I gotta admit that I feel very overwhelmed by the weight of the world. There are so many BIG problems that bring my despair: climate change; materialism; might-makes-right; me-first at any cost… I mean, what can I do?–I’m little and powerless. Scripture readings for the upcoming weekend celebrate the unknown folks who were in a position to speak up–and they DID! We know only a few of them by name, and they appeared but once and moved on…BUT they were integral to the God-story. This service is dedicated to those others who may feel inconsequential.
The story of Naaman the Aramean general (II Kings 5:1-14) is loaded with good stuff: the expectations of Naaman, the paranoia of the king of Israel, the ultimate obedience of washing in the Jordan. And, of course, God’s rich providence for even those “beyond the boundary”. But who is this unnamed slave-girl who set the whole process into motion? Who was the Prophet’s messenger? and who were Naaman’s assistants who finally convinced him to give it a try? God uses everyday people, even “aliens”, to introduce holy activity.
Paul urges the Christians of Galatia (6:1-16) to take care of the wounded with gentleness. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Annie Vallotin, the Swiss artist who illustrated the American Bible Society’s TEV, has a remarkable drawing of a line of unnamed people–kids, seniors, men & women–all reaching forward to help hold the baggage of the one preceding. These folks are all carrying heavy stuff, but they’re all going in the same direction. How many generations of unknown saints are in this line?
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, but on his way he would be stopping at many villages. In Luke 10 we read of how he sent 70 or 72 anonymous disciples ahead of him to announce that the kingdom of God has come near. There was a bit of urgency: the “harvest is plentiful”, so don’t get bogged down with possessions or idle chit-chat. As with Naaman, God will provide for all their needs or afflictions. Risky as the assignment was, Jesus was optimistic about its outcome: the Lord of the Harvest would attend to the attending demons and the power of Evil. We don’t know their names, but Eternity does. Isn’t that better than a plaque or a memorial window?
Kenyatta R. Gilbert writes, “Through scripture’s unnamed actors, communal restoration comes in the form of healing leprosy, soul rescue from formidable foes, gentleness and burden-bearing after transgression, and victory of
Satan and other principalities that block God’s mission to save not only Israel but the entire world.” (SOJOURNERS, July 2019, p.49) God bless the anonymous!
God Bless US, Every One Horace Brown King
My reactions to being struck by lectionary readings for the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook;’ or at horacebrownking.com
My Blog 
Leave a comment