It will be good to be back in the pulpit of Seneca Presbyterian Church this week after taking a Sunday off for some time with my family. We will be considering the story that begins the book of Acts. Jesus has gathered the disciples on a mountaintop outside Jerusalem. He has been with them for forty days, instructing them "of things concerning the kingdom of God." It is the moment when the risen Christ is to be received into heaven. The disciples who have gathered there ask Jesus a human question: "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"
As I contemplate this text, it sounds so much like the one question that haunts people of faith and those who perhaps want to believe, yet somehow can't: If God is God, why is there so much unjust suffering in this world? Or to put it bluntly: The world is a lousy place for too many people, God. Why don't you fix it?
Do you ever ponder the same question?
When you encounter the question from others, do you feel compelled to somehow defend God?
Perhaps Jesus wants us to hear something of the same answer he gave those first disciples. There are some things you are not meant to know. But know this: you are meant to be my witnesses - my partners - in the work of God in the world.Then Jesus promised them and us the gift of the Holy Spirit - his abiding presence and power - to be his faithful witnesses and disciples and partners in the work of the kingdom of God in God's world. Now that' an amazing invitation to an amazing adventure!
On Sunday, I will share with you the concept of rowboat and sailboat churches. The idea comes from the writings of Joan Gray. The distinction is rather simple to understand. Rowboat churches, like rowboats, work with human power and under human control. They have human agendas and operate under human limitations. Sailboat churches, like sailboats, wait on the power of the wind. In church, we call that the power of the Holy Spirit. They seek to have divine agendas and strive to operate with divine possibilities.
The distinction may be rather simple to understand. Living it is an entirely different matter. It requires mastering skills, patient and diligent practice, respecting the wind and the water, learning how to capsize - and how to right the boat again. And trusting in a higher power - whether you are sailing boats or churches.
But isn't it worth the risk?
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