Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
It never ends. It probably never will this side of the Second Advent of Christ. One sin after the other.
This past week violent death, once again, sounded forth. Eight people breathe no more. On Tuesday morning, Alton Sterling was shot by police in Baton Rouge, LA and Philando Castile was shot on Wednesday evening by law enforcement in Falcon Heights, MN, a suburb of St. Paul. On Thursday evening, during a peaceful protest march in Dallas, TX, five police officers – Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, and Lorne Ahrens – were killed by a sniper, Micah Johnson, who, himself was killed by a robot-delivered bomb.
For some these are household names today. Plastered on the pages of newspapers across the nation and spoken by commentators on the airwaves, they are a reminder that many others were killed somewhere in the USA, and world for that matter, and their stories were not documented. They are nameless to us. This is what it is like to be a citizen of these United States and the world itself.
Our nation and world are being torn apart by abuse, anger, contempt, discord, dissensions, envy, factions, fear, frustration, greed, hatred, idolatry, jealousy, poverty, racism, rage, selfish ambition, violence, white supremacy, etc. It doesn’t look like any of these acts of the sinful nature is going to subside anytime soon.
Many are remembering the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. that were uttered more than a half century ago: “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Dr. King took his cue not from the ACLU or NAACP or NRA or Democrats or Republicans. He took it from His Lord Jesus and the rest of the New Testament.
Jesus did say a few things.
Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right check, turn to them the other cheek. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give them your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:39-41
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
Put your sword back in its place…for all who draw the sword will die by the sword… Matthew 26:52
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Paul understood the ethic of Jesus when he wrote these words in Romans 12:9-21.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21-22: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Some will say, “It’s not that simple.” Jesus and Paul and King and many others. Yes, it is complex. But could it be that it really is that simple?
Help us, O God! Help us!
The Youngbloods sing their 1967 song, “Get Together.” It is four minutes thirty-nine seconds.
My sermon that I will preach this morning at Garden Lakes Baptist Church in Rome, GA, is the fourth in a series on The Beatitudes. Under the theme, Let It Beatitudes, my word this morning focuses on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and is titled “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” In light of all that has happened in this past week, I’m coupling the story of the Compassionate Samaritan, which is today’s Gospel lectionary text, with this beatitude in Matthew 5:1-2, 6. Worship is at 8:45 a.m. in The Chapel and 11:00 a.m. in The Sanctuary. Bible Study for all ages is at 9:45 a.m. “There will be an answer. Let it Be.”
