”  I believe we are being told this morning to think outside our own bias and idea of who is out and who is in as true followers of Jesus Christ.   Whether we are traditionalist, revisionists, or aren’t sure where we fit, we must not get in the Lord’s way.  God is in control and needs space to do his holy work.

We are called to see people through Christ’s eyes- as ones he has come to save.  And, we are called to encourage them with God’s word and teaching. When that time comes to separate the true believer from the false, the sheep from the goats, God will do the separating, not his followers! 

So the question to ask regarding the first ‘elephant of possessiveness’; how do I see people within the faith?  How big is my elephant that gets in the way of including some while excluding those who do not fit with my understanding?

The second elephant follows closely on the heels of possessiveness.  It is called lack of fellowship.  The disciples did not want to be in fellowship with the new disciple.  When we are out of fellowship because of the inclusive/exclusive mentality- we prevent a relationship and communion between others, God, and ourselves.  And, if we stay out of fellowship with a follower or a would- be follower of Jesus, the potential for building faith within the community is diminished. This is not what Jesus wants.  His hyperbole warns that there is a high cost for avoiding and not relating with others who are new to the faith, or searching, or see differently.  The millstone weights us down, and if not removed, we drown.  Our actions and attitudes must not be obstacles.  Jesus wants our witness to bring life- not death- to others and to ourselves.

The question we must ask:  does my life; my actions and thoughts reflect the awesome grace I have received?  Or, do they cause another to stumble in his/her faith?  Do I want to be rid of those attitudes, to be humbled in the spirit of Christ so the elephant leaves and God has space for his powerful work?  

Our third elephant to let loose is called refusal- our refusal to take the cross of Christ to heart.  Jesus never sidestepped his journey to Calvary.  He suffered willingly so that we would know his love directly.  In him we would be right with God and thus with all who profess the name of Christ.  But we aren’t right with each other.  Why is humility such a hard thing for us?  Can we suffer as Christ’s servants on behalf of others, even those outsiders? Jesus said we are to bear burdens for one another. That is our call.  Our credibility as followers of Christ will be real only if we take a position of humility before God in order to live the gospel message for ourselves and for others.  This is not an option. There is no other way.

Are we willing to leave behind our spiritual pride, our sense of control, our egos in order to be Jesus’ own servants?  We will not have the final word my friends.  The same Jesus who said that it would be better to put a millstone around ones neck then to abuse his own, took that millstone upon himself.  This is the message of the cross.  Because of Him there is hope for you and me to invite Christ into our decisions, into the way we live.

There is so much in this gospel lesson to challenge us this morning.  Here at All Saints’ we wrestle with the correct definition of a Christian, we wrestle with the diverse beliefs in our parish, and we wrestle with our understanding of what it means to live our life together.  It is painful because we have come to the point we are wrestling with each other- silently or aloud- or behind the scenes.  So I ask the question, how are we to live in order to model the gospel truth to our children and teens, and to be faithful to offer God’s love to seekers of all sorts who join us here?

The answer lies in acting upon the truth of God’s word. I believe the Holy Spirit wants to stir our hearts and to make us a church of Christ’s own.  Our All Saints’ theme is “not one shall be lost.”  This is God’s intent for all who call themselves followers of Christ.  We must not get in the way of God doing his work through the Holy Spirit in those who do not believe as we do.  Nor does God’s way include separating ourselves and taking things into our own hands which places the church body in a precarious situation.  This grieves God, weakens the church family, and No good comes from it.

We must keep in mind that we are here in this place and at this time because of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is calling us to focus on him, to put our loyalties and trust in his word of hope and promise, and to submit to him with humbled hearts in prayer- as a Body and individually.  Prayer does change things, and as we pray our conversation with God deepens, and God will bring us to the place he wants us to be.  We 3 clergy will continue to preach and teach the faith given to us in God’s word, and handed down through the faith of our church fathers. 

We are committed to follow the message of our gospel today, and to minister to all who come to All Saints’.  God’s love suffers with us, and God calls us to suffer with and for each other.  I pray that we will listen to God’s voice and that God will have his way with you and me, with us. 

Amen.