Jesus spoke of welcoming prophets and they have been some of
the most unwelcome people in society through the centuries. It is the role of
prophets to point out to people how they have strayed from God’s way and to
call them back into relationship with God. Most people who are comfortable
where they are, simply do not want to hear that they are on the wrong path and
ignore the prophets or try to discredit or destroy them. Do we welcome the news
about climate change and what we need to do to halt it? Do we welcome news
about how our government is treating the strangers who come to our shores
looking for help. Are we willing to welcome more people to share our land? Do
we welcome the news that the Muslim people of Bendigo wish to build a place
where they can worship the God of Abraham?
As Jesus implies, welcoming has implications. Welcoming
Jesus means you are also welcoming the one who sent Jesus. Welcoming prophets
and righteous people will bring the appropriate reward. A favourite hymn these
days is “I the Lord of sea and sky.” It is usually sung lustily, especially the
chorus where the words say, “I will go Lord, if you need me. I will hold your
people in my heart.” In other worlds, we are saying that we will welcome God’s
people into the most intimate part of our lives and love them. But God’s people,
perhaps surprisingly, can be prickly and hard to welcome, sometimes ungrateful
for our efforts. Are we prepared to go on welcoming them into our homes and
hearts?
Sometimes when we are unwelcoming of thoughts like doubts,
they seem to multiple on our doorsteps to trip us up when we are least
expecting it. Soon you will be welcoming a new minister. Have you ever noticed
the clause in the induction service which asks the people of the congregation
if they will welcome the minister into their home.
God is welcoming of
us into close relationship. Jesus welcomed sinners and drunkards. When we able
to be welcoming to all who come, even with a glass of water, we will be truly
rewarded, even if it may be in the most surprising ways.
Rev Julianne Parker
Full sermon on sermon page
