2017-08-13 Luke 22: 35-39 The New Normal

THE NEW NORMAL (Luke 22:35-38) August 13, 2017 Read Luke 22:31-34 – I Jn 3:13: “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” In 1988 we visited Mt. St. Helens. From a vantage point near the top we could see a large lake -- at least 1/3 covered with floating logs from the volcano. Therein lies a story. Harry Truman lived on Spirit Lake prior to the volcano. He refused to leave, so when the eruption came on May 18, 1980, Harry and the lake were buried. Both Harry and the lake were thought gone. But as it turned out, 8 years later, we were looking at Spirit Lake – 200 feet higher than before the volcano. Originally covered by ash, no one knew it was there until the ash settled. The lake survived; Harry didn’t. When a new reality replaced Harry’s lifelong reality, he was buried under 200 feet of mountaintop. That’s what’s about to happen to the disciples. Their whole landscape is about to shift. And they are not prepared. They think Jesus is about to assume the throne; instead He is about to die. They think they’re to be part of a glorious earthly kingdom; instead they are going to suffer and die for their faith – and despite Jesus’ efforts, they still don’t get it. So, this night, He warns again. He warns Peter that he’ll deny him three times. He warns them all, “Guys, the hostility that’s going to result in my death, your running and Peter’s denials is not the exception. It is the new normal – so get ready!” Life as they’ve known it will never be the same again. No passage could be more relevant to our day. Those of us above 50 years know that a dramatic cultural shift has happened in our lifetime. The volcano has erupted; the mountain is tumbling; we’ll either be buried like Harry or rise above like Spirit Lake. It all depends on where we put our faith. Jesus is helping the disciples and us, using physical realities to teach spiritual truth. What the disciples were about to face parallels our own time and culture. I. The Old Normal 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” What’s the point of Jesus’ question? Some suggest He’s reminding them how He took care of them when He sent them out in Lu 9 and 10 with virtually no supplies. No extra money or food or sandals or clothing. But His point is not that He supplied their needs, but that the people to whom they ministered did. They 1 overnighted in people’s homes, ate their food and lacked for nothing because they were general accepted in Jesus’ name. In those days it was still a societal benefit to be a follower of Jesus. That’s His point. They lacked for nothing because people were favorably inclined toward Jesus respected His followers as well. That was the old normal. It wasn’t perfect – but it was pretty good! We’ve been similarly blessed. Christianity has largely shaped the society in which we live, and we’ve been the better for it. C. John Sommerville, history prof emeritus at U of FL, used to revel in showing students how Christianized they were – even professing atheists or agnostics. He would list the values of shame-and-honor cultures (like those of pre-Xn Europe) -- pride, revenge, fear, tribal loyalty and reverence for reputation. Then he would list values introduced by Christianity – humility, forgiveness, peace, service to others, dignity of all people. Students were amazed how deeply they were, influenced by biblical ideas. Much of what is good and unique about Western Civilization is “borrowed capital” from the Christian faith. Sociologist Rodney Stark in The Triumph of Christianity, tho no Christian himself, documents that Christianity is directly responsible for much we consider “good” in Western culture – the establishment of orphanages and hospitals – the advance of science -- the championing of human rights based on man being created in the image of God which led to the end of the slave trade in Britain and America. All results of Xnty! Atheist philosopher, Juergen Habermas gives similar credit to biblical faith: “Christianity has functioned for the normative self-understanding of [our culture]. In egalitarian universalism, from which sprang the ideas of freedom and emancipation, the individual morality of conscience, human rights, and democracy, is the direct heir to the Judaic ethic of justice and the Christian ethic of love.” Even non-Westerners recognize the remarkable impact of the Xn faith in the West. David Aikman in Time, reported on a group of Chinese scholars trying to identify the reason for Western dominance: “We studied everything from the historical, political, economic, and cultural perspective. At first, we thought it was because you had more powerful guns than we had. Then we thought it was because you had the best political system. Next we focused on your economic system. But in the past 20 years, we have realized that the heart of your culture is your religion: Christianity. That is why the West has been so powerful. The Christian moral foundation of social and cultural life was what made possible the emergence of capitalism and then the successful transition to democratic politics. We don't have any doubt about this." 2 That’s our past. My school friends, growing up, went to church. Often liberal, but kids knew the stories; got lessons in morality; faith was revered. True believers might face some mockery – but there was a societal respect for Xn faith and values. The old norm benefited Xns and others bc of the widespread influence of Jesus’ teaching across the culture. That’s where we’ve been. But those days are over! The last 50 years have not only brought sweeping change in info technology, they have brought sweeping change in the centuries’ old Xn underpinnings of western culture. The volcano has erupted. II. The New Normal So, as the disciples face similar change, Jesus instructs: 36 . . . “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” What’s His point? Some say He’s just addressing the more demanding nature of their new assignment. Whereas before they were going on short-term visits, now their journeys will be extended and difficult; therefore, the preparations must be more extensive. That’s all true. But that is not His primary emphasis here. Jesus is contrasting the previous welcoming environment with the new reality of hostility. The days of free food and lodging in Jesus’ name are over. They’d need to provide themselves. Particularly controversial is Jesus’ instruction: “And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Literal or figurative? Most conclude it’s figurative. But if sword is figurative, moneybag and knapsack must be as well. No believes that. And if sword is figurative, what figurative cloak is one selling to buy one? I think Jesus is saying, “Get ready, guys. Supply yourself, including a sword – not for people, but for protection on the deserted roads you’ll travel. Be prepared.” BUT – ultimately, this instruction does have a deeper meaning. Jesus is using a physical reality to illustrate spiritual truth. Just as they must be prepared physically for a new reality, so they must be prepared spiritually. You see this in Jesus’ frustration when the disciples interpret His words literally: 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” “We need a sword, Lord? Look – we’ve got two.” That response shows they were not tracking with what He was saying at all. Jesus responds, “It is enough” – meaning, “Enough of this kind of talk.” They thought He was looking for immediate protection. Peter took one along and cut off a man’s ear – which Jesus immediately healed! Obviously, He was not telling them to get a sword to fight their way to a kingdom. In frustration, He ends the discussion for the time being. 