First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-19
4Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” 9Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” 17“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. 18And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”
Psalm 71:1-11
1In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed. 2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me. 3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold. 4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor. 5For you are my hope, O Lord God, my confidence since I was young. 6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength; my praise shall be always of you. 7I have become a portent to many; but you are my refuge and my strength. 8Let my mouth be full of your praise and your glory all the day long. 9Do not cast me off in my old age; forsake me not when my strength fails. 10For my enemies are talking against me, and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.11They say, “God has forsaken him; go after him and seize him; because there is none who will save.”
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31b – 13:13
1231b I will show you a still more excellent way.
131If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Gospel: Luke 4:31-44
31{Jesus} went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34“Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God.” 35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. 38And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. 42And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Dispelling Ministry Illusions
One main emphasis of the Epiphany season is that of Evangelism, a word most Lutherans shy away from, but why? By in large, why are we, as a church body, so reluctant to share our faith with others? Why don’t we invite others to join us here at church? Is it a fear of rejection? Fear of ridicule? Fear of the inability to communicate our faith to others? What is it that generally keeps us from boldly expressing what we believe? What keeps us from inviting others to join us here to worship our Lord?
This leaves me to wonder two things: one, we don’t really believe what we say we believe, or two, we don’t actually understand what we believe. Whatever the reason, we, as a body of believers, must do better. We must also acknowledge that if we don’t make a change to our evangelism attitude and habits soon, we too could find ourselves in a social situation much like that of our Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah.
Jeremiah, who is sometimes referred to as the weeping prophet, suffered at the hands of his own people, because he loved them enough to tell them the truth. A God-inspired man, he fearlessly denounced the religious laxity and social ills of his day, and in doing so, he paid the price for his words. In chapter 37 of this same book, Jeremian records that sometime in 587 B.C., when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, as Jeremiah had predicted, his own people tried to murder him by throwing him in a cistern. But God spared his life by the hands of the Babylonians.
In our first reading for today, we read about Jeremiah’s call to ministry which began in 627 B.C., the 13th year of King Josiah’s reign. And from the beginning of this passage, we notice that Jeremiah’s call (1:4-10) dispels at least three ministry illusions. Illusions, in this case, are false ideas. First, that ministry is for priests alone; second, that feelings of inferiority can keep us from serving; and third, that fear will keep us from sharing our faith with others.
The biblical correctives for these illusions are, one, that evangelism and ministry are for all God’s people. Two, that the power and gifts of God turn inferior-feeling people into effective leaders. And three, that God’s promise, that “I will be with you”, makes all the difference in the world. Interestingly, as Lutherans, we like to talk about us being members of the Priesthood of all Believers. This teaching, that Luther developed further, is based on 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light,” is often misrepresented to say that pastors are unimportant, and we don’t need to come to church.
The writer of the book of Hebrews dispelled the second misperception about not needing to come to church when he wrote, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (10:25). We gather as the body of Christ to do more than simply socialize. We gather as members of Christ’s body to be fed spiritually, to uplift each other, to teach and be taught, to share in each other’s burdens, and give thanks and praise to God as a group. Gathering together fulfills many of our needs both spiritually and socially, and it’s important that we continue to do so as we see the return of Christ nearing. As for the first misconception, that pastors are unimportant because we are all members of the Priesthood of all believers, to feel this way is to misunderstand Luther’s teaching on Christian vocation.
Yes, all baptized members are important, and yes, all can all come boldly to God’s throne of grace without having to go through a priest, but each of us is important and needed in the kingdom, clergy and laity. God has blessed each of us with various gifts and talents to be used in building up the kingdom of God. What Luther was teaching is based on what St. Paul wrote, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
Then starting in verse 12, Paul continued, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many (vss. 12-14). The point is, we are all called to share in God’s work in this world as part of our everyday occupations. Some are set apart to be ministers, some school teachers, some managers, others first responders…you get the picture. We’re all called to serve as priests and ministers to our neighbors in our everyday lives. Each are equally important in accomplishing God’s works in this world. You get the point I’m making. When it comes to sharing the gospel, Jesus’ Great Commission is for all believers, not just the pastor. Back to our text.
Jeremiah was the son of a priest. He was born in the town of Anathoth, a village three miles northeast of Jerusalem which was set aside for the priestly tribe of the Levites in the time of Joshua. In Jeremiah’s time there were many priests who made this town their home. Jeremiah grew up around priests, but as far as we know, never “took holy orders” or became a priest. There appears to be good reason for this; he never became one of the establishment. As a called layman, Jeremiah the prophet, was able to severely criticized the established priesthood and ritualistic religion which gave false security.
As a matter of fact, Jeremiah stood before the temple and roared these words to the spiritually hard-of-hearing: “Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:12-13). The people of God went through the motions and rituals of religion, but in their hearts, the temples within, they worshiped false gods. Bottom line, they followed their religious practices for appearances only; in truth they were faithless! Their daily words and deeds didn’t match their Sabbath confessions.
