And then there was an Exorcist….
I’m not referring to one
of my all-time favorite films – The
Exorcist – but as previously posted in the MARK blog, back in the day (over
two thousand years ago), numerous individuals known as healers and exorcists
went about the land to “cast out demons.”
Were they necessarily
successful in doing so? No. Were they using God’s name in this act? Maybe in
stating so publicly but not truthfully. They were paying lip service to God
and conning people. Call them charlatans – preying on the weak and needy –
using superstitions, potions and all sorts of tricks of the trade.
However, we have a notable
instance when one of the disciples (John who witnessed the transfiguration; probably
designated by the group to speak up; wore his emotions on his sleeve) spoke against
an exorcist using Jesus’ name when going about his business. “Because he’s not
following us!” “What are his motives?!?” was an underlying concern.
While this man who cast
out demons had not received an official “JC Stamp of Approval,” he was sincerely
acting in the name of Jesus. Why else would Jesus have replied, “Don’t stop
him”?
Jesus responds to John’s
religious fervor of “our way or the highway” with “It’s not your way. While this man doesn’t
literally follow us, we shouldn’t cast him out. Why demonize him?” As the NRSV
states in verse 40, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
How often though does it
happen when a person doesn’t believe exactly like we do, yet makes a positive
difference in the world, is shamed or ostracized or given the “DOA Stamp of Disapproval”?
Have we written off individuals because they weren’t one of us – whatever “us”
means?
Being “Christian” doesn’t
mean we get it right. Consider the heinous actions over the centuries with unnecessary
bloodshed done “in the name of Christ.” Consider what occurs in our daily lives
– personal, communal, local, national, global. All “in the name of Christ.”
Would those actions receive the “JC Stamp of Approval”?
In the study group, I
shared our experience as a congregation as it relates to Westboro Baptist
Church. There is a huge theological / philosophical difference between us.
Nevertheless for all of the hatred spewed by WBC at Hollywood UMC, it didn’t
stop our senior pastor, Rev Kathy, from telling us to pray for WBC. Recently, when
two grand-daughters of Rev Phelps left the WBC and were ostracized for doing so
by that congregation, we welcomed those young ladies with open arms –
worshipping and spending time together here at HUMC. Jesus was in that moment. “Whoever
is not against us is for us.”
With verse 41, the emotion
within the study group discussion heightened.
“Anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name
is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.” – The Message
“Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you
bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” – New Revised Standard Version
Sometimes we feel we have
to do great things, amazing things, crazy good things so that God will notice,
so that anyone will notice. The greater
the deed, God will approve and put us in the front of the heavenly line! …Not
so.
Who tells us we must do
great things? Friends? Family? Supervisors? Clergy? Teachers? Ourselves? …???
God doesn’t.
What are we asked to do? It
can be something as simple as giving a cup of water to someone. That in itself
may seem like the easiest act in the world; even so, it has much significance
for the one who thirsts, who is in need.
Using an example for those
with children,…. Who isn’t tired after a long day of work? Who wouldn’t love to
have a few moments of quiet and not be disturbed? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have
some peace, to block out the world? Just walk away? Ah, but what about the
child?
When I was young, I know
my dad was dead-tired by day’s end – having worked at the ranch (660 acres with
300 cattle) as well as giving oversight to the Bogata Housing Authority as its
Executive Director. Nevertheless he made a point to spend time with me when he
came home. I well-remember throwing a baseball to him on many of those days: me
pitching and him catching. Those moments together made for a fantastic lifetime
memory.
30 minutes. 30 minutes can
make all the difference in a child’s life. Spending time with them. The choice
is “life” over “death,” to “connect” instead of “disconnect,” to “care” instead
of “discourage.” It’s a simple thing really. 30 minutes out of one’s day. Simple
yet powerful.
Another example was shared
by Bev * -- a moving story that touched our hearts regarding her family as they
prepare for a loved one’s last days. The word “gives” stuck out to Bev as she
explained this current situation. A gift of self-less “giving” – even the
simplest of things (saying “I love you,” providing a ride, buying some
groceries, running errands, holding someone’s hand) – has a ripple effect of
appreciation, and it’s also an offering to God.
As Marc * put it, this
verse is an illustration of service. We can listen to the Gospel all day long
but at some point, we have to move forward into action. Otherwise it’s just
words. Fruit that just dies on the vine.
Let’s be more than words.
NEXT
Cut off what?!?
* Member of the study
group
No comments:
Post a Comment