Courage In Faith

Deuteronomy 34:1-, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost, October 23, 2005

Heritage Congregational Church, Madison, WI

When I read today’s passage from 1 Thessalonians I am immediately reminded of the freedom of faith we now enjoy. It is a freedom we ought not take for granted. This freedom was a long time coming in historical terms. And even today, many in this world are not free to worship Christ openly. That is an idea which is foreign to us, but in other areas of God’s world it is all too familiar.

In seminary we had a number of students from other countries, and I often wondered how they tolerated the cold Dubuque winters. But I soon learned that we were separated culturally by much more than climate. One friend I made was Robbyanto Notomihardjo (Robby) from Indonesia. He was unsure of his English and several times asked if I would read over his papers to look at the grammar. I did—and that is how we came to know each other outside of class.

One day in class we could all sense that Robby was troubled by something. He was a quiet person, not one to share his personal concerns easily, but since some of us had seen the news that day it didn’t take long to determine the source of Robby’s distress. Churches had been bombed in Indonesia, near where Robby’s family was living. He had yet to connect with them by phone, and was understandably concerned. We all were. And while Robby waited for word, we waited. We prayed alone and we prayed together. That is what a community of faith does.

Happily, it was only a couple of days until Robby heard from his family and knew they were safe. That year was a violent one for Christians in Indonesia, and this scenario played several times over as our school year progressed. I cannot accurately put into words what we, the students, all learned that year by living this experience with Robby. I doubt if any of us will ever take our freedom of faith for granted again, or underestimate the courage of those who live their faith in spite of very real danger.

This is where we find Paul, Silvanus and Timothy today. In writing to the Thessalonians, they remember the oppression suffered in Philippi, prior to their arrival in Thessalonica. They speak of the courage of faith they needed in order to continue sharing the gospel. And yet, in spite of great opposition and the certainty of suffering, they persevere. They continue to fulfill their calling, aiming not to please people, but to please God. They have been entrusted with the gospel message and nothing will stop them.

From what place inside of us does courage like that spring? If we need to find it, where do we look?

Joshua needed to find that place when Moses died and he was called to lead God’s people into the Promised Land. Joshua needed that courage, he was facing some pretty hefty challenges. Not only did he have to follow the only man who had ever seen God face to face—the greatest hero of the faith—but he had to lead the people forward into the unknown to claim their birthright. If that weren’t enough, the people he was to lead were a troublesome bunch, complaining and unfaithful, a big challenge for sure. And, Joshua is supposed to do all of this while still grieving the one who had prepared him for this task, his mentor Moses. Joshua needed to find that place of courage, and he did. But how?

The same goes for Jesus when facing the Pharisees in today’s reading from Matthew. Again Jesus is questioned as they attempt to undermine His authority. Inside of Himself, Jesus finds that place of courage in faith and as before renders those who would harm Him speechless. From where does this courage come?

In all three readings today, we are given hints to the source of courage in faith. We find Paul and his comrades in ministry speaking of the relationship they have with the Thessalonians and with God. We find Joshua concentrating on his relationship with God and the people of Israel. And we find Jesus, speaking the words of the Great Commandment, wherein we find our answer.

We are to love God with our heart, soul and mind—with our whole selves—a relationship. We are to love our neighbor—another relationship. The two commandments are alike, Jesus says. In the second we find the practical application or expression of the first. When we love God, when that relationship is established, we give ourselves to God and to neighbor. Like Paul with the Thessalonians and Joshua with the Israelites, we are to give ourselves—heart, soul and mind. It is in that giving that the courage lies.

Our faith is all about relationship. We are able to love one another because God gives us the love. When we share that love with each other, we are returning that love to God.

In Matthew, Jesus renders the Pharisees silent when He asks them about His identity, His divinity. He presses them by asking who it is they call Lord. Joshua and Paul know who they call Lord. They know who is in control of their lives and with courage, freely give themselves over to do God’s work. They surrender themselves to the relationship God has begun. As the psalm says, God is their dwelling place.

This is why I think of Robby and his family when I read this passage. They must have given themselves over to God completely to worship as they do. To go to church, to travel abroad and study for the ministry, to proclaim the gospel freely—can only be the result of a complete surrender to God. They have placed themselves in God’s hands. They have a share in God’s courage.

We do not share in the same fear or suffering as the Christians in Indonesia. But still we need courage in faith, for each and every day we choose whether or not we will worship and proclaim the gospel with our lives by giving ourselves to God and each other. May we find the source of that courage in faith in our relationship with our Creator and surrender to its will.