We have already learned that the values of the Kingdom of God are altogether different than the ways of the world. In this conclusion of Jesus’ discourse He makes it abundantly clear that those who follow the ways of the Kingdom of God will face serious persecution. Recently I witnessed an example of this.
Last month I read the book Onward by Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks. The book describes his leadership of this corporation. I took over thirteen pages of notes from the book! It is such a helpful book on leadership issues that Pastor Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Church invited Schultz to speak at this year’s Willow Creek Leadership Summit. This annual event is broadcast to thousands of churches across the USA. Schultz accepted the invitation and was scheduled to speak last Friday.
But the Gay community objected to Schultz speaking in an evangelical church that they deemed ‘anti-gay’ and began organizing a boycott of Starbucks. In deference to the threatened boycott Schultz canceled his appearance at the Leadership Summit.
In the light of today’s reading I offer the following:
First, Pastor Hybels exhibited respect both to Schultz and the Gay community in responding to this circumstance. Hybels refuted the charge his church was ‘anti-gay’ and noted that many homosexual persons participate in the life of Willow Creek Church. However, he graciously released Schultz from his contract in recognition that as the CEO of Starbucks, Schultz had a responsibility to his shareholders. Hybels encouraged the participants of the Summit to read Shultz’s book and to continue enjoying Starbucks. Hybels’ gracious response is a model for all followers of Jesus.
Second, we are now living in a time when the politicians in Washington have modeled for the whole country how to be disruptive and push your agenda by any means necessary while avoiding civility and discourse.
Third, this same Gay community considers the United Methodist Church ‘anti-gay’ on the basis of the prohibitions in the Book of Discipline on the ordination of homosexuals and on UM clergy officiating at same sex unions. Next April the General Conference of the UMC will be held in Tampa. Based on the behavior at the last two General Conferences of those who would change our Book of Discipline, and recent events, I am anticipating the Conference in Tampa may turn very ugly.
I love the Methodist Church and my Wesleyan heritage. (My heritage as a clergy member of the Methodist church goes back for almost three hundred years.) I am very concerned that the UMC may implode next April.
But, I take comfort from the Word of God and pray as did Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12, “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
I pray I will hear from the Lord the comforting message Jehoshaphat received: “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you.’
I ask you to pray with me.
What does today’s reading reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
Reading for 19-Aug-11 Matthew 11:1-24
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