“Please, sir,” said Oliver, “may I have some more?” “More” is a universal quest: most of us want Something More, even though we can’t often define it. People with good marriages, good homes and good vehicles will abandon all they have in order to find Something More. “Well,” say I, “I deserve it! I’m kinda moral (when I think about it), and ethical to a fault, especially about YOUR failings.” The scriptural passages we consider on the weekend will chide us a bit about our materialism.
In the Hebrew scripture, we struggle along with Job, searching futilely for a court in which to meet God in order to present his bitter complaint about his mistreatment (Job 23:1-9, 16-17). “There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.” He’s still convinced that Yahweh’s justice will find for him. In faith, Job speaks into the darkness. There may be more than we know who’re hearing this passage and wrestling with the Person of God. “Oh, that I knew where I might find him…”
Or does grace find US? The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews, 4:12-16, continues the Quest by speaking of a High Priest (Jesus) who can empathize with our wrestling with God. This connection with the Almighty is a sword “to cut through the illusions we cling to: trusting in economic and political security instead of God’s abiding presence, hoarding resources as if they were not gifts of God, believing in a cultural gospel that says what we have, whom we know, and how much knowledge, power, and prestige we possess determines who we are.”–Michael G. Hegeman, in FEASTING on the WORD, B 4:163. It’s awesome enough to approach the throne of grace, without carrying a lot of Stuff with us!
The Gospel remembered by Mark (10:17-31) is the story of the well-meaning fellow who wanted eternal life, but couldn’t bring himself to shed his belongings. According to the Law, he was quite perfect; but Jesus told him that he had one significant barrier–too much Stuff. “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” This is certainly counter-cultural, and most of us will squirm and say, “Yeah, but…” The man’s captivity to his possessions has prevented him from joining in the full life of a Disciple. How much risk can we tolerate?
These are timely lessons. A lot of the people I hang out with are desperately searching for a route to God/Heaven. They run from Church to Church, often joining temporarily with a feel-good group which baits them with promises of Nirvana. Yet they proclaim entitlement to “the American Dream”–whatever that is–and cover their greed with best wishes for their children… These readings from Holy Writ sock it to us; may those who have ears hear.
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My struggles with Biblical passages assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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