Messengers and Messages
Augist 11, 2013 | Patrick Preheim | Malachi
Our pilgrimage though the bible takes us to Malachi today, the last book of our Old Testament. In his letter Malachi offers words about God, the priests and the people. For each of these groups Armin will read a selection of scripture, I will give a short reflection, and then we will sing a hymn related to the topic. Translated literally Malachi means “my messenger”. The term is used several other times in the book of Malachi and got me thinking about messages and messengers. Does God text message? What if God uses a cell phone and is trying to reach one of us right now but we, out of respect for others, have turned off our phones? If I am a bit of a Luddite and have resisted cell phones and texting will God graciously send me an e-mail or a letter via snail mail, or am I hopelessly beyond the reach of the Almighty? And what would I want to hear from God or Jesus if they found some form of communication agreeable to me? I probably would want to hear that God has loved me, continues to love me, and will steadfastly love me in the future
This is, in fact, the first and central message about God which “the Messenger” Malachi gives the people. Twice in 1.2 God tells the people through Malachi about his love. “I have loved you, says the LORD”; “I have loved Jacob” ! And for those who believe God is more about judgement than grace, the LORD says it is his unchanging nature of love which has permitted their very survival. Everything else Malachi suggested in his letter is based upon the foundation that God has loved us with a love beyond our understanding. On account of God’s integrity, the priests are reminded to fulfill their service with integrity. As a result of God’s lavish generosity in preserving the people, the people are summoned to generously offer their sacrifices. Levite and laity are called to faithfulness out of the faithfulness God has shown.
Most of the culture around us operates out of rewards based reasoning, so it might be hard for us to understand this unrelenting grace. And yet we know it when it happens. Consider that sinking feeling one gets when you see red lights flashing on a police cruiser in your rear view mirror, scan down to the speedometer only to find you are 25 over the posted max. Grace is that police officer calling one to account and then promptly tearing up the ticket and inviting greater responsibility in the future. If it has ever happened one does not forget the relief and elation of that moment. Consider the shame which comes when rash words have been spoken or inappropriate things done—to make a quick profit, to impress others, to prove a point—only to realize what a fool one can be. Grace is that stupidity dually noted and a second chance offered. If it has ever happened one does not forget the feelings of gratitude or the earnest desire to behave better. Malachi predicates his words about responsibility from his words about God’s grace. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the N.T are simply an extension of God’s character. Let us sing a hymn about this keystone of our faith.
Hymn: StJ # 44 “The love of God”
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Scripture—Armin reads Malachi 2:1-9
Wow, these are the kind of words which make the ears of a pastor burn! Few things anger me more than when clergy fail. It frustrates me when my clerical colleagues behave badly. It nearly cripples me when I recognize a moment in which I have spoken hurtfully, acted uncharitably, or otherwise tainted God or the church. I, Malachi and God too it would appear, have high expectations for religious leadership. This begs the question of what makes sound leadership in this day. I ran across a reflection on the topic which makes a lot of sense to me. Quoting Christopher Marshall:
Without competent leadership, groups tend to limp along, struggling for a sense of direction or motivation, and easily distracted by trivial concerns. For intentional communities such as churches to flourish, effective leadership is critical.
Good leadership, however, is not only about having sound managerial skills or a commanding personal presence, helpful though these may be. Nor is it principally about the exercise of power and control. The heart of true leadership has to do with values and virtues. The best leaders—those who inspire others with the confidence to follow their lead—are ones who model or embody in their own persons and practices the values and goals they want others to espouse. But leaders don’t have to be super-human. In fact, awareness of one’s human fallibility and alertness to the dangers of self-deception are indispensable attributes in any trustworthy leader. Yet leaders still need to be a little further down the track than others in understanding and living out the larger vision of their community or group, albeit imperfectly. They need to walk the talk, not just talk the walk. (Christopher D. Marshall, “The wisdom of knowing nothing: Pauline perspectives on leadership, ministry, and power” in Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology (Fall 2004; Vol. 5, No. 2), pp. 63-64)
Marshall touched upon several virtues and values which make for faithful leadership—be it in the church or elsewhere. Leaders need to know their talents and limitations. It probably would be good for the congregation to be involved in an honest assessment of the gifts and limitations of their leadership. If this could be done as an exercise to bolster underrepresented leadership qualities it might strengthen congregational life. This could be really important as we consider the visionary intentions generated by the Deacon Board earlier this year. I suspect Anita and I have some inkling of our gifts and limitations. For example, I do not view myself as a community organizer. I know how to plan a worship service, but thoughts about organizing a community BBQ or a service trip or forging consensus on how / if to implement a congregational vision overwhelm me. And maybe my uncertainties in this area are actually good. It will allow other leaders from the congregation to exercise their talent. My passion and gifts, I think, fall more in the areas of biblical study, preaching, and encouragement. I see the world spiritually. I am able to sense the presence of God in people, in nature, in the biblical story, and usually the ability to speak those observations in ways which can be heard. If I have developed an aptitude for speaking of God, I am grateful; for irresponsible preaching is part of Malachi’s complaint.
