Unexpected Events
Luke 17:5-10
You know what they say about dancing pigs…you do know I am sure,….my grandfather used to say, its not so much how well they dance, as that they dance at all.Jesus says in the reading today, that if we had faith the size of a mustard seed, we could move a tree from here to there…you know, it's no so much that they move well, as that they move at all.
At first the reading got me to thinking about how small my faith must really be, I mean I don't seem to command too many trees to start swimming, and then sit down to watch the back strokes begin.
But then I got to thinking, hold on there, what is Jesus really saying?, and how does this fit into our understanding of him.
It seems to me that good way to hear the first part of our reading this morning, is to hear something like, it only takes a tiny bit of faith to start to see some of the most amazing unusual, improbable things happening.
I mean God really doesn't care too much I would think, if trees start to move around on their own accord. He cares very deeply about each and every one of his children here on earth. So maybe Jesus was not suggesting that we should expect to get into the forestry business, so much as to have faith, and face the longest odds, the worst situations, knowing that somehow if we have faith, it will work out.
Now if you were wondering why Jesus' disciples asked him the question about having faith, I think we only have to look back a few verses, to find that he had been telling them about doing something REALLY hard….that if someone wronged them, they should forgive them not once or twice, but seven times a day! I think I might get into asking Jesus the same question in that situation. Can you see it? Fred is stealing from me every day Jesus. Should I forgive him? Should I forgive him a second time? Did you just say seven times Jesus - what, you said SEVEN TIMES a DAY! Give me a break Jesus - or maybe - Lord have mercy - give me more faith Jesus! Seven times A DAY did you say!!!
And Jesus says - faith, if you have even a little, even more improbable things than this can and will happen. He might have been thinking you will forgive over and over, you will be ready to go the second mile, you will be able to think and live for others when the going gets really tough. And more than that too..people will be healed in body and mind, the lost will be found, God will be available to everyone. Wow..a bit more exciting than dancing pigs or swimming trees.
And then we have the second half of the reading for today. After talking about having faith, he talks about a servant doing his duty, not because the servant will be praised, but because it's his job.
There is a connection between the two halves of the readings.
What do you think is our duty as Christ followers? It seems to me that our duty is to live by faith. To live reflecting that we know the kingdom of God is at hand. To be faithful to Jesus in our lives as well as our words.
What does doing your duty look like?
Well I have been reading about A young man who applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Can you imagine that? Well this puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him. A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a really violent storm. They jumped out of bed, and quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace. And the young man slept soundly. The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well.This is a good story to think about, not only because it takes about doing our duty, and being prepared, but because as Christians we can sleep when the wind blows too - we know who's we are. We are Jesus', not because of something we have done, but because of something Jesus did for us.The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.1
That is the starting point. That is where we are called to do our duty from. We are called to have faith, to live by faith, not because we can expect some reward, that we can earn our way, but because that's who we are as Christ followers.
We are Christ followers who have been blessed with getting to know Jesus as gift, but it goes on from there doesn't it. We are called as kingdom people to set an example, not for reward, not for praise, but because it is our duty, it is our response to God's saving grace in our lives. We are called to care for the lost, to pray for those in trouble, to feed the hungry, to care for the downtrodden, and yes to raise money for the PWRDF2. As Jesus reminds us this morning, we can expect that if we live by faith the most unusual, improbable, impossible things will start to happen.
So I think the gospel this morning is reminding us of two things. That we are God's creatures, Jesus' people. We are called to have faith, and believe and do some of the most unexpected things. Love the unlovable, Care for the uncared for. Remember whose we are. That we are Jesus'
And the second is to do our duty.
Whose are you, and have you done your duty lately.
Are you actively following Christ, do you have your sights set on Jesus, are you trusting him in all that you do? And, are you doing you duty, in being Christ's hands and feet and heart in this world today.
Amen
©2004 Steve E. Timpson
1This illustration was taken from a sermon by Tim Zingdale.
2The sermon was preached on PWRDF Sunday, just prior to a walkathon to raise money for the PWRDF's work.
(613) 272-2360
P.O. Box 69
2764 Highway 15, Portland, Ontario
stimpson@ontario.anglican.ca