FREED TO FREE

A Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 20, 2007
by Pastor Laura Gentry

Acts 16:16-34
One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortunetelling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. (NRSV)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Today, on our last Sunday of the Easter season, we hear an amazing story from the book of Acts. Paul and Silas are going about doing their ministry and they run across a girl who has been possessed by a demon. Paul miraculously removes her power of divination. He sets her free. But her master is upset about the loss in revenue it will cause him. So he drags them to the magistrates. They are beaten with rods and thrown into jail. Not only that, but they are fastened with stocks.

We’ve all had days like this, haven’t we? Okay, maybe it’s never been quite that bad for us, but we can certainly relate to Paul and Silas at this point. Sometimes life just throws us a curve ball and we think how unfair and outrageous it is that we should have to suffer such a thing. Our experience can be pretty painful and a pity party would definitely be in order.

But here is where we can really learn something from the scripture lesson. We hear not one little peep of complaint out of Paul and Silas—at least the way the story is written. Despite the pain and exhaustion of the beatings they must feel, it says that they begin to pray and sing songs of praise to God. Wait a minute? Did we hear that right? They are beaten up, in stocks, in jail, at midnight and they are just singing their little hearts out to God.

What do they know that we don’t? I mean, would we be happily singing songs in the middle of the night if we’d just been through what they’ve just been through? This is absolutely remarkable! They are completely undaunted. They are still filled with joy of the Lord despite their bleak circumstances. Many people think that the miracle of the story is that God frees them from prison by an earthquake and that’s certainly miraculous, but I consider their boisterous cheerfulness in the midst of adversity the most amazing miracle. It is obvious that these men are filled with faith to behave in such an astonishing fashion. They must know the God of love—they must really know the truth of the gospel in their hearts. And because of this, it seems to me that they are already free. Nothing can really imprison them because they know that the power of God is bigger than any shackles they’ll ever have on.

And then, the earthquake shakes the place. Earthquakes can be quite terrifying. I’m glad I got out of California before the “big one” hits. This earthquake, however, is a freeing one. It bursts their chains and Paul and Silas are freed—fully freed! But they don’t run away. I think it is because they were already free in their hearts. They behave in most strange fashion. They stick around. And when they see the jailer about to kill himself because he fears what his superiors will do to him if they find out he’s let the prisoners go. Paul yells out to him and convinces him not to do so. This so baffles the jailer that he ends up accepting Christ, being baptized and inviting them to his home where he tends their wounds. This is another completely unexpected turn of events. What a drama we’ve been offered!

This passage demonstrates the degree of change that is possible in human life. Paul and Silas act in a way that defies normal behavior. They act in faith and joy and deep compassion. They teach us about being intentional agents of change in our society. They could have hated the jailer for being a part of their oppression, they could have run away—protecting their own self-interest. Instead, they open their hearts to him and he, in turn, opens his heart to them and to Christ. More miracles.

As Christians we are called to a ministry of reconciliation, transformation, and renewal. Our own behavior and our own willingness to effect that change is defined by our relationship to the risen Christ. Is Jesus alive in you? It is obvious by your actions when he is.

The capacity to be different and to act differently because Christ is the center of our being is one of the most effective ways of sharing the Good News. Don’t just talk about Jesus, live his truth. Our commitment to recognizing and appreciating the best that is possible in others reflect the best qualities of what it means to be truly human.

As human beings, we find ourselves captive and imprisoned by a number of things that separate us from Christ and from one another. We may be imprisoned by fears, prejudices, attitudes, anger, and a other feelings that well up during times of stress.

At times like this, when we are unable to manage the complexities of life or circumstance, may we be freed by the power of the Holy Spirit, as Paul and Silas were. May we be set free so that we can free others.

In all things may the mind of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, direct us to fulfilling the God's work during the course of our lives. May the Holy Spirit work within us to bring a sense of joy, centered peace, and a deep sense of compassion in our work and witness with others, in the name of Christ.

And now, may the peace which passes all understanding keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

© Laura E. Gentry 2007

SET THE CAPTIVES FREE

A Sermon for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 21, 2007
by Pastor Laura Gentry

Luke 4:14-21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Today, our scriptures describe two readings from the law and the prophets. They are powerfully dramatic readings that, if we really hear them, will pull at our heartstrings.
 
First, from the book of Nehemiah, we hear Ezra reading from the Mosaic law. The audience to which he is reading is the group of exiles returning to Jerusalem. And this is not a short reading like a one hour church service we’re accustomed to today. No, he reads to them from early morning until midday. What is exciting about this story is that the listeners really “get it”—they really understand what is being taught to them. They hear the law and they weep. They are so touched that they fall on their faces to worship the God who has delivered them from exile. Nehemiah reminds them that this is a holy day and a cause for joy and celebration and for sharing with those who have nothing. In the 12th verse, it goes on to say that all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions to those in need and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Doing God’s will by caring for others is delightful. It gives them great joy!

