Send in the Clowns

Pastor Jack or Bozo the Clown?

Five years ago, I attended an ordination service for a friend from seminary. The interim senior pastor of the church, The Rev. Dr. William N. Jackson, offered the sermon for the occasion. The sermon was based on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians: “We are fools for the sake of Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10a). In that letter, Paul is offering a “fatherly admonition” to the Corinthians, contrasting the life of an apostle with the lives of those of the church in Corinth. They had become too proud of their faith and maybe a bit judgmental of others. Paul attempts to knock them off their pedestal!

Paul’s words are a healthy reminder to all of us. We become content with our faith. We are comfortable with where we are in our walk with God. Often, the Christian thing-to-do is not always the most popular and Paul challenges us to move beyond our comfort zone. For this reason, we are called to be “fools for the sake of Christ.” Dr. Jackson offered his take on this Scripture and suggested that the word fool could also be interpreted as clown. The analogy of the clown is fantastic! While “fool” carries a very negative connotation, the “clown” encompasses a richer understanding. Using “clown” he speaks of what is entailed in being a “fool” for Christ:

1. The clown/fool for Christ’s sake does the unexpected; the extraordinary, the unusual.

2. The clown/fool for Christ’s sake does things for the good of others.

3. The clown/fool for Christ’s sake does what he or she does in loving vulnerability.

4. The clown/fool for Christ’s sake does what he or she does celebrating life

Do these sound like the characteristics of your life? It’s contrary to our natural tendencies, where we seek to serve ourselves and operate out of comfort. God’s Word, however, continually challenges us to move out of our comfort zones and do the unexpected, love our neighbors, humble ourselves, and celebrate the Life that has graciously given to us! God’s Word challenges us to be clowns for Christ’s sake, with everything that entails.

Dr. Jackson ended his sermon with a tale regarding a conference when he was speaking on this very passage from 1 Corinthians 4. Before he offered the closing prayer, a young woman began to play on her guitar the tune of that Broadway song, “Send in the Clowns." Spontaneously, and through God’s Spirit, she sang this:

“All through the world, all throughout life, people seek answers to sin, freedom, and strife. Send in the clowns. We are the clowns. Send in the clowns.”

We are the clowns. Send in the clowns. Amen!

Lead On...

St. Patrick

This week is quite a contrast from the events of Holy Week!  I am not scheduled to preach and, in fact, getting ready to travel to Nashville for The Outreach Foundation board meeting.  Apart from being part of what is, no doubt, going to be enriching conversations, I am also looking forward to seeing some old friends.  Margaret and I lived in Nashville and the first Presbyterian Church of Nashville was my first ordained call.

 It is truly amazing how God leads us through life.  Right out of seminary, we were called to Nashville, then we were called back to Texas, and now we are answering His calling to Washington.  Going back to Nashville this week reminds me that it is not my plans, but God’s plans that we are to follow.

In the spirit of reverence, devotion, and righteousness, I wanted to share something with you. The words are at attributed to an ancient Irish poem written by Dallan Forgaill dating back to the 8th century and translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrnel in 1905. Unlike the version that exists in our current Presbyterian hymnal, this version includes all of the original verses. It is my favorite hymn and I hope it points you to the wonderful way of Jesus Christ!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

 

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

 

Be Thou my battle shield, sword for the fight;

Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;

Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

 

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

 

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Final Thought... Reflections on Egypt Part 4

One final thought about Egypt and then I’d like to move on to another topic. The city of Luxor is incredible. 25% of the world’s antiquities are found there. This was my first trip there, even though it was my second trip to Egypt (We went to Sinai instead on our last trip!). It doesn’t take much to imagine what the ancient Egyptian civilization looked like. The Temple of Carnac is immense. The Luxor Temple, although not nearly as large, is equally impressive. The Valley of the Kings, located on the west side of the Nile, is incredible. Because of the dry desert climate, much has remained as it was over 3,000-4,000 years ago, at least to a certain extent.

