Last Sunday of the Church Year, Proper 29
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The 3rd century church historian Eusebius records this about Jude, one of the earliest leaders of the church:
Ecclesiastical History, Books 1–5 (Chapter 20)
‘There still survived of the race of the Lord grandsons of Judas who was said to have been the brother of Jesus according to the flesh. Information was given against them that they were of the race of David. These the soldiers brought before Domitian Caesar, for, like Herod, he feared the coming of Christ. He asked them if they were of the race of David, and they admitted it. Then he asked them how much property they owned, or how much money they possessed. And they said that between the two of them they had only 9,000 denarii, ($1,700) half belonging to each of them, and they said repeatedly that they had this not in money but in a piece of land of only thirty-nine plethra (about 10 acres), on which they paid taxes, and from which by working the ground themselves they obtained their livelihood.’ Then they showed him their hands, exhibiting as evidence of their own labor the hardness of their bodies and the calluses produced on their hands from incessant work. And when they were asked about Christ and His kingdom, of what nature it was, and where, and when it would appear, they gave answer that it was neither of the world nor earthly, but heavenly and angelic, and would appear at the end of the world, when He would come in glory to judge the living and the dead and to give unto every one according to his works. Domitian did not condemn them for this, but looked down upon them as simple folk, let them go free, and by a decree put an end to the persecution against the Church
Last week we ended with the call to turn many to righteousness- to turn our world to Christ, the source of hope and all love. This week, that call intensifies. The day is surely drawing near and it beckons us to prepare not just ourselves but our world. Caesar looked at Jude and said ‘meh this guy is too busy working for me to even both with him’. How does your neighbor view your actions of faith.
The imagery of Jude and Mark are especially rich. The book of Jude singes our memories with the reality of snatching worn and soiled bodies from the fires of hell. Mark installs us as workers left to care for a home until the master returns- possibly at that last most desperate and difficult hour.
A few weeks ago, as most of you well know, Natalie and I took off for Houston. But before we did that we prepared our home, not just the physical space but also our boys, the grandparents, and even you all. It was a natural thing; cleaning out the gutters one more time, getting rid of old leftovers and doing last minute laundry. Speaking with you all came just as easily; letting Jodie know my schedule, getting classes and worship covered, all those things.
Somehow though, when we talk about the present end of the world we are much more relaxed. The fires of hell become mere ambience, like a bonfire that you don’t want to get too close to, and the labors to prepare our world for its end are more like packing for a nice vacation.
The words of Christ should put a little pep in our step. There is a real sense of urgency about them.
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Have you ever seen those old westerns where they all fall asleep around the firepit, saddles under their heads and a pot of beans on a tripod? Something always happens in this case. Either someone catches fire or they come under fire from a foreign entity whether it be bandits or warriors.
Someone should have told them to stay awake. We’ve all been there
It used to be that the broader culture sort of reinforced the Judeo Christian tradition, the ten commandments were kind of held up as a model at least. A healthy sexual ethic was at least acknowledged if not lived and for many of us we had at least the illusion of health and success in our churches.
I am ok with those things being stripped away because it has exposed who we really are. In that past age there were people who were accused of being overzealous, that the ice would never thin out, that Christianity isn’t that serious or doesn’t require much of us. ‘Live a little’ we told ourselves.
The truth is that back in the day we never knew how close we were to the fire. We never knew if someone was in worship because they sincerely believed it or if they were there because they liked to sing baritone or even if their boss was in the pew behind them. Culture gave us a sense of comfort that at times was real and at times was just the illusion of faithfulness.
What this calls for us to do is to examine if we are in church, or if we are even Christians, because it warms us up a little and makes us feel better or if we really believe it and then if our actions truly meet our belief.
Isaiah tells us:
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
What does this church, what do our lives look like when our neighbors wear out their welcome? What structures bolster our actions of faith? Do we rely on the righteousness of Christ or the rituals of religion?
Friends, what happens to our faith as the world ends?
I want to be clear, I am not advocating, and the scriptures are not advocating, for doomsday prepping. You’ll notice that James and Jude the brothers of Christ were noted for their relative lack of wealth.
What today calls for is working. I appreciate the image that Christ gives us in Mark. He renders our present age like a house master who is headed on a journey. He gives charge to his servants, who in this case, are actually slaves. A Theological Dictionary defines our role like this:
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament ̈δοῦλος, σύνδουλος, δούλη, δουλεύω, δουλεία
Hence we have a service which is not a matter of choice for the one who renders it, which he has to perform whether he likes or not, because he is subject as a slave to an alien will, to the will of his owner.
Keep in mind, the owner is still in charge, has not sold off the property while He is gone, He is still quite interested in the state of His estate- how do we know this? Because HE IS COMING BACK. This is His house and you are His people, as such He is deeply interested in making things turn out well for all involved.
We are bound to this reality, Christ is coming back. What will we be doing as He returns? What will your hands look like?
It is fitting that today is Concordia work day. I’m wearing my work boots and my gloves are nearby. These passages should encourage us to toil thoroughly in our church, our neighborhoods and our own lives. Friends, God is coming back and for us this is good news. He has snatched you from the fires and made you His own.
Growing up and now in my own home I have this memory of my dad placing wood on the fire and being quite anxious about him getting burned. My boys do the same thing.
Our Faith teaches us to work in proximity with the fire.
Today our master is asking us to put our hands back into the fire, knowing it cannot burn us. To reach into the heated debates of our world, the calloused hearts that deny our God and His gospel, and the worn thin patience of our own hearts and recover it all in the righteousness of Christ.
What is too hot to handle in your life? Rest assured that your final outcome is secure- pursue peace.
After all, our master is the Prince of Peace.
Amen.