Sermon Notes, Epi +5 w/ Baptism (C)

 Our society has always had its GREATS – people that seem to be larger than life, whose work and witness is powerfully influential, whose inspiration continues to be meaningful and foundational in ways that transcend generations.

King Uzziah was one of the Greats of the society to whom Isaiah is speaking today.
So to start off a prophecy with “In the year that King Uzziah Died” – really sets the context of change and uncertainty for the people.
Yet: this is the year when Isaiah – the prophet – saw the Lord. Surrounded by angels! With majesty that far exceeds anything earthly.

It’s no wonder, then, that Isaiah’s response is the humble “I’m not worthy!”

Because in the earthly contexts of hierarchical structures and systems, worthiness is assigned and classified. It’s a system where greatness makes some folks ‘more worthy’ than others.
Like King Uzziah was.

And yet: the holy of holies, the Lord God of hosts, the divine beyond words and description, says:
Whatever sins you have, you’re forgiven.
Whatever guilt you are carrying, you’re to release.
Whatever earthly restrictions you or others have put upon you, you are set free.

That’s a powerful gift to receive;
And… with great gift comes great opportunity.
Because the passage doesn’t suggest that this gift is just for Isaiah (and others can fend for themselves).
This gift calls Isaiah to service: To proclaim this good news to the world – to all who would hear it.

He has heard the invitation from God to continue the message, to share the Good News with those who haven’t heard, or haven’t received, the promises that God has for all of us.

And the greatness comes from Isaiah’s actions:
Here I am, send me.
He responds with an enthusiasm that can only come from faith:
Send me.
Send me to the folks who live in fear and doubt, and I will tell them of your holiness.
Send me to those who are trapped in shame and guilt, and I will share your assurance of forgiveness.
Send me to the people who are depressed, and I will proclaim your good news.
Send me to the folks who need to hear this today – and tomorrow, and the day after that: for who doesn’t need to hear good news every day – and I will go for you to speak truth and light to the darkness of their worlds.
Here I am; send me.

It’s a powerful time and teaching for us, as we witness Isaiah’s leadership:
As a servant of God; it’s not about him.
It’s about loving all who God loves – bearing grace and joy and blessings that God has showered upon him.
Isaiah doesn’t presume to be perfect, he knows it’s not going to be an easy ministry, but he goes forward:
In the name of God, to do holy work.

This is a thread that stays with us throughout today’s sacred texts, and into our lives. For life can be a sacred text, when we so choose.
Holiness is here: it’s in the world, and it’s being lavished on all of us.
Society’s GREATS and society’s not-so-greats – and everything in between.

If we had to earn the gifts of God, we never could.
But that’s part of the glory of God – the giving of gift without expectation of return;
And also the invitation to us to give: without expectation of return.

Our psalm reminds us that all people have the option to serve God, and the psalmist declares a choice to continue praising, giving thanks with a whole heart, acknowledging love and faithfulness, responding to the invitation of service.
Holy times; holy words.

The epistle reminds the church of the ongoing opportunity for ministry: of being changed by God’s forgiveness, of living faithfully in community so that all may be encouraged and built up in the stature of God.

In the Gospel we see Jesus’ interaction with Peter change from “I’m sinful” and “stay away from me” to a new understanding of worthiness, welcome, and potential.
When Peter had focused on sin, he was closing himself off from the love of God –Yet in confessing it, God removed the trappings of Peter’s past to let him intentionally be better going into the future. Such a very common experience for us all!
And Jesus – without saying a word – doesn’t bring judgement or condemnation; but comfort and possibility. “Do not be afraid” – and “Follow me” – both powerful invitations to new and renewed ways of life and love in the spiritual and physical realities.

These sacred teachings – these holy texts – they’re not given as a one-time offering for a limited audience, but a holy comfort and possibility to all the people at all times.

And… the sacred text of our life invites us to be intentional in how we live the good news of God; to see that God’s love makes us worthy to be in the presence of the divine.

It’s up to us to discern how our lives are a sacred text for the world to read?

There is work to be done:
Healing of wounds
Re-engagement of community
Sharing of Good news.

And it starts with us, re-framing the concept of “worthiness” – for ourselves, and for others.
In the scriptures the people don’t have a shocking external change:
Isaiah was still Isaiah, Peter was still Peter, etc.
Nothing was different for them, but everything had changed: for they understood that worthiness comes from God.

It’s a gift that is given to us all - a gift that we hold up at special times – like baptism – as we celebrate the continuing growth of our faith.

And we honour the worthiness that we always have in God’s eyes:
Worthy by God,
Worthy by others.
Worthy in our doubt, and in our confidence
Worthy in our imperfections; worthy in our times of ‘getting it right’
Worthy as we are:
as the beloved family of God.

Our value is not dependent on the GREATS of the world:
it is revealed through the Great love of God;
shown through ordinary actions of great faith.

So let’s embrace the holiness that is offered;
Renew our knowledge of God’s love,
And Rekindle our passion for service.

Let’s celebrate the holy in the world, responding to God’s invitation to follow enthusiastically:
Here I am – send me.