the one about the demons

As a pastor, one of the questions people ask me about the story of Jesus is "What is demonic possession?"   For years Movies like Poltergeist, Amityville Horror, and the Exorcist have dramatized the powers of evil to take over the human body and mind. These movies are scary.  The supernatural power that causes levitation, foaming at the mouth, spinning heads, shiny red eyes, murderous rage is portrayed as an invisible presence that enters a weaker human to become manifest. The invisible evil spirit needs a body in order to act maliciously.  Why do people like these movies?  Maybe because it makes demonic possession fictional,unrealistic, and bizarre.  Demonic possession in the movies tells us this is not real.  
I remember a youth retreat I went on once led by Lutheran pastors.  It was all about satanic worship and the threat it posed on our young faith.  They scared me.  More than ghost stories, they talked about supernatural encounters with possessed people, devil worship, and cultic practices.  This was in the mid 1980's and these pastors had lived through the 70's.  Satanic cults and black magic were perceived spiritual threats to people and churches, especially as young people tended to explore and dabble in the occult.  We listened to evil rock music, even playing some records in reverse to hear the subliminal cultic messages brainwashing our impressionable minds.  I actually wrote a research paper on the occult at some point in my academic life, largely because of the impact this one retreat had on me.  We were taught that there were religious rituals and practices that were opposed to the powers of God, that threatened the faithful.  I was taught to be afraid and to identify signs of cult participation or cultic behaviors.  For rural white middle class folk, satanic cults were real threats. They were to us what gangs were to urban society.
Except that I never met anyone who dabbled in the occult, practiced witchcraft or worshiped satan.
We were taught to identify and avoid evil intent and demonic activity. Since I never encountered it as a youth, I wrote off that retreat as a bunch of Hollywood hype.
But then I read the gospels and I see Jesus confront unclean spirits, demons, and the Satan himself in a 40-day biblical showdown in the harsh desert.  Jesus' ministry involved engagement with malicious powers that violently tormented people.  He cast out demons, amazing people with his power.
In one such story, from the gospel of Luke chapter 11, Jesus confronts and casts out a demon that made a man mute.  When he did this, the man spoke.  Others in the community began to suggest that Jesus used demonic powers (the powers of Beelzebul) to cast out the unclean spirit from the man.  Jesus says: "Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house.  If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?--for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul.  Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out?  Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.  When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe.  But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder.  Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

the one about maturity and youth basketball games

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Gospel of Matthew, ch. 5

What is a mature person?  When does someone become mature?  It may be easier to think about immaturity.  We see plenty of examples there, don't we?    

To say someone is mature is a kind way of saying they’re old.  Maturity comes with age.  But growing up is more than a physical process of development. Physical characteristics of adulthood do not make a person mature, do they? I’ve met my share of immature 40, 50, 60 year-olds.  I’ve seen physically mature teens, whose minds and spirits have a lot of catching up to do with their bodies. Something about us wants to avoid growing up, call it Peter Pan syndrome.  So we see adults throw fits; act selfishly, hide in shame, wear spandex or tight pants, apply youth-regenerating makeup, or a pair of inappropriate shorts; we see men of a certain age popping pills to recharge their youth. Examples of immaturity abound.  Go to a youth sporting event and you’ll likely see adults acting, well, badly.  I heard a youth rec league basketball coach chastising his 9 and 10 year old team to stop letting that “stupid kid” on the other team rebound the ball.  That stupid kid overheard that coach and started to cry.  How immature. Not the kid.  The adult.  You see and hear parents yelling at coaches, at referees, at players. I mean, get a grip.  It’s a game. They’re kids. It’s supposed to be fun. There’s no money involved here. Losing and making mistakes will build character.  Your kid is not the next Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, or Derek Jeter, so sit down on your folding chair and watch the game.  Do you hear yourself? We are dwelling in a culture of adolescence.  It has been written, “Adolescence is society’s permission slip for combining physical maturity with psychological irresponsibility.” I worry that we over-value the adolescent in popular culture.  The brash, foolish, impulsive, and sexy.  The physically athletic young adult.  Sure, we poke fun at their immaturity, while secretly envying their youthful vigor. The Olympic games are an international festival commemorating the physical abilities of a few people who can do useless things with their bodies that most of us cannot do. Like a backside, double mctwist 1260 japan.  I’ll never be an Olympian. I’m too mature for that.         

