A People Centered on Jesus

Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness;

[Jesus] said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish . John 21.4-7

One of the most ancient theological discussions for Christians is that of "Faith" and "Works." There is a bit of a misunderstanding in this discussion. There are two types of "works" to consider. When Paul refers to "works" he is referring to the practices of the faith that involve our rituals. For Paul that meant the practices of circumcision, diet, and the observance of holy days. Paul came to understand that these things were expressions of faith but they did not earn salvation or convey righteousness. Paul noted that his ancestors Abraham and Sarah gained God's favor through their trust, their confidence, in God (see Genesis 12.4; 15.6), and they had faith before their obedient actions. Faith lead to action. The Book of James continues and extends the discussion by asking, "If there is no appropriate action, is there faith? If I see someone who is ill fed or ill clothed and I say to him or her, "Be full and warm," that is not the appropriate action that shows my faith in Jesus. Jesus had compassion for those in need; I should imitate Jesus to show my faith. Now, let's push it a step further. What if I say I am a Christian and my behavior is not just inappropriate but harmful, even hateful. If right action affirms my Christian faith, doesn't wrong action, hurtful action, contradict it? Perhaps the modern Christian conversation is not about "faith" and "works" but about "talkers" and "doers." Perhaps the current debate is about how some can identify themselves as Christian yet be vengeful, not forgiving; intolerant, not understanding. Can I say I follow Jesus and yet be selfish, not generous or arrogant, and not humble. James said, "My talk is not proof of my faith, my deeds are." What do we say?  Rev. Steven B. Lawrence

Read: First Samuel 19.1-7; 23.1-18; Second Samuel 9 Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to you; for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel” First Samuel 19.4-5a (NRSV) The theme of this month’s lessons is “Inclusive Love.” We begin by looking at one of the greatest friendships in the Bible, that of Jonathan and David. After David defeated Goliath, Saul made him a part of his forces. Soon his prowess as a soldier and the victories the Lord granted him caused the women to sing, Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands (First Samuel 18.7). Saul became angry and jealous; soon the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him and an evil spirit took over. Saul personally tried to kill David twice and secretly plotted to have him killed in battle but the Lord was with him (18.12, 28). Finally, Saul spoke to his servants and his own son, Jonathan, about killing David. Was he aware that Jonathan and David were best friends? Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt (18.3-4). Jonathan took it upon himself to be the mediator between his father and his friend. He warned David to keep out of Saul’s sight and he reasoned with his father. He reminded him of David’s bravery, his loyal service and his innocence (19.4-5). Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan; Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, [David] shall not be put to death” (v.6). Jonathan was an exemplary person and a strong friend. Consider: as the heir apparent, David was as much a threat to Jonathan as to Saul, yet, instead of killing him, Jonathan befriended him, equipped him for battle, warned him of danger and interceded for him with the king. Jonathan directly disobeyed the order to kill David; he knew it was unjust and unwarranted. A true friend does more than just hope things will get better; a true friend intervenes. Reverend Steven B. Lawrence