The Diocese of East Tennessee
Sermons

Oct. 1, 2000
Pentecost XVI
Delivered at St. Andrew's, Harriman

Sermon: "Whoever Is Not Against Us"
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg
Third Bishop of East Tennessee

Part of the reality of our lives involves a connection to those who have gone before us. For instance, I have not always been the Bishop of East Tennessee. Others have held that position before me. The same can be said of your rector, your wardens, and your vestry members. In fact, for most all of us, someone else previously filled whatever position of responsibility we currently hold - in the Church or in the community or in our work or, even, in our families.

In all these situations and circumstances, a very human part of us wants to be compared favorably with those who have gone before us. I think it is safe to say that we would really like to be the best - and to be known as the best - at whatever it is that we do.

Consider Tiger Woods, the golfing phenom. Sportscasters speak of his skill and his dedication. But what they really like to consider is whether or not he will be judged as a better golfer than Jack Nicklaus. It seems that almost every week recently we have wondered whether Tiger will be the first golfer ever to win this series of tournaments or to score this score. And thus far, usually he has succeeded. Will be become the best ever to play? Stay tuned.

Now, some among us probably would point to sibling rivalry as the source of our drive to be the best. But I think that perhaps something even more basic may in fact be at work. That easily threatened, jealous part of us is encapsulated around the all-too-human characteristic of pride. And, our own pride is one of Satan's favorite and most effective allies.

In two of our readings this morning, we heard descriptions of hurt pride getting in the way of perceiving the real contributions of others. When we feel threatened in the positions we hold, our pride can blind us to the truth. However, notice that in the Old Testament and Gospel readings, God provides people to speak the truth of acceptance in opposition to pride's rejection.

In the reading from Numbers, the setting is out in the wilderness, where the people of God are on their way to the Promised Land. Moses, of course, is the main man, the chief honcho. In the reading, Moses takes a group out to a tent, which is pitched away from camp. That location is called "the tent of meeting" because there it is that the Lord comes down and meets Moses periodically. In this case, the Lord chooses to transfer some of His power to the seventy men outside the tent … and they begin to prophesy. But, if you notice, everything still seems to be pretty much under Moses' direction. After all, he is the one inside the tent, at the center of attention.

However, an unforeseen thing happens next. And in this, we see the unpredictability of God. Word comes from back at camp that two fellows way over there were prophesying also. These two - Eldad and Medad - had not even been close to the tent of meeting. And, Joshua - Moses' right hand man - is horrified. He says, "My lord Moses, stop them!" Or perhaps we should read, "My lord, Moses, stop them!"

Notice that it is not the true leader that feels threatened. Rather, it is one who may have more to lose by this apparent rival display of power. Indeed, Joshua later on becomes the leader of the God's people, eventually leading them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. But here, Moses is still designated as the man of the Lord, and we do well to observe his response. He says to Joshua, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"

The reading from St. Mark's Gospel has much in common with that one from Numbers. In the Gospel reading, we are shown a picture of an encounter between Jesus and the disciple John. The background of this reading is that Jesus and his close followers are traveling through the countryside. In order to reach more people, they sometimes separate into small groups. However, the disciples always report back to Jesus along the way - and that was happening here.

John and some others had discovered an exorcist on one of their ventures away from Jesus. This man was effective in what he did, and in fact, he called on Jesus' name in his exorcisms. However, he did not identify himself with the disciples. Therefore, to them he seems a rival and a threat. The disciples' pride leads them to an attitude of jealous exclusivity. They are blinded to the good this man was doing in Jesus' name, and so they tried to stop him.

Again, it took God's representative to speak the word of the Lord. Jesus says to his disciples, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us." Jesus, like Moses previously, says that the Lord can use all people and their talents in God's plan and for God's purposes. Jesus, too, avoids the trap and threat of jealous pride. "Whoever is not against us is for us." What a desperately needed message that is for the Church and for the world today!

This is a time of much diversity among and within Christian denominations - in ways that we worship, in understanding God's will, and in celebrating our lives in Christ Jesus. In these times - perhaps now more than ever - we need to remember that as long as we glorify Christ, we are part of the same Body. "Whoever is not against us is for us."

Therefore, so what if some churches are loud and contemporary, while others are quiet and traditional? And, so what if some people think that Christian education is the most important thing the Church does, while others think that is evangelism, or liturgy, or outreach? And, so what if some people want to pray with their arms in the air? The important thing is to do what we do in the Lord's name.

It is to the glory of Jesus Christ that we accomplish everything. By holding onto that truth, we can overcome jealous pride and its threats - even pride in ourselves. Then we can get about the work of the Lord, as Christ's Body on earth. May we therefore always remember - in all that we do - that we strive for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Copyright © 2000 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee