Unlimited Forgiveness

I don't think it's a coincidence that when Peter asked if he should forgive seven times that Jesus responded, "not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22). As I pointed out in the sermon those are the exact numbers that Lamech used in his vengeful boast (Genesis 4:23-24). It's as if Jesus is saying -- "We're going to change the world!" We've tired the revenge approach and as Ghandi said, if we keep requiring eye for eye "the whole world will go blind."

What does the new approach look like? Unfortunately, it has been so rarely practiced (even by God's people) that the world is still waiting to see. The remarkable thing about Debbie Morris' testimony in her book, Dead Man Walking, is not that she could forgive her rapists; rather it's remarkable that her story is remarkable. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christians were known for their outrageous forgiveness? What if Debbie's story wasn't an isolated incident of remarkable faith, but simply another example of how God's people allow his forgiveness to flow through them, even in the worst of circumstances. That is our challenge.

On another note, I always approach using math or science in my sermons at Clear Lake Church of Christ with fear and trembling. It has reached the point that I no longer even wonder IF I will make a mistake, now I simply do not want to make a grievous error. Today I said that Lamech considered himself ten times better (or in the vernacular "badder") than God. It was gently pointed out to me after the sermon that actually 77 is 11 times the number seven. That means that Lamech considered himself 11 times better than God. I will grant the mathematical accuracy of that statement; but still think that "ten times" simply has a better verbal ring to it than "11 times".

And Melissa, (hopefully you've read this far), I will be looking forward to reading your blog comments.

Repairing Broken Relationships

As far as I can remember, the 4-step solution to repairing broken relationships found in Matthew 18 is the only time Jesus gave such an easy to understand outline for resolving a problem. (If you are like me, such a statement will cause you to quickly think over all of Jesus teachings to see if you can come up an exception. . . . I'll wait for you before I continue. . . . all done? Then let us proceed.) Jesus, and the News Testament writers, tend to deal more with principles than step by step procedures. That makes this teaching an exception to the norm. This is written as if Jesus were answering our objections for not doing what he plainly wants us to do when we are offended or hurt by a brother or sister.

Jesus: If your brother or sister sins against you go and show them their fault, just between the two of you, alone.

Us: But what if they don't listen to us?

Jesus: Then take a mature brother or sister with you to see if they can help.

Us: But what it they continue to rationalize and refuse to listen to either of us?

Jesus: Then get the church involved. Gather those who truly love this person and all of you work together to help them.

Us: But what if that doesn't work? What if they refuse to accept what all of us are saying?

Jesus: Then there is nothing anyone can do for that person. They are not my disciple and should not be considered one. Any other questions?

Us: Uh, no I can't think of any.

Jesus: Then prove that you are my disciple by following my commandments. If your brother of sister sins against you go and show them their fault, just between the two of you, alone. Got it?

Us: But that sounds kind of hard.

Jesus: Where did you ever get the idea that following me would be easy? Be obedient to me and see if the end result isn't a community of people with deeper and more satisfying relationships than anyone else on earth has ever experienced. Trust me in this and put your faith into action!

The Value of One

I like looking at this picture. I'm not sure what I think about the image of Jesus: perfect hair, trimmed beard, flawless features, etc.... I guess you have to picture Jesus in someway, but does he have to look so Caucasian? In spite of the non-Jewish looking Jesus, I still like the picture. I really like the lamb. It looks young, frail and helpless. It definately is a sheep in need of a shepherd.

It was easy preaching on the parable of the lost sheep this morning when I could use Toni Miller as an example. She and her husband, Dan have done such a great job in looking after those Jesus called the "little ones." And having the sermon followed by an honoring time for Elaine Pate certainly drove the point home.

The Miller and the Pates both know how to look at people without considering their financial worth, education, or any of the other markers we humans use to determine value. They have shown us the heart of Jesus by knowing that everyone is valuable in the eyes of God. They have also shown us that God is especially fond of the "little ones." "For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).

Watching Out for the Other Guy

When working on this sermon I kept thinking about a phrase from a Public Service Announcement from the 60's. It was a television commercial about defensive driving with the catch phrase, "Watch Out for the Other Guy." The intent of the commercial was to avoid automobile accidents by always being aware that other drivers make mistakes. Defensive driving is defending yourself against the mistakes of others. I decided to use the title even though I wanted to make a totally unrelated point.

In the kingdom of God we are to be constantly on the lookout for one another. This is not so we can see the mistakes others are making and avoid them. Rather, we are watching out for one another so that we can help each other. Watching out for the other guy in the kingdom of God is not for defensive avoidance but offensive action! This involves intentionally doing what I can to keep from placing stumbling blocks in another's path.

In the opening illustration I kept putting more and more obstacles in David's path to make it harder and harder for him to "walk the walk." When I put the blindfold on him he got down on his hands and knees determined not to quit. I thought two things: 1) How commendable that he was ready to do whatever was necessary to finish the task; and 2) How pitiful that I would make it so difficult for him. Be thinking this week about how you can keep from making another's faith walk difficult. And on the positive side, what can you do to help make it just a little bit easier for your brother or sister to live a life of faith?

Humility

Jesus said we are to "... change and become like little children..." (Matthew 18:3). As Brianna illustrated so well for us this morning, little children are not valued for their productivity or usefulness. They are in fact, endless consumers rather than contributors! In spite of this we parents continue to feed, clothe, and provide for all their needs. When Brianna's daddy was asked why they do all these things for her, he replied, "Because we love her so much." Well said.

When Jesus told us to become like little children he certainly didn't mean that we were to become childISH. (Although the way some Christians behave might lead one to think that.) He was likewise not telling us to be cute, cuddly, lovable, etc... He was not thinking about any child-like quality that one would normally desire. He was, in fact, pointing out that a child is "worthless", at least in terms of productivity.

The kingdom of God turns everything upside down. The most valuable are the one's who don't realize that they are the most valuable. They are in fact the humble. The one's who realize their great need for God. Like obedient children looking to their parents, these humble ones believe God knows best and that God is going to take care of them. They don't look down on others because they haven't put themselves on a pedestal. And when they look into the eyes of the even the least deserving, they see the eyes of an approving Jesus looking back at them. "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (Matthew 18:5).