3 What Jesus was telling them was conditions have changed; the ground has shifted. Welcome has become rejection. They must provide for themselves, including a sword (μαχαιρα – small, easily wielded) for defensive purposes. But the deeper meaning is they must prepare for both physical and spiritual persecution. That’s their new reality. Welcome in His name will now be persecution in His name; they must be prepared physically and spiritually. This isn’t a new theme: Jn 15: 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name.” Lu 21: 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” The ground has shifted. This is your new norm – hostility. And so it was. Ten of the remaining 11 faced persecution and death for their faith. John was severely tortured. Persecution was the rule, not the exception. The early days of the church were a bloodbath people martyred for their faith in Christ. Would we accept Jesus knowing it meant death? They did. And we may get our chance. After 200 plus years of welcome in Jesus’ name, the ground is shifting, isn’t it? Hostility to Xn values is increasing; we must be prepared – not with a physical knapsack and moneybag, but with the riches of the gospel – not with a physical sword, but with the sword of the Spirit -- the Word of God. That’s our defense as the culture increasingly singles out true believers for persecution. But make no mistake, the volcano has erupted. Biblical faith in increasingly marginalized in our society. Take a stand in favor of biblical creationism as opposed to Darwinian evolution and see how long you keep your teaching job. Defend a Xn worldview as a student and you’re in danger of getting an F. In 2012 the NY Board of Education banned the use of schools for Sunday morning worship – even tho they received rent. Seven men were arrested and held for 3 hours for trespassing – bc they knelt and sang two hymns outside the NYC BOE. Despite protests, the BOE held firm saying it would “protect the minds of impressionable youth.” Many college campuses, those beacons of freedom of speech, have within the past year adopted policies that student groups must not discriminate on the basis of religion in their membership and leadership. Thus longstanding Intervarsity and Cru groups have been banned from campus at Vanderbilt, 4 Bowdoin, Rollins and all 19 campuses in the CA State University system – just to name a few with more coming because they refuse gays as officers. Where once biblical revelation was the basis for morality, it is now majority opinion. Where biblical truth was once respected if not obeyed, it is increasingly marginalized in the name of tolerance. Against all odds; against thousands of years of tradition; against what nature reveals to be abnormal and against the Creators instruction, we’ve seen homosexual marriage become the law of the land by a 5-4 vote of 9 men! And we’ve seen a hostile minority impose its will on business owners who take a gracious stand against this aberration – soon to be followed, no doubt, by loss of tax exempt status by churches and organizations who maintain a biblical stance. The threat of “hate crime” penalties looms. We have a new norm. Are we ready? Will we stand? Evangelical chaplains in the military are under increasing pressure not to mention the name of Jesus in prayers. Some have been forbidden to use the Bible in counseling. We’re living in a new reality. The threat to freedom of religious expression, jobs and even lives is real. John MacArthur’s congregation moved his home to protect against harassment and death threats for his biblical stand on issues such as abortion and homosexuality. Journalist, James Reston, of the NY Times interviewed his 94-year-old mother about the world’s problems. She had a trenchant observation: “All this ‘progress’ is merely wickedness going faster.” That’s our brave new world. III. Why the Change in Normal? V. 37: For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” That’s from Isa 53:12 predicting what the world will think of Jesus. The world will take the only perfect man who ever lived, declare Him guilty for claiming to be God, and kill Him. The world loves a do-gooder Jesus. They have no use for a divine Jesus. So they kill Him and persecute His followers. Good is declared evil; evil is declared good. That’s the new order. But God’s perspective on the whole affair is given in the remainder of Isaiah’s prophecy. Isa 53:12b: “because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” The world claims Jesus bore His own sin to the cross. God knows, He bore ours. That means He has a claim on every life. And that means the name of Jesus is the means by which we are eternally 5 saved and reconciled to God – or the means by which we are eternally condemned and separated from God. That claim changes everything. God’s perspective is, “You’re either for me thru Christ, or you’re against me in opposition to Christ. And there is no middle ground.” It’s the name of Jesus that’s the issue – and it hits very close to home, Beloved. Linda Baker, a pastor’s wife, died a couple of years ago and was being buried in Sterling, CO. In accordance with her wishes, the family planned to have the word “Jesus” and the Christian fish symbol on her cemetery marker. But because it’s a city-owned cemetery, the manager initially refused to allow the word “Jesus.” Eventually city manager, Joe Kiolbasa overruled the refusal, but you can see where we’re headed. It’s the name that offends because of the claims it represents. Paul says in II Cor 2: 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” That is not a message that a self-justifying world easily accepts. The wonder isn’t that we increasingly face persecution; the wonder is that it hasn’t been sooner and stronger. Conc – So how do we react in light of shifting norms? Jesus says in Mt 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Be wise and be gentle. Speak the truth in love. Share Jesus regardless of consequences. Be faithful. “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” Be ready. We can afford to be gracious. In the end, we win. Let’s pray. 6