As automotive technicians know how to test shock absorbers by bouncing a vehicle and checking for leaks, we should learn what it means to shock a Christian congregation. Such an occasion occurred recently, when political activists broke U.S. Constitutional law and invaded worship being held in Minneapolis, MN.
There is a difference between being invited to speak, and intruding into sacred space. As the Christian Church gathers this weekend, whether
in person seated in a sanctuary or watching online through video ministry… we need to wrap our minds around what it is that this gospel message reveals to us.
"And he went down to Caperna-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath; and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this Word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region." (Luke 4:31–37)
We read here that
Jesus went into an established synagogue, which was the organized Jewish "church" during his
earthly ministry. While doing so, he behaved in a way that the gathering place, known as a "synagogue", found surprising. Being an invited guest, he was given the opportunity to read of the Law and the
Prophets. He read from the scriptures about the coming of the Messiah, the Christ of God... the Deliverer. Causing a big turmoil... Jesus said that those scriptures had come true as he had now arrived in that place.
Then he sat
down… and the
congregation sat stunned.
Some tried to overlook what was said and done, and commented
on how well he had read. Others scratched their beards and wondered. Then one person stood, and became belligerent. You
see, the Truth had been revealed.
The man demonically challenged Jesus… “We know who you
are…. why have you come to us… to destroy us?”
Now, I think
that a person, a people, in a gathering of believers... may often be represented by a crazed person when they hear the true words of God. This occurs as they realize the importance of the Word. Those who are
maniacs, who are people who think they have everything under the gathering's roof controlled…
are suddenly confronted by the Truth. The occasion often goes far beyond all understanding for them.
I think that maybe they don't want to understand, like those who invaded that congregation in Minnesota. With the fright
of losing whatever control they think they have, they tried to push our Lord aside. But,
we and they who hear the Word spoken, know who he is.
You see, the
Word of God challenges everyone of us to follow him, even during this time of great unrest. During this
time of chaos, this time of political upheaval here and around the world...
at a time when
grocery shelves are sometimes found empty,
at a time when some medical prices increase,
at a time when some people protest and cause chaos,
at a time when some in leadership edge us toward war.
At these times, God disturbs each of us. We who think that if we can just hold onto this congregation, this
Christian population… this mindset... thinking we can weather the din of the world that seems to have
gone insane... Jesus says
to us, just as he said in that synagogue…
“Today this scripture has been
fulfilled in your hearing.”
Yes... the Messiah of God, the Christ of God... has indeed come into our midst
through Word and Sacrament.
Should we be
astounded? Yes!
Should we be
excited about this? Yes!
Should we receive words of release from our sinful
unbelief through Confession and forgiveness? Indeed. All of these, and more should be our response.
We are called to even tell others about him. As we shelter from the tumults of a sinful world, we gather together and are healed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks to us for he is the Word of God. He heals us just as he healed a demonic man.
I adjure you so
to do. Proclaim the Law of God, followed by the Gospel. Some will hear, even those deceived persons who invade the Holy.
Now... for those who labor in Christ to soften the shocks of the modern world, I echo... “May the peace of God which surpasses all human
understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord… Amen”
