Sexagesima 2016 The Tongue of Compassion Isaiah 50: 4-10 By Rev. Mr. William Baker St. Andrew s Church Jacksonville, OR

Transcription

1 Sexagesima 2016 The Tongue of Compassion Isaiah 50: 4-10 By Rev. Mr. William Baker St. Andrew s Church Jacksonville, OR The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. At my place of employment I have the opportunity and privilege to talk with many people every day. Sometimes I even feel a little guilty at how much talking I get away with. (If I were to ever become a superhero I would be known as the intalkicator ) But, I also feel that the Lord has called me to this secular position to carry out His work. Even if these conversations don t seem spiritual on the surface I am building relationships, relationships that may open doors in the future. It is important for us as Christians, to be understanding of those, who at the moment, may be in a less mature relationship with Christ. The tongue of the learned should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Too often we may be so ready to save the world that our overzealous pressure may squash any hope of transforming someone s life and we may even be in danger of helping that person set up walls that keep Christ at arms length. But, if we are edifying the Lord and leading by example, then our very lives will draw people close to us and barriers will be broken down and true and godly conversation will ensue. I am drawing on a personal episode that happened just last week. I have befriended a woman in her late eighty s over the last couple of years. We have never discussed church or anything spiritual just friendly chit-chat whenever she comes in. But last week she opened a door and at our next meeting I plan on taking my first steps through this newly opened threshold. Here is the gist of our conversation: I am sure glad I found you, she said. I m glad you found me too, what s on your mind. 1

2 Well, my grandson joined a church and has become a youth minister. Great, good for him! Yeah, well, now he s met a girl in that church and they are dating! Sounds like a match made in Heaven. But, what if they get married? I don t follow. What would the problem be if they get married? Don t you see if they get married they will be a religious couple! Oh At this point I was a little taken back. I have talked with this lady several times and assumed she was a sweet Christian lady. So I responded in the only way I could and reintroduced myself: Hello, my name is Bill and I am a Deacon in the Anglican Church. Can of worms open. You re a what! What did you do that for you shouldn t be wasting your time doing that, you need to get out there and make money, you can t do that in the church! What s in it for you anyway! Tell me that! Well, God saved me from this loud, confrontational and sweet lady. A service call over my headset called me away and by the time I returned I only saw her back going through the doors. Missed opportunity maybe, time for her to reflect I hope so. But nevertheless, it is a good question. What s in it for me what s in it for you? There are so many predictable responses to this question that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to have that conversation standing in the middle of a grocery store, especially when I m on the clock. But I find that I am not so concerned with the answer to this question as I am with where she is at in her life to ask such a question. Does she really not 2

3 know what s in it for me or potentially for herself? In all her years has she never been approached in Christian compassion? Compassion is a God given Christian tool that negotiates a sinful world and brings hope to those in need a way to navigate the worldly distortions of Truth that we call Sin. The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: This lady asks what s in it for you because she lacks understanding and whether she knows it or not, she is weary. Maybe her reaction was due to a poor response from a Christian in her past that lacked compassion and made barriers instead of a path. Compassion is the key that opens doors and allows the Word of God to permeate the darkness. This poor woman does not realize that it is she who suffers because it is she who has no faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ. I can t help but think that there were moments, in a life that spans 88 years, where a touch of compassion would have lifted her eyes I wonder if she even cares that the opportunity still awaits her. The actual meaning of the word compassion is to suffer together. It is the sharing together the trouble of others with the urge to help. With this definition in mind let us consider some of the incidents in the life of Jesus, which demonstrate His compassion and then we will look at how we are called to compassion for the sake of the Gospel. So much of what we see in the New Testament concerning Jesus reflects His compassion for people: - There was the feeding of the five thousand. The People followed Jesus far from their homes and they became weary and hungry. And when the disciples said, send them away Jesus had compassion on them and fed them. A shepherd taking care of his sheep. - At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus wept. Jesus knew that He would raise Lazarus but, nevertheless, He shared in the grief along side Mary and Martha. Compassion sometimes involves tears. 3

4 - After Jesus disciples returned from being sent out to preach, they returned weary and tired. Jesus, sensing this, said to them, come out into the desert and rest for a while. Compassion can be a simple invite to get away for a while. - And what about the man who was possessed by many devils? No man could bind him. But, after Jesus cured him He said to him, Go and tell your friends that the Lord has had compassion on you. Compassion can be the first step in the healing process. - And the most poignant example of Jesus compassion came at His Crucifixion. Jesus said, Behold thy son! Behold they mother! Compassion takes us out of the picture to focus on those who have need. Compassion set in motion by God Himself to guide us in love for each other, to bring about the goodness that rests in humanity. So how do we edify this altruistic character of God? Here at St. Andrews we do this through our efforts to help the homeless by cooking breakfast every Saturday, by giving food that goes to the food banks and by money donations that help these agencies pay the bills. But, charity without compassion is sterile. To give and not feel sorrow for those whom we are helping is a barren gesture. Compassion leads those who want to help to give. When compassion is involved the heart goes with the gift. And we are a nation built on compassion and generosity. Show the American people were there is a need for help and the response is gallant. Even with all our faults, we are generous. Compassion is not about perfection but about the will to do something the willingness to sacrifice! Compassion comes in many forms. It is not always about the money it is not always about getting up at 5:00 am to feed the hungry. Sometimes it is the simple act of offering prayer. When we read of a tragedy in the paper we can offer a prayer for those who are in distress. When we witness those who struggle with a disability we can offer a prayer, Lord bless them keep them safe give them joy. When you hear the sirens of an ambulance or fire truck pray. 4

5 The church today needs compassion more than it needs astute administration. We need priests who are pastors rather than priests who are entrepreneurs. We need priests who have learned the art of compassion rather than priests who are CPA s. And we need to develop the virtue of compassion among ourselves. How much do we know about the trials and tribulations of those sitting her with us today? What about those who are homebound do we even think of them? We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; we sang today, and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. (1940 hymnal) If all you have to offer is a smile then smile. The person sitting next to you may need your smile the person at the supermarket may need your smile. Do not underestimate what you have to offer compassion is a gift of God, meant to be shared. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 5