Community Church Sermons
Year C
August 8,
2010
Pentecost 11
What Matters!
JAMES 1: 26-27
ISAIAH 1:1, 10-20
Rev. Dr. R. Tim Meadows
In his most recent book southern poet/writer/social critic/ farmer Wendell Berry seeks to get to the heart of the things he sees as important and essential to the well being of our country and our world. Looking into issues sociologically, economically, ecologically, and spiritually, all areas in which berry has some expertise and interest, he attempts to articulate what the book’s title claims --- that is WHAT MATTERS!
In his introductory words to the people of Israel the prophet Isaiah is focused on the same topic. To a people who see themselves as beloved and chosen of God --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who see themselves as experts in the sacramental process of encountering God --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who think they know how to communicate with God --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who think they are doing all the good in the world they know how to do --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who view themselves as morally superior --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who think that they can command God’s attention whenever they want --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters! To a people who think that their future is limitless and their only possible path is success --- Isaiah wants to talk about What Matters!
Interestingly, when the prophet gets around to talking about these things --- his list is simple, short, and not terribly popular with his listeners --- kinda sounds like some sermons I’ve preached myownself. According to the prophet what matters to God is:
- Not the sacrifices we make for God’s benefit but the sacrifices we are willing to make for each other.
- Not the meaningless prattle we often call prayer but honest, open, conversation with each other and God that allows us to share our real need and nature without fear of rejection.
- Not doing what we think is right but doing what God thinks is good.
- Not enforcement of society’s law but fairness for every member of a society.
- Not the absence of people in need but the presence of a people willing to help those we can help.
- Not theory but action. Not belief but behavior. In this brief passage we are told to give, learn, seek, help, defend, and fight. All calls to action in areas that matter to God.
We listen to the prophet and the quick temptation is to breathe a sigh of relief that these are words spoken to Israel. Historical words with a historical context, right? But not so fast -------these words still seem to capture what matters to God. These words still command our attention. These words still look for a prophet to give them voice to remind us that What Matters to God has not changed. God still expects, still hopes,
- that we will care more about encountering God than the process of worship. Encountering God is What Matters!
- that we will care as much about listening in prayer and speaking kindly to one another as we do about rehearsing to God the litany of things that are important to us. Listening to God and speaking kindly to each other that is What Matters!
- that we will take action on behalf of those in our society for whom no one else cares. Taking positive action to benefit others, that is What Matters!
- that we will wrestle with God and truth until we become all that God intends us to be. Becoming our best that is What Matters!
- that we will hear the voice of God. Hearing and listening that is What Matters!
The ultimate challenge in the human journey is to care about others and to help others care about each other. Truly, that is What Matters! May God give us the grace and courage to focus on What Matters, and to take action toward those things each day we shall live. AMEN!