24 October 2006

More on discipleship and "simple obedience by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

If Jesus Christ were to speak this way (like to Peter, Levi, & the rich man) to one of us today through the Holy Scriptures, then we would probably argue thus: Jesus is making a special commandment; that's true. But when Jesus commands, then I should know that he never demands legalistic obedience. Instead, he has only one expectation of me, namely, that I believe. My faith, however, is not tied to poverty or wealth or some such thing. On the contrary, in faith I can be both - rich and poor. The main concern is not whether or not I have any worldly goods, but that I should possess goods as if I did not possess them, and inwardly I should be free of them. I should not set my heart on my possessions. Thus, Jesus says, "Sell your possessions!" But what he intends is that it is not important if you actually do this literally, ourtwardly. You are free to keep your possessions, but have them as if you did not have them. Do not set your heart on your possessions.

Sometimes I think this leave open the door for those who want to simply say, "We don't have to give up our possessions - it is just a way to stress a point." So...does that mean we really don't have to follow Jesus. We can simply follow along his way by reading about it - Right!?! We follow along as though we were really following along but we really don't need to do that...but we must be ready to if we ever have to follow.
What seems to be a bit more real is that our possession do not have the winning hold on us...the final word...the directing seat for the playing out of our lives. There is one that we follow. We do not pay allegiance to two or three masters. That which we have is a part of the "we" that goes along and follows Jesus. For the rich and the poor and the many who fall in between, there is one way we are called to walk. Along the way what we have becomes a part of the way we follow. For the rich it will be to use our position and wealth as though it was not controlling us - rather it is like any other gift that we use in the service of others. So too with the poor - in the service of others we share and bid others well as in the way of Jesus. And too, the mass of people who often claim to be poor but really have plenty...come and follow and stop making excuses. At times I think this last group has the toughest time with following Jesus and turning following into something that takes place when it is convenient for us and when we have extra to share.

Connection: We are so bless - all of us. In the middle of that reality, the day opens up in new ways and we are asked to bring our lives into focus and act. Go for it...follow Jesus as we are called within the whole of our lives - when we are at want and when we are in the midst of plenty.

Benevolent Lord, it is by you alone that we are able to walk into this day. In many ways we are able to be followers of our Lord, Jesus, and yet we so often turn away and find other lords to follow because we hear their desires and feel their threats and then we give in to what is immediate rather than what is promised by you alone. Encourage us Lord. Amen.