The Gospel reading we heard today comes several centuries later. The people are no longer exiles but they are suffering again. This time, they are oppressed by Roman occupation of their country. The scene takes place in the synagogue in Nazareth, where God’s people have gathered to hear readings and preaching from the holy scriptures. Jesus is a hometown boy who has returned as an adult. He’s been baptized in the Jordan River, tempted in the desert, and has called his disciples to join him in ministry. Now, back in his own home church, it is his first public speech and he chooses to read from the prophet Isaiah.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

Then, Jesus sits down. They would have expected him to stay standing and give them a sermon based upon this scripture. That was the custom. But Jesus sits down. And then he says the most amazing words: “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” What? They must have been a bit confused. This is Joe and Mary’s boy. He grew up next door and played with the neighbor kids. Now he is telling his townspeople that he’s a prophet? And he’s not just any prophet, he’s the one foretold by the great Isaiah and he’s not just here to do a casual, sweet little ministry. He make it clear that he is going to take on poverty, discrimination, incarceration, and all other forms of oppression!

Often times, our culture paints a picture of Jesus as meek and mild, as a nice religious figure. It seems we’ve tamed him over the years. But if we look closely at the Jesus of scripture, he is anything but tame. He is a fierce radical who is not afraid to take on whole systems of oppression for the sake of those who are in need. He won’t tolerate the sin of oppression. And he’s not afraid to catch fire for his views. He’s not bothered by being a troublemaker in order to do his Father’s will. Jesus is playing for keeps.

Why, then, should we try to tame Jesus? Why should we not take seriously his mission and carry it on as the mission of the church? Why are we not on fire with this work? Why are we not like the audience of Ezra who fall on our faces when we hear this message, and understand it and take it to heart and go out and do it?

This morning, I believe Jesus is calling to us. He is stirring us from whatever complacency we have gotten stuck in and inviting us to join him in his passionate vision for justice. He knows that this work will bring us joy. And he knows that the Spirit of God is upon us too, and has equipped us for this work.

As I was thinking about this call to service, I stopped by the website for the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). This is an advocacy organization of our church that works tirelessly on issues of oppression. Since 1939, they have been carrying on this ministry to welcome and advocate for refugees and other migrants. Did you know, for example, that there are 20,000 asylum seekers imprisoned in our country though they have committed no crimes? They have been forced out of their own countries for reasons beyond their control and when they seek help from the United States, they can be imprisoned for over four years? LIRS is working to advocate on their behalf to make sure there is enough funding to deal with their needs quickly and fairly to either repatriate them back into their own countries or become free and established in this country.

And what about this issue of slavery? Did you think it was over and done with? Think again. The United States estimates that up to 175,000 men, women and children are trafficked into our country each year and forced to work in homes, farms, sweatshops and commercial sex industries? About half of these people are children. Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000 to prosecute traffickers, prevent trafficking and protect victims. LIRS assists the federal government to help care for trafficked children who have been liberated so that these young people can be placed in foster programs to enable them to rebuild their lives. Click here to read more about this problem and what you can do to help: Trafficked Children Initiative.

These are just two examples of urgent issues of justice for the oppressed, issues upon which Jesus calls us to take action. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Jesus is calling us to be alive, to be radiant with joy, to be vocal about things that matter.

Truly, my friends, the Spirit has anointed us to set the captives free! The Spirit blows into our lives and calls us from silence, calls us from complacency, and calls us to do what we can, calls us to take action on behalf of the oppressed. How can we be silent in the face of such oppression when the Spirit has anointed us to do otherwise?

Will you join me in praying for the thousands of refugees imprisoned across our land? Will you take action by calling your Congressmen about refugee protection? Click here for an action alert from LIRS with information about calling your Congress people regarding this issue: Action Alert. Will you pray for the children enslaved in our country through illegal trafficking? Will you find out what you can do to help them? Will you seek other avenues of bringing Christ’s freedom to those who are captive?

Today, Jesus said, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Today—not just in Jesus’ day. Today—not in some distant future. Today—Jesus calls us to allow the Spirit’s power to work through us to joyfully participate in the work of liberation. Today—may it be so among us!

Let us pray:
Radical, lifesaving Jesus, be present to us today. Call us to the actions that you urge us to take on behalf of those who are captive. Be with all who are in prison, who are refugees, who are enslaved in this and other countries, who are oppressed in any way. Open our eyes and our hearts to those who are forgotten and unfairly detained in our world. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit again and again, so that we will be empowered to bring your good news to all those who need it. Embolden us to be a part of the exciting and wonderful work, which you began, of setting the captives free. Amen.

© Laura E. Gentry 2007

THROW OUT YOUR CAGES

A Sermon for the first Sunday of Advent
December 3, 2006
Pastor Laura Gentry

Luke 21:25-36
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (New Revised Standard Version)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

You can’t fool us. We can read the signs. We know when something is about to happen, like when the sky gets really overcast and we know it is going to rain. Around here, people don’t always signal when they’re going to make a turn with their car. But we can read the signs. We see their head turn right and we know they are about to turn right. There’s no fooling us.