Jesus uses the Greek word Telos in a sentence that has been translated “Be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect.”  The trouble we have with this sentence is our own imperfection. We know that nobody is perfect or can attain moral perfection.  So, we hear this sentence and presume that Jesus’ moral agenda is impossible, idealistic, and unrealistic.  Turn the other cheek? Sure, that’s fine for kids.  Maybe we teach that to our children.  But it’s not realistic in this world.  Sometimes, you have to fight back. There are bullies.  There are terrorists.  There are violent people who threaten safety.  War is necessary.  And sometimes right.   Love our enemies?  Not here.  We hear and see bitter political rivals who demonize and vilify each other.  Democrats vs. Republicans.  Americans against the Arab world.  We see attacks.  Attack the enemy.  Protests lead to violence around the world.  From Syria to Ukraine, the world seems unstable, dangerous, and frightening.  We must be prepared to respond with force.  And arm everyone.  Because everyone is a potential threat, especially a young, male person of color.  We must be prepared to stand our ground and defend ourselves, our families, our neighbors.  Luther said so, too.  Following the moral argument of Augustine, Luther argued that a Christian is justified in using deadly force to protect the neighbor. Violence seems to be a natural, acceptable, and necessary response to danger and violence.  That is why the act of forgiveness perpetrated by the Amish community five years ago after the Nickel Mines shooting seemed to confound so many people. Retributive justice and revenge are far more characteristic responses to heinous violent acts.  Did you know, however, that Lutherans oppose the death penalty?

the one that was a kind of love letter

"‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew chapter 5.

Dear brother or sister,
In honor of Valentines Day, I invite you to read this post as a kind of love letter from me to you.  Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth was a love letter. Not the romantic kind.  More like deep familial love.  And that is what this is.  A brother’s love for his siblings.  Dear brothers and sisters,

It snowed here this week.  About a foot more than I wanted, but it’s winter and we should expect weird weather and bigger storms. Science says it’s climate change. It means that we must adapt to new, occasionally harsher conditions. We must adapt.  We are slow to do this.  Until we find that avoidance of adaptation is uncomfortable or dangerous.  This time, it was a nuisance, an inconvenience.  But no more troubling than that. So I’m thankful.  I hope you fared as well. But for some people, climate change has meant real hardship and suffering.  It may be time to think about adaptation.  For them,if not for ourselves.  After all, love changes everything.

What I have to say to you, I say in love. I’m going to give you some attention now. So, I hope you will give me the same. This message is for you and about you.  Jesus is inviting you into a conversation or maybe a confrontation with yourself. Because he knows the human heart.  He knows what we’re thinking.  He knows our inner selves.  I think its interesting how addicted people have become to the selfie---the outer image captured on camera.  Me, as I see me.  Or me as I hope you will see me.  I can’t take a selfie. It never comes out right.   I wonder what that means?  Image has become so important.  But action matters.  What we do.  Not how we look.  You are capable of so many things. You have power, the ability to act.  How you use your power is important. Benign or malignant.  Virtuous or vicious. Your actions have consequences.   

the one about salt and light

 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."Gospel of Matthew, ch. 5.

Last week, we heard part one of Jesus’recruitment and training sermon.  Who are the people that naturally connect with Jesus and his new social program?  He names them.  The spiritually poor.  The mourner.  The humble.  Those who hunger as thirst for what is right.  The merciful.  The pure in heart. The peacemaker.  Those who are persecuted, maligned, hated, oppressed, and verbally assaulted because they are seeking to live the right way. I invited you to think about your own identity in relation to these characteristics.  These are not weaknesses, but superpowers. And discovery of who you are in relation to Jesus’ mission is critical to discipleship.

This week Jesus calls his followers light and salt. Essential elements found on earth.  In the absence of artificial lighting as we know it, the rising and setting sun commanded great attention. Light was power.  Salt was preservation.  Without light and salt, they could not eat, they would not survive. Light fills and overcomes darkness.  Light is vision, warmth, and absolutely necessary for human interaction and community. In a dark world, light is everything.  And salt brings out flavor and more importantly, without refrigeration, preserves and keeps food safe for consumption. 

Light and salt were essential in that world.  Without them there is no life. Did the people who followed Jesus-- the poor, the lame, the blind, the prostitute, the sinner, those who suffered persecution, those who have been marginalized by society, ignored, despised-- did they think of themselves as essential or necessary?  More likely they believed themselves to be completely expendable, worthless, useless, unnecessary, disposable, without value or purpose…They had little hope for themselves.

