Pentecost 5 (8)

Matthew 10:24–33 (NIV84)

24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! 26 “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Last week we had noted the general principle that there are certain tasks that are labor intensive and that need enough laborers to get the work done in an efficient and timely manner. The example from Jesus’ description was that of a harvest and the need for manual labor. We had noted that because of mechanization, the problem of a limited workforce has been alleviated somewhat. However, we did note that there is still a need for workers in other areas. Specifically, the area that Jesus was referring to.

The harvest he had in mind was the large number of people who spiritual needs were not being met because their spiritual leaders were not of the quality God demands. Instead of being caring shepherds, they had become anything but. Jesus sought to correct that. He told his disciples to ask the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. That prayer was answered immediately in part by Jesus sending out those men to start training. What follows was a list of instructions and expectation for them not only during their training but also in their future full time calling.

One application we made to that text was that there continues to be a need for workers. One measurable way of proving that was comparing in our synod the available positions with the number of called workers — noting for example over 100 congregations seeking a candidate and only 40 some pastoral candidates available. Some of those congregations have moved on to the other end of the spectrum and are seeking retired pastors to serve them instead of entry level pastors. Although the number of pastors retiring is near an all time high, I think we can realize that this is not sustainable.

So we have a need for workers on both ends of the spectrum. “Entry level” pastors without experience and “Veteran” pastors who can serve in situations that are less demanding and have limited resources. I know it has been mentioned that “maybe all we need is a video like Pastor Valleau did in Vermont”. It was an alternative where there wasn’t another pastor within 100 miles. There are a number of retired pastors near here but they are also getting stretched thin.

The other thing I mentioned (and promised) is that the workers are not just called workers but lay people that those called workers are tasked with training to do works of service. Ephesians 4:11–16 (NIV84)

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

This comparison is well known and used in several other passages. It is a truism that stands the test of time.

Imagine for a moment that you can no longer use a part of your body. How would that impact you?

Eyesight

Hearing

Sense of Smell

Taste

Feeling

Limbs

Organs

It wouldn’t be the end of the world but it would literally “handicap” you or even “disable” you.

Specific Sin: Congregations have members missing in action.

It is critical that each congregation of believers work together just as the parts of the body are to work together to function at peak efficiency. In addition to this truth, the motive which drives those actions is to be love. It is Christian love that drives a person to do what is required. (see passages).

The New International Version (1984) Imitating Christ’s Humility

Pilippians 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

It is love for God that motivates us to serve. “You do what you want to do.”

Did you notice in Jesus’ instructions that he mentions another emotion that negatively motivates people?

Just before our text, Jesus warns that there would be opposition against them just as he was opposed. Matthew 10:17–22 (NIV84)

17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10:24–25 (NIV84)

24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!

Although we are spared such open opposition (One of the many benefits of living in a free country), we may fear rejection when we serve the Lord.

Fear can paralyze. Weak kneed. Anxiety and phobias limit a person’s activities. Jesus knew that his disciples would be tempted to not work because of fear of opposition.

The most direct verse connecting fear to paralysis is Isaiah 13:7, which describes the panic of the Babylonians: "Your arms lie paralyzed with fear; the strongest hearts melt and are afraid" (TLB). For overcoming paralyzing fear, 2 Timothy 1:7 is frequently referenced: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind"

Fear paralysis is a primal survival response where the nervous system, overwhelmed by perceived danger, forces the body to freeze. It can refer to the subconscious “freeze” mechanism in acute distress, a retained primitive reflex in child development, or psychological decision paralysis from chronic anxiety. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]Understanding and managing the freeze response depends on which type you are experiencing:1. Psychological Fear Paralysis (Anxiety)When faced with intense stress, conflict, or major life choices, your body's fight-flight-freeze response triggers. This can manifest as mental lock, procrastination, or physical immobility. [1, 2, 3]

Symptoms: Inability to make decisions, shallow breathing, racing heartbeat, and mental shutdown.

Jesus’ solutions is profound. Matthew 10:28 (NIV84)

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

You may fear losing your life (which is one of our most precious possessions) from persecutors. But the One you really need to fear is God who can condemn you to hell. So you better obey him . . . or else.

But immediately he softens the threat with the encouragement that we don’t need to fear God because he cares for us (illustration of the sparrows).

Elsewhere we are encouraged with the motivation of love to be willing workers in God’s harvest field.

Love conquers 1 John 4:18–19 (NIV84)

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.

Love drives out fear. This is important. Because there are, quite frankly, things to fear as we work in the harvest field.

What fears do laborers have? Weather, wild animals, PTO shafts,

What fears to those who speak the truth in love have? Persecutors. Rejection.

Greater threat: Getting “fired”.

Nevertheless, we can and do overcome and can encourage each other to work together motivated by love.