Even though they have stood up well, they are ruins. The civilization is gone, only preserved in museums all over the world. The ancient gods of the pharaohs are no longer worshiped, but studied by historians and archaeologists.

I discovered that there is a reason the pyramids and tombs of ancient Egypt are on the west side of the Nile. It is because that is the side on which the sun sets. The god “Ra” is depicted as the sun, so when it sets, it signifies death. Interesting, right? The ancient Egyptians were very much concerned with the afterlife. In fact, once the pharaoh assumed position, he set the workers to task, building his pyramid or tomb, and all of his treasure to take with him into the afterlife.

Anyway, I couldn’t help but think of our own church building. What do you think people will say about it 1,000, 2,000, or even 4,000 years from now? Will there even be a church building or a world for that matter?

I said last time that the church is not the building, but rather the church is the followers of Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, many wonderful and life transforming events take place in the church, particularly in the sanctuary. But I think the question of whether or not there will be a church building is a moot point.

We don’t worship buildings or idols, no matter how sentimental we may be toward them. We worship a living God who is active and present in our everyday lives and is very concerned that we live, not just for the afterlife, but that we are agents of His kingdom here on earth! That means that we live out our faith in our everyday lives.

As the ancient Egyptians worked to build their own access into the afterlife, we, as believers in Jesus, celebrate that access has been provided for us. Let me leave this topic by offering you the words of truth that come to us in the Gospel John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (3:16).

Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church... Reflections on Egypt Part 3

One of the great experiences we have when visiting Egypt is to take time and speak to the folks at the Kasr El Dobara Church, the largest protestant church in all of the Middle East. The people of the church treat us with great kindness and hospitality. There is no telling how many people grace the doors of the church on any given week. One thing is clear, however, and that is the church is steeped in a rich history and service. One way to describe the church would be faithful people are being blessed by a faithful God! I couldn't help but think of these words. If you've read Tent to Tower, you know their origin. These are words from Dr. Mark Koehler at our own church's 75th anniversary back in 1960.

The Delta Presbytery of the Synod of the Nile planted the Kasr El Dobara Church back in 1940. The Rev. Ibrahim Said was elected as the church's first pastor. He was called the "golden mouthed preacher," which referred to his eloquence and his mastery over words. (No one, to date, has called me a "golden mouthed preacher," nor do I expect they ever will!) The church was given a permit by the king of Egypt in 1944, and they built a beautiful building and sanctuary (pictured above). Ask them to talk about the history of the church, however, and they won't tell you about the building or even the sanctuary, but rather, they want to share about the real church, the faithful men and women of the congregation, who seek to follow God and His direction.

The folks at Kasr El Dobara are doing innovative things. They are considered "progressive" when compared to the rest of the denomination, in terms of their ministries. Are they about the latest church ministry programs? No. In their words, they are simply trying to obey God and be faithful to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I couldn't help but think of our own church and wonder what the future entails. We are a church rooted in a great history. The sanctuary is magnificent. Everyone in Yakima knows the tower. However, a church (as our brothers and sisters in Egypt remind us) is not the building, it is the people who strive to follow Jesus, not just on Sunday mornings, but each and every day. We are a church committed to deepening our relationship with Jesus, so that we can love God and love our neighbors.

The second picture is one of a stained glass window behind the pulpit at the Kasr El Dobara Church. Clearly, it is an image of Jesus on the cross. What a beautiful reminder of who it is we follow!

During that 75th anniversary celebration of First Presbyterian Church of Yakima, Dr. Koehler went on to say, "This is our challenge for all future events and programs, that we are faithful to the glorious gospel and to the church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!" My hope and prayer is that, as we look to the future of FPC, we would have the courage and faithfulness to follow Him, wherever He might lead!

