Sermon - 4th Sunday of Easter - Year A

John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47

                                                    Life - Abundantly 

It has been a bit difficult to take attendance, with these life-streaming worship services.  So, I have no way of knowing or remembering how many of you with us this morning may have been with us on Easter morning.  In preparing for this morning’s worship service, I kept remembering Easter and the emotions I shared during the sermon that morning.

Easter 2020 was unlike any we have ever experienced.  There were no sanctuaries filled with worshippers; none of the pre-Easter shopping for a new outfit.  Charlie did a marvelous job directing our music for that Sunday, but absent was the large choir and additional brass instruments.

All of that started us down a sad path Easter morning, until we began to realize that this Easter was in many ways the most like that first Easter we will ever experience.  More questions than answers.  Only a few close followers slipping out into the unknown in order to attempt to do what they could.  And worry that this may only be the start of what could be a very bad season.

We are still in that place.  While unrest has forced the lifting of the most severe of restrictions, the benchmarks we had established for ourselves six weeks ago are being abandoned or simply ignored.  There continues to be great uncertainty.

Once again, we could find ourselves starting in a downward emotional spiral.  But this is not my intention.  In fact, placing this morning in parallel with Easter is the first and only necessary indication that in this there will surely be a message of Good News.  The uncertainty in some aspects of our lives makes crystal clear the confidences and assurances and confessions of a great and glorious day dawning upon us from on high.

And that is exactly what is happening to us today!

Hopefully, you still have your bibles close at hand.  And you didn’t lose your place – both with regard to John Chapter 10 and Acts 2.  Place a a bookmark there, or a finger.

We are going to start with John.  Evan, our Director of Faith Formation, shared a wonderful story this week with our ministry groups meeting online.  One of the weeks he served as a camp counselor involved students preparing for their Affirmation of Faith.  This group had a habit which ensured that every participant learned John 10:10. Every morning, at 10:10 am, one of the advisers would yell, “It’s 10:10!”  And all of the members of their community would recite John 10:10. You should still have it there before you:  “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Since you are sitting in your living room rather than being crammed into a pew, too close to one of those folks who hates to hear mumbling during the sermon, you can turn to your housemates and discuss adding this little activity to your day.  For those of you edging too close to stir-crazy, it might even a break.  Set an alarm on your phone.

Let’s practice: “It’s 10:10!” 

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” 

We do come closest to capturing the experience of that first Easter morning when we remember Jesus’ words regarding his mission and purpose.  In the rush to establish institutions, the message of Jesus has gotten a bit boxed in and accessorized.  Some accessories are lovely and do enhance the overall effect of our Easter outfits.  But others distract and take on a life of their own and begin to impede the thing which lies at the core. 

The message of that first Easter (and every Easter since) remains an announcement that where the world might bring death, God shines forth with life.

“It’s 10:10!” 

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” 

You know this.  You have experienced this.  This and this alone is the reason why you get up on a Sunday morning and move to that place where you can connect and reconnect with the Word of God and the promise of God.

Here is where I want to link over to the passage from Acts, Chapter 2.  Let’s note the principal location for the followers of Jesus to practice their piety.   Look at verse 46.  The center of their religious life was in their homes.  They did spend time in the temple, but it was at home that they “broke bread” and “ate their food with glad and generous hearts.”  I want us to notice this link and I pray to God that when COVID lock-downs are spoken of only as a matter of “do you remember when….” that we will be living in a world where the followers of Jesus are fed and encouraged and taught in the place where Jesus’ initial disciples lived out their devotion; in that place where we form our greatest and deepest convictions and life patterns.  Pastor Robert was fond of saying, “Faith is caught, not taught.”  And it is best contracted from those who live closest to us. 

“They broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.”

The abundant life which Jesus brings to us is not some elaborate concoction requiring a Masters Degree to understand.  The news of the Resurrection does not necessitate a return to the large stone edifices which adorn the street corners of our cities.  Jesus came, and died, and rose.  All of this is fully and completely summed up in the promise of John 10:10.  “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  This simple affirmation is the only confession necessary to faith.

I think, when all the uncertainty is lifted, and we are once again comfortable gathering in large groups there is going to be a bit less of a need to do so.  I think – no I believe – that the strange times in which we find ourselves are allowing the preacher and teacher and theologian to emerge in each one of us.  I believe – no I hope – that we will never again return to a time when our children’s instruction is something that happens when they leave the home and go to some other location.  COVID may be moving us closer to the prophet’s announcement of the day on which each will teach their brother and mother will communicate to daughter the goodness of God grace and mercy.

There are many things which make these days frightening and unsettling.  One of the things which pushes back the curtains is the way in which each one is being the presence of Christ and the voice of his Church.  Each one is becoming resident theologian and preacher and teacher.  The Church will not emerge from this the same as we went into it.  Something great and glorious is emerging from the other side.  Can you see it?

Well, if not, keep looking.  And set that timer – right now.  10:10. Every day.  What does Jesus say?  “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” 

Amen.