Don't Get Me Started

"Don't Get Me Started"
a condensed version of the sermon delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at Sannauk Forest Preserve (Just before the annual church picnic for Union Congregational Church in Somonauk, Illinois.)

PODCAST of "Don't Get Me Started"

This Morning's Scripture reading is:
Hebrews 11:29-12:2

This week’s Bible reading from Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 remembers with respect and awe the heroes of scripture. In one short reading, the writer brings so many faith heroes. Some are named; others are remembered because of the events of their lives or deaths. In this reading you can find Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Deborah. Samson, Jephthat, David, Samuel, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Elijah, Elisha, Zechariah, Uriah, the Maccabees, Eleazar and Isaiah. (Sure, some are familiar and others are more obscure, but I think the readers and hearers long ago remembered most. I’m not sure why some are there, but I think the message of heroic faith comes through.)

Let me tell you about these faith heroes:

Moses: He’s the crossing of the Red Sea guy. OK – the translation in this Bible story actually says "Yam Suph" or "Reed Sea." It really refers to a small marshy lake at the north part of the Red Sea. The wind blew all night and dried it up so the Israelites could cross – then waters erupted from the deep as Pharaoh’s soldiers tried to cross. That’s the miracle they sang about in "The Song of Moses." Exodus 14:21-31
Rahab: She was a prostitute who hid the Hebrew spies who came into Jericho to see what was up. Joshua 2:1-21; 6:22-25
Joshua: He led the people of Israel after Moses – he’s the one who was leading when the walls of Jericho fell. Joshua 6:12-31
Gideon: He grew up as sort of a sissy, but he became one of the Judges who guided and protected Israel. He defeated the Midianite and Amalekite armies of thousands (their numbers are described as being "as thick as locusts; and their camels without number, countless as the sand on the seashore." with just three hundred well-chosen soldiers. Judges 6-8
Deborah: She judged Israel and is remembered for being the judge when the enemy General Sisera was killed by a woman, Jael. Judges 4-5
Barak: He was the leader of the Israelite army when Sisera was killed. Judges 4-5
Samson: You remember his story, right? He had long hair and strength. He was not a wise chooser of wives. He ended up weak and in jail, but he regained his strength and defeated his enemies in the end. Judges 13-16
Jephthat: He was a judge of Israel who was outcast as a younger person because his mother was a prostitute. He joined with a band of outlaws and became a great leader. The Israelites asked him to come lead them and he is remembered as the one who delivered them from the Ammonites. (They were involved in territorial disputes with the Israelites for many years.) Judges 11-12
Samuel: He heard God’s call when he was young – became the one that anointed both Saul and David as Kings of Israel. 1 Samuel 1-28
David: Yes – Good King David. He wasn’t perfect, of course, but he is remembered as one of the best Kings of Israel. 1 Samuel 16-30
Daniel: He worshipped God instead of the King. He survived his death penalty in the Lion’s den. Daniel 6
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: These three also refused to worship the king. They survived the fiery furnace. Daniel 3
Elijah: He’s the Prophet who raised a widow’s son back to life. 1 Kings 17:17-24
Elisha: He’s the successor of Elijah and another prophet who raised the Shunnamite woman’s son back to life 2 Kings 4:8-27
Zechariah: He’s a prophet who was stoned to death. 2 Chronicles 24:20-22
Uriah: He spoke at a similar time and with similar words of the prophet Jeremiah. This more obscure prophet was killed by King Jehoiakim’s sword. Jeremiah 26:23
The Maccabees: In a time after the Old Testament and before the New Testament – the Hebrew people who endured hardship, torture and death. Written about in 1, 2, 3 and 4 Maccabees.
Eleazar: He was one of the Maccabees. When he was a very old man (90 years), he refused to eat pork. He was thrown into jail and even given a chance to leave, but he stood up for his principles, died and was remembered as a martyr. 2 Maccabees 6:12-7:42
Isaiah: A book outside of the Old Testament recounts that this prophet was executed by being put into a log and sawn in two. Ascension of Isaiah 5:1-14

We don’t remember several of these heroes, but the ones who would have heard and read these words would have remembered and would have looked with awe and respect at the examples of faith these heroes were.

But there’s more than just remembering and respecting. The text also encourages the reader not to simply remember and respect the heroes, but in remembering their faith examples, to also persevere and to trust in Jesus throughout the journey.

The list of faith heroes reminds me of some of the people in my life who I consider faith heroes. Each is part of the "cloud of witnesses" that inspires me to continue to trust and to follow God in all things. (OK – that sounds a little sappy, but there’s nothing sappy about the influence these folks have had in my life.)

My Mom: She told me – in simple terms, that Jesus loved me and wanted me to love Him. I was four years old and I still remember our conversation.
Mister Rogers: He, an ordained Presbyterian minister, reinforced the idea that everyone was worthy of love and that God loves everyone.
My Dad: He encouraged me to always do my best and to treat everyone I met with kindness.
Emma Justes: She was a seminary professor of mine. Emma showed me the finest example I’ve ever seen of a person who lives and oozes compassion, kindness and joy.
Mike Yaconelli: He is one of the people who began youth ministry as we now know it. Later in his life, he continued to remind me fun is not only OK – it’s wonderful. He also reminded me of God’s annoying love for imperfect (and messy) people. I recommend two of his books, Dangerous Wonder and Messy Spirituality, to everyone.
Marian Wright Edelman: She’s the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. Ms. Edelman is an unflinching advocate for the rights of children – childcare, healthcare, education, protection, housing and love.

I can remember and respect these heroes – some are no longer alive – some are. But to just look at them and be in awe or to show respect doesn’t go far enough, I don’t think. I think the verses encourage me not to simply remember and respect the heroes, but remembering their examples, to also persevere and to trust in Jesus throughout the journey.

Each of these 'cloud of witnesses' has encouraged me on my faith journey. I remember what I have learned from them as I continue trusting Jesus throughout my own faith journey.

Here’s something for all of us to think about this week. There are two questions – but I think they’ll take a bit of time to think about.

Who are your faith heroes and what have they meant to you?
How, in remembering their examples, are you persevering and trusting in Jesus on your faith journey?

I think it’s likely that as you think you’ll remember many people. Even as I say this right now I’m thinking of more – I could talk for a long time – but don’t get me started.

Close with prayer.