January 10, 2016 – “God’s Business” from John Knox Kirk on Vimeo.
A sermon preached at The Kirk of Kansas City, Missouri, on January 10, 2016.
Isaiah 43:1-7
and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
This text invites us to attend a BAPTISM.
In the life of the New Testament—few things are more important.
All four Gospels record the Baptism of Jesus,
and one of them, Matthew,
begins with this story of John Baptizing in the Jordan River
and ENDS with the final words of Jesus:
“Go, into all the world, and make disciples,
baptizing them then the name of
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe everything
I have commanded you—
–and Lo, I am with you always,
to the end of the age…”
So Baptism is a pretty big deal.
But as important as baptism is, we get NO words of instruction,
as to HOW we are to BEHAVE at a baptism.
But then again, I think the most significant moments of our life
tend to create their own atmosphere
they modify behavior in appropriate ways, all on their own.
If you attend a FUNERAL–
–even if it’s the FIRST funeral you have ever attended—you need no instruction.
Right BEFORE a funeral, people are standing around
talking about everything under the sun.
Where I grew up as a kid—people were always talking about crops.
Or, the weather
Or, some sports team.
Or, or MORE about the crops.
But then—everything STOPS—because the widow comes in.
This woman who now has to face life…without him.
This man who wonders what is next…without her.
And you DON’T need instruction—about how to behave.
The occasion…modifies your disposition,
appropriate to what you are experiencing.
I think it is the SAME at a WEDDING.
Oh, I know, BEFORE a wedding,
there’s this giant family and friend reunion,
and lots of laughing and back-slapping
and soda-cans tied to the bumper and all that stuff…
…BUT the moment they appear—before GOD and everybody—and the words begin:
“Will you…in sickness and in health,
poverty and wealth,
forsaking all others,
keeping yourself only unto the other,
as long as you both shall live…”
You DON’T need instructions—we know to be still.
The occasion modifies the behavior!
It’s like children—when their great-grandmother comes.
And they suddenly come in laughing from play outside—
and SUDDENLY they see her,
and they grow quiet
and gentle.
They are in AWE.
They want to touch her,
they want to hear her.
She is so…old, and has experienced so much…
you DON’T need to say:
“Now, children, be respectful,
this is the way you should behave
around your great-grandmother…”
They know…
They know…
///
It is the same way with a BAPTISM.
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