Elect Jesus

Elect Jesus
By now many of you have noticed the "Elect Jesus" signs that grace our front yard. I've had the chance to reflect a lot on these signs and the reaction of most people to them. Because many in our community are Christians, they have been well-received and probably come across as a bit less offensive than the signs for McCain or Obama. Who is not for Jesus? And herein lies the problem, for the politics of Jesus are far more offensive than whichever candidate we don't like. Jesus calls us to a far more radical politics than either the Democratic or Republican Parties. For the Carpenter from Nazareth commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and a whole host of other radical things (Matthew 5-7).

And so as I contemplate taking down these signs sometime this week, I'm a bit saddened that they were so well-received, that they did not offend more people. For the Gospel that we proclaim is far more radical than most of us dare consider. And the Jesus whom we follow demands not just party allegiance, but every single ounce of our being. His way is the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).

In 1 Corinthians 1:23, St. Paul writes, "but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Indeed, the biggest scandal or stumbling block (skandalon in Greek) in the ancient world was the Cross.

My prayers go with you as you vote tomorrow. Perhaps Jesus' words in St. Matthew's gospel are instructive as we vote: Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21).

By the way, if you want one of those signs, go ahead and take one. I think we have a half dozen left. Thanks to Grace Lutheran Church in Elmore who printed them.

Sermon Footnote
I want to begin by giving credit where credit is due. Much of the inspiration for my sermon came from two principle sources, in addition to my own study of the text. Both Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book Discipleship and Stanley Hauerwas in his commentary on Matthew proved to be helpful in the central move in my sermon: that the Sermon on the Mount is intended in a corporate, communal sense, that it's about us as the church more than it is about me as an individual.

Bonhoeffer's Discipleship (also called The Cost of Discipleship) is one of the most challenging and inspirational books I have ever read and I commend it to you.

Coming Up: November 9: Women's Thankoffering Sunday
This coming Sunday is Women's Thankoffering Sunday and the women of the church will be leading us in worship. Karen Witker will be our guest preacher. We will also elect officers for the congregation and the women's group.

Women's Thankoffering Sunday always reminds me to lift up one of the great publications of our church: Lutheran Woman Today. Though the title implies otherwise, I think this is a wonderful magazine for men and women alike. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Bible in 90 Days: Halfway Through!
The Bible in 90 Days program is going well. Last Thursday many of us crossed the halfway mark. It is quite an endeavor and I am so proud of our many participants, (especially) including the ones that are behind and are struggling each week to keep up.

As a twist, I'd like to invite anyone who is interested to join us for the "home stretch" of the New Testament, the last 20 days, beginning Sunday, November 23. See the reading schedule and begin on day 68 on November 23.

In addition, I've mentioned before that the ELCA is beginning a multi-year emphasis on the Bible to encourage all of us to be more regular in our engagement of Scripture. There is a set of assessments online that I think you might find helpful as you reflect on your own personal history of engaging the Bible.

(Sort of) New Website
We have been fiddling around with the Bethlehem website and encourage you to visit it this week. It is not terribly glamorous, but hopefully it provides most of the information needed. Often we are not able to update it as often as we'd like, but we hope the current site provides information that members need and that visitors might be looking for.

The sidebar contains links of primary interest to members. The top bar contains categorized pages and links for easy viewing by visitors. Web sites are increasingly becoming the "public face" of the church. We hope you find what you are looking for.

Lutheran Revival
"Revival" is coming to Bowling Green Friday evening, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. To read more about it, see the synod's events page and scroll down to find the revival. A registration form is also available. If you register before November 21, there is a discount.