Having read, on Sunday, the story of the stoning of Stephen, the lectionary this week has been recounting the events leading up to that execution. This morning I was reading part of Stephen's sermon, the sermon which enraged the religious leaders. He speaks of all the wonderful things that God has done. He speaks of God's care and God's grace. He speaks of God's love.
This message, as gentle as it sounds, leads to conclusions which many are not willing to embrace. It leads to a Messiah willing to die rather than see anyone left outside. It leads to a way in which power is forsaken and those of low degree become the honored guests. It tears at everything held precious in "the world."
And "the world" cannot tolerate the voice which calls for change.
So much of contemporary Christianity is devoted to maintaining. The Church is erroneously liked to attempts to maintain social institutions. The Church is a bastion for ensuring that things will remain as they have always been. The Church which bears the name of Jesus would be true to its name when it is that collection of persons insisting that the poor be seen and acknowledged. The Church is true to its name when it insists that justice be our prime concern and that equality be the norm.
Stephen spoke to the crowd of God's way of doing things. And he was put to death. Inspired by his martyrdom, others took up the message and proclaimed the Good News. The Way survived because there were not a few isolated persons who understood the heart of Jesus' message. Jesus' Word will survive our day by the same path - when it is known and lived by all those who accept his call and join in the procession of followers.
Pastor Chris
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