Malachi 2.7 highlights that a priest is also a “malak”—a messenger. The priests received the wrath of “the Messenger” (Malachi) because the clergy had not been faithful messengers. Bad theology presented brilliantly is unacceptable, good theology presented poorly is inexcusable, and weak theology presented badly is intolerable” (an adaptation of a Kenneth Cooper quote in “Time to Renew Congregational Singing” Reformed Liturgy and Music, spring 1990; p. 100). In their own ways both Marshall and Malachi underscore the importance of the message. Talking the walk—helping people understand more about the love of God and how this shapes our lives—is an essential dimension to congregational life. Faithfully interpreting and preaching God and the resurrection are crucial for our spiritual grounding. If you feel your pastors are adequate preachers, you could do worse!
But Marshall is ultimately correct in that responsible leaders within the church must walk the talk and not just talk the walk. This means I need to meditate regularly, read scripture daily, reflect on my spiritual condition, extend and receive forgiveness, willingly join in the lowliest of tasks at home or at church, become involved with my neighbours, and sometimes say no. It would be hypocrisy to encourage any form of spirituality if I were too lazy to be spiritual myself. I am grateful to the many who have given me glimpses of what this kind of leadership might look like even as I fully know that I am still living into the values I preach. Enough. Let us sing about leading.
Hymn: #599 HWB “He leadeth me”
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Scripture—Armin reads Malachi 3:8-15
I have offered brief words about God and leadership, now comes time for a few thoughts on the laity. In the Mennonite tradition the people make the church. This pulpit, for example, belongs to the congregation. If I or Anita lose our marbles and start preaching too far outside the congregation’s comfort zone you will take the pulpit from us. Gulp! The pulpit belongs to the congregation; the education program belongs to the congregation; while we visit as many as possible, congregational care ultimately belongs to the congregation. The sacraments are administered as often by the people as by us. Even if we were superstar pastors we could do little among this congregation without support of the people. To help understand the significance of my comments let me offer a Rough Rider analogy.
Darian Durant is a fine quarterback for the Green Machine. He is a talented leader of the offence and possibly the whole team. But can anyone imagine Durant succeeding if the line men failed to block?, or the receivers refused to catch?, or the running backs abstained from running? It would be a disaster. While Durant is a capable leader he needs everyone from the team to exercise their particular gift. And if the teammates refuse to exercise their gifts, or do so causally, coach Corey Chamberlin (a deity of the team) will become vocal. Such was the case in the book of Malachi.
After Malachi the messenger offered words to the clergy for their inadequate spiritual leadership, he also addressed the laity. The people were not putting their best into the offering plate. The people were spending more time serving themselves than God. The people were themselves faulty messengers when they celebrated arrogance and unethical business practices. It makes me grateful I am a pastor here and not among Malachi’s people.
If this congregation were not so amazing this would be the point at which it would get a tongue lashing. We can all, therefore, rejoice with great rejoicing at the faithful and humble ways in which we all pitch in to make this community function well. For the sake of those new to the congregation let me explain myself. Here are a few of my observations.
People at Nutana Park Mennonite give generously of their time. Someone comes by to water and mow the grass. Another rakes pine cones and trim side-walks. People write notes and visit those who are hurting. They give time for committee and board work—locally, regionally, nationally. They staff the nursery and help teach children. As supervisors, foremen, and businesswomen they take time for their workers. In their retirement they volunteer with all manner of community organizations. To belong here a person will need to give of their time: in the congregation and community. The really great part is that this investment often provides significant returns.
People here give of their money. People give to the local church: I do not see the donation’s list, but I do know that every year this congregation has met its expenses. People give to others: I know stories of direct financial assistance being given to hurting individuals. People give to community organizations: I see their names on donor lists for the arts, for charitable organizations, for community agencies. People give to the broader church: from the attention we get from para-church organizations I can only surmise people are generous with our Mennonite agencies. To belong here a person must learn to give of their financial resources. The great part is that giving money often provides great satisfaction. Enough has been said or we will no longer be able to take pride in our humility. And what a shame that would be! Let us sing a hymn which expresses our intention to be a people who gladly offer time and treasure.
HWB #369 “Lord, whose love in humble service”I began my reflections this morning with questions. The book of Malachi offers us 22 questions in 55 verses. The questions we ask of God and the questions God asks of us (clergy and laity) are that which keep us engaged in spiritual growth. Worship and congregational life is the place where together we tease out the questions. How have we sensed the love of God? How do we faithfully reflect the love of God within these walls and beyond? What are the messages we have been hearing and what are the messages we are giving? These are important questions to ask in the context of worship. And as we struggle with these deeper questions of life we expect the LORD to fill us with joy, tend us in our suffering, guide us, and use us for his glory and our neighbours good. May it be so. Amen.
