Pentecost 11

Pentecost 11 THE POWER OF WORDS 8/24 & 27/06

It has been said that “talk is cheap because the supply far outweighs the demand”! I am not so sure that “talk is” always “cheap,” as there are many times when words are “priceless” and “valuable” and “cherished.” I will, though, readily admit that there is an abundance of words floating around our atmosphere every moment of every day…written words, as in bulletins and billboards, hymnals and highways, newspapers and small notes…spoken words, as in conversations, criticism, sermons, and sales ads.

Have you ever considered the many adages or sayings we have pertaining to words and speech? How about “a picture is worth a thousand words”--- “Practice what you preach”--- “Actions speak louder than words” --- “Do as I say, not as I do”--- “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”--- “Today, may your words be sweet, for you may have to eat them tomorrow!” Some of our sayings indicate that words have no power, while other sayings indicate the great influence and impact of the written and spoken word.

Words are powerful! They can create, and they can destroy. When a couple stands in the presence of God, their families, and friends, and pledges to love each other and be faithful, their “I do’s” summon a new world into being. Just as surely, when love dies and a couple who has shared a life together grows distant and hostile, a whole world is destroyed when one spouse speaks the words, “I want a divorce.”

Words, both spoken and written, are central to the Christian faith. Remember how John initiates his Gospel account: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn. 1:1) Return to the first pages of scripture, where we read: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Gen. 1:2) Each day of creation begins with the spoken word of Almighty God! The prophets prefaced their oracles by saying, “This is the word of the Lord.” When the Holy Spirit breathed new life into Jesus’ discouraged disciples, the great sign of the Spirit’s power was a gift of words: “…they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)

In our Gospel lesson this week, Jesus has spoken to His multitude of followers and “his disciples were grumbling about this.” (Jn. 6:61) Jesus asks them if they are offended by what He has said, but does not provide a pause for them to answer. In our day, as on that day, many people don’t like---are offended by---what Jesus has to say. In our generation, this has led to the inane quest to be “politically correct”, rather than “biblically accurate”! This week I began my 20^th year in ministry at Grace, and God only knows how many words I have spoken and---no doubt---something I have taught or preached has offended some, maybe many. Thanks be to God that He, through His Spirit, has kept this congregation strong, united, and faithful! Jesus spoke the truth and, as we read in vs. 66: “…many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (Jn. 6:66) To all who hear the words of Jesus, the Living Word, today, He asks: “Do you also want to leave me?” “Do you, too, wish to leave?” (Jn. 6:67)

Jesus’ words are not pious platitudes; rather, they are like flares that arc across the darkened sky, showing us the way to traverse a treacherous landscape. Jesus’ words are food and water for the hungry and thirsty traveling the wilderness roads of life. Jesus spoke not to be popular, but prophetic; not to be liked, but loved; not to be acknowledged, but accepted; not to be considered, but consumed! If Jesus’ words offend you, to whom, then, will you listen? If you choose not to follow Jesus, who, then, will you follow? Simon Peter responds in our Gospel, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn. 6: 68) Joshua, some 1300 years before the earthly-birth of Jesus, confronts the people of Israel: “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”(Josh. 24:15) He did not, though, leave his people with this question; Joshua answered his own question and led by example, saying: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”(Josh. 24:15)

When we celebrate Holy Baptism, we ask the parents, grandparents, and god-parents several questions, including this one: “To you renounce and reject all the forces of evil, the devil, and all his empty promises?” If the people bringing the baby or person forward to be baptized do not reject the devil and all his empty promises, they certainly are unable to help bring the newly baptized person to Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus’ direct words: “He who is not for me is against me!” In our Creeds we confess and pronounce what we believe. (Mt. 12: 30) Joshua commanded the people “Choose this day whom you will serve!” and announced his decision. Jesus asks if we wish, like many others, to stop following Him….Peter announced his decision. Have you announced yours? AMEN.