See, I am making all things new

 Acts 11:1-18; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35

We begin with Jesus’ words. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”  From the time Jesus first spoke these words to the disciples during his last meal with them, to today, we have been trying to figure out how to love as Jesus loves. It still feels new, and it is just as hard today as it was 2000 years ago.

… The first struggle came soon after the resurrection. The disciples scattered, headed north, south, east and west to tell the world about Jesus. They began by contacting the local synagogues, or going wherever the Jews in the town were meeting. They made friends, got to know the people, and told them about Jesus’ amazing love and forgiveness, about his resurrection.

By now, Paul has had a vision of the risen Jesus, who redirected his passion into spreading the good news among Gentiles. Peter has a similar divine encounter. Kill and eat these foods which until now have been labeled as unclean. It takes a while for him to figure it out. The vision is not about food, it’s about people.  

Perhaps Peter remembers all the times Jesus ate a meal with those people whom society thought were unclean, all the times Jesus treated non-Jewish people with respect and care. Perhaps Peter remembered Jesus’ command to love as he loved.

Of course, it can’t be that easy. One day, Jews and Gentiles didn’t share anything; then they did. The disciples in Jerusalem learn that Peter has CHANGED the RULES. What the (expletive deleted) are you thinking, Peter!!?? And he explains – “I had this vision, and as a result I baptized Cornelius and his household. It made me wonder what else I was doing that hindered God.”

… Revelation is probably written in the 90s, decades after Matthew, Mark, and Luke. By now, the Romans are actively persecuting both Jewish and Christian believers, because they refuse to worship the Caesar as a god. In the midst of the fear and trauma of persecution, John of Patmos writes visions to encourage the believers to remain faithful. In beautiful scenes of glory and praise, and in scary scenes of danger, the winner is always Jesus. He has conquered the evil one, the strong one who used to rule the earth.

As a result, God walks with us, dwells with us as one of us. Heaven is now present on earth. Instead of thinking of heaven as above us, among the clouds, or something far distant and strange, heaven is here, wherever God is present.

… Preaching is a curious process. Beginning with the texts for the week, I spend time with the words, with the stories. I read a few commentaries, which explain the significance of the original languages and the cultural context. Sometimes, I imagine myself in the story. What is Jesus saying to me?

This week, I was thinking about the Revelation text, with Jesus walking the earth. Then my abstract image became concrete.  What does it look like for Jesus to be here on second Friday mornings? I often think of Jesus as one of the hungry persons in line waiting for food. When we feed our neighbors, we are also feeding Jesus.

But this time, my vision of him changed. This time, Jesus was one of the volunteers, one of those giving out the food. Maybe he is this guy, with the overflowing grocery cart, continuing to feed hungry folks with an abundance. Jesus has not left us on our own, but continues to live among us, serving with us, loving us.

… Today’s stories are about Jesus making all things new. New ways of loving each other; new ways of relating to each other; new ways of thinking about God and heaven.

I have always, since childhood, paid attention to everything and everyone. It has a bit to do with coming from a dysfunctional family and seeking to know I was safe. But it is more about making sure everyone is included. I have always befriended those who had few friends in the group – the person of color, the intellectually challenged person, the weird person.

Once I became active in church leadership, I began to notice that some folks were missing. I ask myself, “Who isn’t here yet? How can we make sure they will find a welcome when they arrive?” At the same time, others are saying, “We don’t want that kind here.” “It would be great if they have a lot of money.” “They can come if they want to do things the way we always do them.”

… So, a story about that. At Anytown Lutheran Church, there were no children. When visitors with children came, people shushed them. They never returned. I suggested that we set up a quiet area for families with small children. A low table and chairs, washable stuffed animals, coloring books, a rug to catch crumbs from cookies and small crackers.

I had the support of the educators in the congregation, women who wanted to have children in a Sunday school. But the strongest voice on council voted my idea down with the illogical comment. “When I see children showing up, then I’ll support the idea of a children’s area.”

… Even if things never change in a congregation, the pastor stays for 40 years, the council always has enough members, worship attendance is stable at 120, finances are stable to support the existing ministries, God is still working to make all things new. Because God is about calling new people, changing hearts and minds, and through many little ways, making all things new.

This week, I hope you will think about how God may be making all things new at Gloria Dei. And how is God changing you and making you new? Amen