And this time of year, we can tell what’s happening, too. The volume of catalogs we receive quadruples—nearly topping our mailboxes, Main Street is lit with wreathes, and you can’t find a parking spot at the mall. Do you suppose Christmas is coming? Yep, we can read the signs.

Here at church, our Christmas tree shows up, along with our Advent wreath, announcing the beginning of the new church year and the Advent season. Advent means “arrival” and we use this season to prepare ourselves to celebrate the nativity, the first arrival of Christ and to prepare our hearts for his second arrival.

The scripture lesson for today urge us to be alert for this Advent. We see the signs, so we ought to keep awake for Christ’s coming. For when he comes again, our creeds remind us, he will judge the world. We will each be judged. So “being alert” is sort of like preparing for a final exam—the final exam of our whole lives.

How do we prepare? It’s pretty daunting, isn’t it? Because we have to be mindful not only about those wrong things we have done, but also of all the good things we should have done but never got around to. If we take an honest look at our lives, we see that we’re in pretty bad standing for the final exam—that our best preparations have been feeble at best. We are caged by our own unworthiness. Not a very cheery way to start the new church year, is it?

But wait! That’s not the end of the story. At Advent time, we celebrate Christ’s first coming in order to prepare for his second. And how did he come the first time? He came as a vulnerable little baby—just like us. He came gently, quietly. He came to be with us, to walk with us and love us back to life. He came not to condemn the world, but to redeem the world. He came to pass the final exam for us. It is freedom he offers.

Rev. A.J. Gordon was the pastor of the Clarendon Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts. One day, he met a young boy in front of the sanctuary carrying an old, rusty cage in which several birds fluttered about. Gordon asked, "Son, where did you get those birds?" The boy replied, "I trapped them out in the field." "What are you going to do with them?" he questioned. "I'm going to play with them, and then I don’t know, maybe I'll just feed them to an old cat we have at home."

When Gordon offered to buy them, the lad exclaimed, "Mister, you don't want them. They're just little old wild birds and can't sing very well." Gordon replied, "I'll give you $2 for the cage and the birds." "Okay, it's a deal, but you're making a bad bargain." The exchange was made and the boy went away whistling, happy with his shiny coins. Gordon walked around to the back of the church, opened the door of the small wire coop, and let the struggling creatures soar into the sky.

The next Sunday he took the empty cage into the pulpit and used it to illustrate his sermon about Christ's Advent, his coming to seek and to save the lost—paying for them with His own precious blood. "That boy told me the birds were not songsters," said Gordon, "but when I released them and they winged their way heavenward, it seemed to me they were singing, 'Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed!'"

This story illustrates the power of what God has done for us in Christ. We celebrate that Christmas is not about judgment, but about redemption. Jesus comes to heal and to forgive us—to set us free. So as we see the signs that his second coming could be at any time, we need not panic. No, in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says to us: “stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Yes, this is an exciting time! Our redemption is drawing near.

What does this mean for us? How ought we to live in light of the fact that Christ’s Advent is near? Jesus instructs us: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life.”

Now think for a moment, about the people in your life. Are their hearts weighed down? We live in such a heart-weighed-down world that I’m willing to bet you know a lot of people whose hearts are weighed down with worries of this life both great and small. If you take a close look at your own heart, I’ll bet you’ll notice some weighing-down happening there, too. What’s with that? Why is worry and hurt so widespread when our redemption is so near?

It is because we do not see it. We only see the troubles immediately before us rather than the gift of Christ’s redemption just beyond that. Back to the cage metaphor: it reminds me of the hamster, Eunice, who I used to own. She was single-minded of purpose—to escape. She would sit in the corner and chew on the bars of her cage all day. Eunice was so fixated upon this that when I would come along and open the door, she wouldn’t even notice and would go right on chewing on the bars just inches from the open door. It seems to me that’s exactly what God sees when God peers into our lives. Christ has set us free, but we do not believe it is really for us. We do not believe that we are worthy of such amazing love,. We are afraid of such wonderful freedom. We choose our cages instead. How this must grieve the heart of our God who loves us so—a God who spared nothing to win our freedom!

Today marks the beginning of Advent. And the message of this season is the song of those wild birds: Redeemed! We need to get used to the fact that we’ve been redeemed, my friends. We need to practice living like it is really true. We need to learn to sing the song of freedom every single day of our lives. We are invited to live immersed in grace so that the worries of life cannot weigh us down and the uncertainty of the future cannot scare us. The bottom line is that we must throw out our cages! Christ has conquered them.

So yes, Christ is coming! We see the signs. We know it. But it is nothing to be troubled about. It is incredibly good news. Today, we are invited by the God of love to lift up our heads with hope in joyful anticipation. Our freedom is here. Amen.

© Laura E. Gentry 2006