Jeremiah continued by calling out the hypocrisy of the people saying, “Surely, as a faithless wife leaves her husband, so have you been faithless to me, O house of Israel, says the Lord (3:20), and “The threat of punishment looms large in this prophet of God who is called to “uproot and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow…” (1:10). And then in chapter 5, God inspired Jeremiah to say, “An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?” (vs. 30-31). Jeremiah called out the hollow temple religion and the worthless priestly pomp and circumstance which lacked moral fiber and ethical behavior.
From the false prophets to the self-serving priests of Jeremiah’s day, it seemed that everyone was nothing but a religious façade: “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying ‘Peace, peace, when there is no peace’” (8:10-11). In other words, Jeremiah attacked publicly practiced religion which had no heart for God, and wielded the words of God as a club to destroy empty priestly religion which brought comfort without truth. As I highlighted a moment ago, Martin Luther did the same thing in the 16th century. One of the great principles of Luther was “the priesthood of the baptized.”
Luther taught that all of God’s people, not just the priests, have responsibility to minister. The word minister means servant. The one who truly serves God and people is the true minister; not just those with tab collars! The word “layperson” comes from the Bible word “laos” which means “the people” (the people of God). A layman also serves God, but they do this in their called vocation. In God’s kingdom, one is no better somehow than the other, there are no second-class citizens in God’s kingdom. We are all called to work in God’s kingdom, we are all are given gifts and talents for service, and we’re all called to be ministers within our given vocations. Making disciples isn’t solely the job of the “ordained”, each of us is called into the harvest fields to make disciples. So, illusion number one: “We are not ordained clergy, so we don’t have to evangelize, dispelled. As members of the body of Christ and part of the Priesthood of all believers, we are all called to share and minister to our neighbors. Illusion one down. Two to go!
Jeremiah’s initial excuse of, “I don’t know how to speak; I am too young . . .,” is an excuse far too many Christians try to use today. Similar feelings are expressed today before the sweeping claims of God who expects His baptized people to act for Him: “I’m not eloquent.” “I’m too young.” “I’m too old.” “I’ve done my fair share.” “I’m not capable.” “I’m too weak.” “I can’t do it.” “I don’t have the time”…the excuses go on and on. In baptism God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. In life, God calls us to serve Him and people, and He provides what we need to accomplish this work. These gifts are given and nurtured by the Holy Spirit, and we can discover the will of God in our lives by discovering our spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are God’s signature on our souls.
God responded, “Do not say, ‘I am too young,’ but go to the people. . .” (vs. 7). In other words, Jeremiah was gifted to go by God, for God. In the same manner, God gives gifts to all His people. Again, St. Paul said, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed…. There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:1-3). God calls, and God equips us for service. Again, this is why gathering together as believers is important. We come together so God can equip us for ministry. Illusion number two, “We can’t do it” dispelled. Two down; one to go.
Fear…fear is a terrible thing, and it’s made worse when the fear is perceived. To Jeremiah’s fear, God responded, “Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you (Jeremiah 1:8, TEY).” Fear is one of the most serious inhibiting factors for people, including the people of God. In a recent study I read, a group of people was asked to name the fears they feel themselves and/or observe in others. Here is the list which I’ve placed into three groups: (1) Illnesses: sickness, growing old, and dying; (2) Physical/psychological dangers: wars, terrorists, being a victim of crime, traffic in large cities, and the unknown, and; (3) Family: especially for children and grandchildren in a drug-oriented culture. This is quite the list. I’m not sure why sharing our faith with others didn’t make the list, I’d have put it in the second category. Living with these fears is enough to restrain our faithful witness and ministry until the kingdom comes. And this is why God intends to quiet our fears.
Fear isn’t in charge when we truly believe the words and promises of God. Fear is a tool of the devil to stop us from undermining his work in this world. Now we all know that just because we place our faith in God, that doesn’t mean that we have no fears, it means that we, as Children of the King, don’t let fears “rule the roost.” The Word of God is the biblical corrective for not going forward. Jeremiah heard the Word: “Do not be afraid … I will protect you” and placed his faith in the One who is King of kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus, in His address to His disciples puts it this way: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). And in John chapter 12, St. John wrote about Jesus quoting Zechariah (9:9) saying, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt” (12:15). At the empty tomb the angel said to the frightened women: “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:5). And as He ascended, Jesus promised, “Lo I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:20).”
Fear isn’t in charge when we believe the promise: “I will protect you… (Jeremiah 1:8).” Nor is fear in charge when we believe Jesus’ promise, “Lo I am with you always…” Fear is only in charge when we allow it to deter us from doing what we’ve been called to do, to go. God has called us to be members of the Priesthood of all believers and workers in His kingdom. And just as He called us in Baptism, He continues to equip us for ministry through His church. Maybe it’s time we ask the question, if God didn’t accept Jeremiah’s excuses, what makes me think He will accept mine?
Amen