Sunday, June 5, 2005    Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Pastor Gary E. Benson

Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota

 

                   “OTHER THAN EXPECTED!”

 

In a very short time there are going to be many ZLC volunteers out at the Habitat House build. There are some within the congregation who have participated in a similar type project — many others have not. With some certainty I will say, after you spend time at the site working, or observing, or sharing conversation, you may go away saying, “Such encounter, such engagement was ‘other than expected.’”  Why is that? Why might it be “other than expected?” A couple of reasons. First of all, you are going to meet persons you may not know yet (or you have just seen in church); furthermore, you are going to discover things about yourself which may surprise you. That is to say, meeting people, sharing a common goal, such experience is delightful, energizing, fulfilling. Moving beyond comfort zones or previous life experience stretches us, and simply being with people in a different setting (outside the church walls) will be quote “different” — hopefully in a positive way. Trust me, those who support and/or participate will not remain the same having gone through such experience. As the saying goes, “come as you are, leave changed forever.”  Thus, the invitation is loud and strong, in whatever way you can, come along join a journey of literally building faith. In that regard, as I share such invitation, I am reminded of twenty years ago, after I had shared a few songs with my guitar at a Senior Citizens luncheon, a farmer came up to me (in his bib overalls), thanked me for what I had shared, and then said, “Now, Pastor, enjoy the day; do something you are going to remember!” Trust me, building/supporting a home for someone else, building relationship and community “in the name of Jesus Christ,” such invitation and participation will never be forgotten and may be placed in the category, “that was different than I expected.”

 

Taking up an invitation and participating in a Habitat House build is one thing, however, you never know when an invitation is going to be life changing. Again, at this time of year, many of our young people have searched out potential future avenues of learning, work, adventure. They will be responding to invitations to learn, grow, become, experience. However, reality says, such invitations may also become “other than expected!”

 

In our gospel lesson the invitation of Jesus boldly illustrates that which is “other than expected!”  Recall, Jesus was inviting persons to become his closest associates, colleagues, his disciples, those who would preach, teach, heal, and proclaim the love of God. Most certainly Jesus didn’t go to a personnel agency to find those who would quote “fit a certain resume, style, or background.”  In fact, quite the opposite. Wasn’t it true, by general observation, on the outside Jesus often would choose, and choose to be with, those “other than expected!”

 

Think of it. Wouldn’t you think Jesus would have been looking for the “volunteer of the year” type person, the honest, the ideal clone of community service, the “American Idol” of religiosity? Truth is, however, Jesus didn’t pick the persons or personalities to be about his work that would have appeared so qualified, obvious, or perfect. Quite the contrary.

 

From our text, “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he (Matthew) got up and followed him.”  Simple, yet profound. Jesus was inviting Matthew to be amongst the inner circle, the closest followers, the disciples, the most trusted, given the greatest responsibility. So, who was Matthew, why choose Matthew? By occupation/profession, he was a toll collector, and, therefore, in his time and culture, such a person was known for dishonesty, ripping people off, and generally simply looking out for themselves. He was indeed one who would be “other than expected,” as the called to Christ like service. In fact, in this day of candidacy committees, Matthew would have had a rough go. Still, 2000 years ago, Jesus said “Follow me.” But what do we expect from Jesus?

 

Again, Jesus often was called on the carpet for his invitations, for doing the “other than expected!”  The Pharisees loved to jab at him for this behavior saying, “Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners!”  What did Jesus say to his critics?  He responded, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”

 

Outside the expectations and comfort zone, that is where Jesus went – to such people and place. That was and is where ministry is often done. After all, isn’t it outside the comfort zone to:

 

• put a roof on at ASP – when it is made of tin and the sun is blazing?
• to meet a family member, friend, or neighbor when they have lost a loved one?
• to connect with those you love when you hear of an accident or disease?
• to be with oppressed, or loving the unlovely, or simply be compassionate?
• to build a house for someone else who we don’t even know yet?

 

Who then is to be about these ministries of hope, healing, compassion, reconciliation, yes, the ministry of Jesus Christ? Each one of us — don’t look around you — look first in your own heart and ask, “Can I do that which is ‘other than expected’?  Can I join my brothers and sisters in Christ doing ministry, being Christ like to and for others even when such is not comforting or convenient, but challenging or maybe even controversial.”

 

Truth is, when Jesus called Matthew and others, he didn’t simply identify the chaos in their lives that others would have readily identified and criticized, he saw capability, capacity, and  potential, someone who could (gifted by the Spirit) muster the courage and faith and willingness to risk to make a difference in Jesus’ name for others. 

 

This morning, I would love a show of hands, but I won’t be that bold, and ask, “Do you expect God’s goodness and mercy to be seen through your thoughts, words, and actions?”  If so, you are living in your baptism, allowing your light to shine, living a life that is ‘other than expected.’  For you see the world expects us to live, not in the light, but in the shadows, to conform to the pressures, values, and ideals of the day. But Jesus says, “Follow me.” Be not conformed by the world, but transformed -- be ‘other than expected.’

 

In that regard, at this time of year I think of canoeing in the Boundary Waters where, years ago, we often sang the words of Micah, “He has shown you, oh, people, what is good. And what does the Lord require (desire, expect) of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God!”

 

As Matthew, we have heard the invitation, “Follow me.” Today we are empowered through word, spirit, and sacrament. Now, let us be joyful and faithful to the task. Let your life, our lives, this congregation, speak, “In Jesus’ name our witness will be ‘other than expected!’”