October 18, 2009

Rev. JoBeth Marshall

Lectionary Scripture: Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35C; Mark 10:35-45

Sermon Synopsis of: "Name Three and Have Three Cups of Tea"

The meaning of discipleship in the Christian church is not privilege but service. James and John were so busy jockeying for what they thought would be the privileged places and trying to beat out the other disciples that they didn’t even know what they were asking. Patiently Jesus teaches then and us today that the kingdom of God comes through struggle and service and love for others not a golden earthly throne of privilege.

In your mind name three: (1) teachers who were meaningful in your life (2) friends- long time or new who have supported you in your life and (3) people who have made you feel appreciated and special in your life. These are people on the path to greatness by God’s will. "Christians may be ordinary people, but they acquire new value and dignity and greatness because they belong to God. The greatness of the Christian lies in the fact that they are God’s" (Homelitics, October 2009, p 63) and try to the best of their ability to do God’s will in their life upon the earth. It is God’s will that we are to serve through loving our neighbor.

Greg Mortenson, a trained army medic who loved adventure and building things joined a mountain-climbing team to climb the second highest peak in the world. "The Savage Peak"or commonly known as K2 -- by its map coordinates, is in the Himalayas on the border between Pakistan and China. In 1993, his 23 year old sister had died suddenly and he wanted to dedicate his conquest to her memory. Little did he know God had a new adventure in store for him. For the first time in his attempts, he "got within 600 meters of the summit. But then failing strength and altitude sickness forced him to turn back" (Ibid, p. 65). He was taken in by the Balti villagers and while he recuperated, he was amazed at the wonderful care he received as he healed. The Balti (who are Muslim people by faith) had so little and lived in such an inhospitable climate, yet they shared all they had with him as a stranger until he recovered and could return home. When he went back to visit, he wanted to build a school for them and tried to hurry it along. Haji Ali, the village leader, took him to his home for a talk and tea. He explained:

"If you want to thrive in Baltistan you must respect our ways. The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second, you are an honored guest. The third time you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die" (Ibid, p 68).

Mortenson realized he learned the most important lesson of his life. We all need to slow down and build relationships first with one another. Whether it is three cups of tea, three cold beers or 3 hot chocolates, humility and service in love for one another is God’s request. AMEN.