Sermon - 11/15/20

<p>I think I’ve shared before that during my first semester of seminary I had an introductory assignment where I openly stated that when I read the Bible my first assumption is that it will oppress me.  I’m thankful (and you probably are now too) that I’ve experienced much growth throughout the past three years and have come to reverse my expectation of scripture.  Today when I read the Bible my first assumption is that it will <strong>set me free</strong>!  I’ve come to recognize a narrative throughout scripture of God who is <strong>for</strong> people, especially those people who don’t seem like they’re winning.  I witness God who <strong>falls in love</strong> with humankind so <strong>completely</strong> that God never gives up on us, keeps <strong>choosing us</strong>, loving us, time and time again. </p> <p>Because of this change in perspective I’m particularly challenged by encountering these readings today and they are forcing me to exercise the new muscles I’ve been building at Luther Seminary.  These readings are challenging me as I find myself wrestling with contradiction today, wondering which of my assumptions of the Bible is true as I struggle to hold on to my new understanding of the narrative of a loving God.  Overwhelmingly the lesson in Matthew’s gospel today has been preached as a renewal of Christian action and participation through responsible and obligatory use of the gifts we’ve been given by God.  I’m not on board.  Amidst this wrestling I admit that I’m <strong>weary</strong> of the meritocracy that is perpetuated by capitalistic societies like the Roman Empire and the United States of America.  I’m <strong>weary</strong> of the Pharaohs that insist that we <strong>“make more bricks”</strong> in servitude to the empire.  I’m weary of <strong>theologians</strong> who preach that we double down, work harder and <strong>give more</strong> in the name of God.  At the beginning of this chapter in Matthew, Jesus says “The kindom of heaven will be like this.” and then shares this parable.  I ca