Sermons

“Do Not Be Afraid”

John 14:15-19, 25-27; Acts 1:1-11 – Rev. Rebecca Littlejohn

Vista La Mesa Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), La Mesa, California – June 2, 2019

 Holy God, bless the speaking and the hearing of these words that we might give thanks for your teaching and your presence and live abundantly.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The creators of the lectionary did not invite us to read the story of the ascension this morning, but given our focus on our students today, I couldn’t resist the parallels.  I was intrigued by the idea of thinking of the church as a young adult.  And while Jesus was the one who left in this story, can’t you imagine that he felt a little as though he was launching his almost-grown child into the world?

Those two angels were standing there, admonishing the disciples for continuing to stare up into the sky, but I think they were really just exposing how little they understood the human condition.  Do you remember the last time someone left, and you waved and waved until you couldn’t see the car anymore?  Or you watched the plane take off and kept your eyes on it until you couldn’t really tell if you could even see it anymore, or if the clouds were playing tricks on your eyes?  We humans are sentimental creatures.  Jesus got that, even if the angels don’t.

Was he worried about the church he’d left behind? Did he already know how badly we’d mess it up?  Was he clear that it was our turn now and we needed space to make our own mistakes?  “I’m not leaving you orphaned,” Jesus said.  “The Spirit will be with you, I promise.”  As he rose up into the clouds, was he thinking of all the ways he’d tried to prepare them for the future?  Was he wondering how well they’d listened?  Was he hoping he’d remembered all the important parts? Was he giving thanks for the Holy Spirit, whose presence would aim to make up for his absence?

What is our Scholarship Fund, after all, if not a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that accompanies our young people as they move into the lives God is preparing for them?  The gifts are minor, but the love and support they symbolize offer a lifeline for those trying to make it through the most uncertain years of their lives.  “You’re going to be okay.”  “You’ve got this.”  “We’ve got your back.”  “We’ll always be here for you.”  “Do not be afraid.”

But wait – who is comforting whom?  So often, it’s the parent who is more emotionally affected when the child leaves home.  The kids are ready; they’ve been well prepared, and they’re raring to go.  But Mom and Dad and everyone else are suddenly all teary and worried.  “It’ll be fine, Mom.”  “I’ve got this, Dad.”  “Don’t worry, Grandma!”  Church, we should never assume the Spirit only blows in one direction.  As much as the Holy Spirit is present in the gifts we offer to our students, their presence in our midst and their work in the world are gifts of the Holy Spirit to us.  “Do not be afraid.”  The problems of the world today can seem overwhelming to those of us used to dealing with last century’s issues.  We need the perspective of those who haven’t yet been tricked into believing in impossibilities.

There’s a meme going around Facebook this week encouraging those over 45 to make sure they have a mentor under 30, so they’ll be able to understand the future more effectively.  And while I would probably counsel intergenerational friendships rooted in mutual learning myself, there’s an important lesson there.  The Spirit moves in many directions.  What if the church is at its best when it’s most fully expressing its young adult nature – full of potential and hope and creativity?  What better way to do that than to listen to our young people, seeking out their perspectives and opening our traditions to incorporate what’s important to them?  How else will we live with the boldness Jesus asks of us?  “Do not be afraid,” he said.

Did you hear about the spelling bee?  They ran out of words.  They had to call it a draw, with eight co-champions, because they ran out of words that might have tripped those kids up.  What better sign could we receive that things will be okay?  The limitations we thought were so rigid are exposed as false. The competition we allowed to shape within us an “us versus them” mentality turns out to be a false narrative.  The Spirit is still moving.  We have not been left orphaned, though Jesus is not sitting here in the flesh.  We were well prepared to be the church, and we are not alone.  The Spirit is here; the Spirit is coming.  The Spirit is continually being welcomed anew, as each new generation emerges with fresh lessons to teach us.

As we celebrate the support this church is able to offer our students as they prepare to make their way in the world, let us also rejoice in who they already are and the many gifts they bring to this community and God’s world.  Let us welcome the movement of the Spirit from all its many directions!  Alleluia and Amen!