When a Door is Closed... Reflections on Egypt Part 2

The old expression goes "When a door is closed, God opens a window." This has never been more evident to me that on this trip to Egypt. I think about all of the frustrations I have had in life, particularly ones in ministry. It's so easy to quit and give up. I must confess that I do succumb to this temptation from time to time. But that is not what is expected of us in the Bible.

God wants us to persevere. I can't help but think of these words in the letter to the Hebrews: "There fore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God" (12:1-2, NRSV).

Egyptian Christians know something about perseverance. I see the task they have and it appears insurmountable. They are not worried. Their trust is in the Lord. They know that God is in control. Their faith and attitude was an encouragement to me and to all the members of our team. We heard time and time again, "Where there is an obstacle, there is an opportunity!" What a demonstration of Christian maturity!

What are the obstacles in your life? In what have you put your trust? Is it in the economic system? Is it in the things of this world? Or have you put your trust in the One who loves you so much, He was willing to lay down His life so that you might have abundant, eternal life?

As we are in this season of Lent, I hope you are taking this time to reflect upon the sacrifice of our Savior. We each have different obstacles to our faith lives. The obstacle for each of us, however, is our own sin, or as it is stated in Hebrews, the "sin that clings so close." The opportunity that is given to each of us is to welcome Jesus into our life again. My hope and prayer, as we approach our Easter celebration, is that you might see the window He has opened especially for you and that you might lay aside every weight and run with perseverance to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith!

Mutually Encouraged! Reflections on Egypt Part 1

A group of seven from FPC Yakima just returned from a two week experience in Egypt. Inevitably, the question is asked, "Why do we need to travel all the way to a foreign country when there is so much to do right here in our own backyard?"  I have heard the question asked numerous times.  My response has almost become reflex:  To build up the Body of Christ!

In his letter to the Romans, Paul expresses his intention to be with them.  Keeping in mind that Paul has never set foot in Rome, he expresses this desire:

"For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you- or rather so that we might be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." (Rom. 1:11-12, NRSV)

Our perception of mission is often one of concrete, cinder blocks, and marl.  That is not to say construction is not a very important part of our mission trips.  It is not the only component of mission work.  Did the Apostle Paul travel around with hammers and blueprints for construction?  No, he sought to build up the church through relational ministry.  He longed to see the believers in Rome because he wanted to share with them a "spiritual gift" for the purpose of strengthening the church, with the hope that they might be "mutually encouraged" by each other's faith.

Our group visited with many believers from Cairo to Upper Egypt.  They expressed deep appreciation for us taking time out of our lives to come and hear their stories and worship and pray with them.  They have many obstacles in front of them, but they treat them as opportunities.  Through these opportunities, they are open to God and put their trust in Him.

Many of the urban Christian communities do not have pastors.  So over the last few years, the Synod of the Nile has provided training for lay pastors.  We met with 37 of the 39 lay pastors who serve these urban communities.  They talked of the challenges they faces in doing ministry. Challenges that, quite frankly, you and I do not have to face.  In a place where they are clearly the minority, it's easy to feel as though you are isolated.  But they persevere and labor in the work of the Lord.  They do not get discouraged.  As one of the lay pastors shared, when a door is closed, God opens a window.  

Our group, along with folks from Tennessee, California, and Pennsylvania, spent much time talking about our experiences on the trip.  The common reaction was that we received so much from this trip.  There is no doubt that we were an encouragement to those we visited, but we were equally, if not more, encouraged by the people with whom we visited.  The Apostle Paul  knew what he was talking about in his letter to the Romans.  

I was encouraged to live more "missionally."  Not everyone is called to go to a foreign country, but we all live in a mission field right here in the Yakima valley.  The Egyptian Christians taught us that living missionally entails what you do, as much as what you say.  A question for us is are we living in such a way that people will have no doubt our love is for God and our neighbor, whoever that might be?

My hope and prayer is that as you talk to the folks who went, you might be encouraged and inspired to live missionally.  That was definitely the case for our team in Egypt.