Another Sunday School Song

"Another Sunday School Song"
a condensed version of the sermon delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Somonauk, Illinois.

PODCAST of "Another Sunday School Song"

This Morning's Scripture reading is:: Mark 1:14-20

Held Back

I can think of a few ways to understand the phrase, "Held back"

Describing a student who isn’t ready for the next grade level – needing more time to prepare.

"The student was held back in the 4^th grade, but they excelled in school every grade after that."

Describing a competitor keeping some energy in reserve for a late burst of speed.

"I think they really held back in the first three quarters of this race. Look at the energy they saved for this final burst of speed!"

Describing a person who seems to be restrained from achieving a goal.

"I don’t know what held them back, but it’s such a shame that they were never able to accomplish what they wanted to do."

In this week’s reading from Mark 1:14-20, describing briefly Jesus’ call of the first disciples, there are a couple of instances of being held back.

Jesus was held back.

Jesus waited until John was arrested before starting his public ministry. Either he wasn’t quite ready to begin, or he held back on starting until John (who could have become a competitor rather than a herald) was out of the picture.

The first disciples were held back.

Simon, Andrew, James and John had taken up the family business. But when Jesus called them they immediately left and followed him. What held them back from leaving the family business and following a rabbi before?

They weren’t invited. Simon, Andrew, James and John weren’t called by any rabbis when they were younger to become a follower – a disciple. They were held back from doing what they dreamed of doing because the opportunity seemed lost. But when Jesus invited them, they followed him immediately – held back no longer.

Think about that for a bit. But hold back reacting for a little while, too.

"Held back" is about time – The timing’s not right, wait a little more time, take more time to prepare . . .

Time – like the time kept by a Timex watch.

Do you remember the series of commercials for Timex from the 50’s, 60s and ‘70’s?

"This is John Cameron Swayze for Timex." Today we’ve attached a new Timex watch to the underside of the Indy racecar as it drives around the track at more than 150 miles per hour.

Let’s see how it works.

The car would pull up, the watch would be removed and would be shown to be working perfectly.

"Even with all that wear and tear – the Timex watch is still working perfectly – just think how it will work for you!"

"Timex -- It takes a licking and keeps on ticking"

This week not many people remembered the announcer, but they sure remembered the catch phrase.

"It takes a licking and keeps on ticking."

Time passes.

‘Held back’ is about time.

But . . . there’s something different about time in this week’s Bible reading -- the reading is about being held back – but the time isn’t the kind of time that "keeps on ticking."

It’s about a different kind of time – In Greek, the kind of time that "keeps on ticking" is called "Chronos" time – measured . . . chronograpically. (I love using the big words!)

But the time Jesus talks about in this week’s passage is Kairos time – special time – high time – "perfect timing" time – urgent time.

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news"

"The time has come, God’s realm is at hand; Turn around from the way you’re going and believe the good news"

The time has come!

I heard someone use that language in a speech this week – I think it was on Tuesday:

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

President Barack Obama was talking about Kairos time – high time – "perfect timing" time – urgent time.

In our Bible reading today – it’s the time where we no longer hold back. It’s God’s perfect time -- time to move ahead without fear – held back no longer!

You might be thinking about our church right now – thinking:

The time has come:

to DOUBLE our attendance in worship, Sunday School and midweek ministry
to increase income (pledges, offerings, fundraisers, rentals etc) by about 50% this year?
to raise funds for roof and other repairs before they become much larger ones.
to be committed to offering excellent opportunities for worship, engaging education, vital youth ministry and fully-staffed (every worship service!) nursery care.

Those are important – vital, even.

But let’s be clear – We have to be careful not to make this urgent time – this Kairos time about something selfish or self-serving.

God’s time is about following Jesus – who calls us to be his disciples – without being held back. It’s about being willing to trust that following Jesus with all that we are is the only course in front of us.

It’s about being able to ask:

In our lives, what is keeping us held back from really following Jesus?
Is it something we’re still just not ready for, but will be soon?
Are we saving something for the right opportunity to come along?
Do we feel restrained from following Jesus because of fear or something else?

As Jesus calls us, are we willing to respond?

Jesus said, "Follow me – and I will make you fishers of men.".

It is so much more than another Sunday School Song.

Close with prayer.