So Jesus is injecting these people with a new confidence, an identity that had value and purpose in God’s Kingdom.  Those considered weak and vulnerable were being blessed.  Jesus empowers these people to reclaim their identity as children of light, children of God. 

the one where we said "People Matter More"

"Immediately they left their boats, their nets, their father and followed him."  Now in writing the gospel story, the writers are also memorializing the first disciples, the pillars of the church, their heroes of faith if you will.   And so it may seem like the writers are embellishing their initial response or leaving out some preparations that lead up to these snap decisions to drop everything one day and follow Rabbi Jesus.  Surely this is not their first encounter.  Surely these men were waiting to be moved into action.  Surely these guys were more ready than the story tells. Surely they cleared it with their wives or their moms first. If not,these guys were heroic in their obedient faith.   BUT, the rest of the gospel story highlights the disciples' failure to understand, their failure to comprehend and demonstrate their faith, their failure to endure and persevere in the face of real threat.  They are not the best of the best.   Clearly it was not the writers’ intent to clean up the disciples and make them more palatable to a new audience.  They aren’t edited very well. I mean, one of them betrays Jesus.  Another one denies him.  They all fight for places of honor beside King Jesus. So what was it about them and about Jesus that compelled these ordinary, flawed, working mento abandon ship so abruptly?  Why did they change their lives? What compels these fishermen to abandon their boats, their nets, their livelihoods, their families to follow this itinerant preacher from Nazareth?  

Why follow Jesus?  

the one about vulnerability and super powers

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Gospel of Matthew chapter 5.  

The Beatitudes.  The God bless you’s.  The first of Jesus’ five sermons in the gospel of Matthew is a recruitment and training sermon.  Jesus is launching a new way of living in relationship with God and one's fellow humanity.  And he starts out identifying characteristics of the people in the crowd who have come to listen to him speak.  Who are the people that naturally connect with Jesus and his new social program?  He names them.  The spiritually poor.  The mourner.  The humble.  Those who hunger and thirst for what is right.  The merciful.  The pure in heart. The peacemaker.  Those who are persecuted, maligned, hated, oppressed, and verbally assaulted because they are seeking to live the right way.  He blesses them with corresponding promises or maybe just acknowledges the truth:  That if you are this kind of a person, then this is the result in your life, this is what God is doing for you.  Not least of which is the promise of the entire KINGDOM! 

So, with whom do you identify? 

The Spiritually poor?  Are you someone struggling to connect with God? Feeling uncentered?  Chaotic?   Do you have a hard time praying adult prayers? Does it seem that others are more faithful than you? You’d like to read the bible everyday, but it just doesn’t happen? Or deeper.You are struggling to trust anyone. At times, the weight of world pressing on you make sit feel like you can't breathe.  This is spiritual poverty.  

The Mourner. Have you experienced a loss?  Do other people’s losses cause you grief?  Are you stuck in the grief of a loss of someone you can’t let go? Do you weep with those who are weeping? Do you have to express empathy for those who are dying and their loved ones? Some times depression is a symptom of a grief-stricken heart.   

Meek.  Humble.  Humiliated.  Ashamed. Do you lack pride? Do you think more highly of others than you do of yourself? Are you willing to clean the toilets?

Hungry and thirsty for justice.  Are you affected by unfair treatment of others? Are you concerned for the way our nation incarcerates nonviolent offenders, the vast majority of whom are people of color?  Does man’s inhumanity to man bother you?  Are you passionate about addressing an issue that negatively impacts others? Do you call out, "That's just not right," when you see it?  

The merciful.  Are you forgiving?  Kind?  Willing to overlook faults, foibles and failures.  Are you eager to relieve the suffering of others? 

The pure in heart.  Do you trust people easily?  Do you look at others with open eyes of friendship? Do people disclose things to you, talk to you, without much prompting?  Do you see goodness in others, even when they have done wrong?

Peacemaker.  Are you someone who appreciates the possibility that necessary conflict leads to constructive change? Are you willing to get in the middle of a fight?  Willing to help others fight fairly with an eye toward resolution, restoration, and reconciliation?

The persecuted. Are you willing to be insulted because of your beliefs and corresponding actions?  Do you recognize that doing the right thing may be unpopular, even dangerous sometimes?