Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (proper 6): June 12, 2005.

Exodus 19:2-8a

Psalm 100

Romans 5:1-8

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

First Reading

Lester Meyer notes that in this text Israel "arrives at the place which is the setting for the rest of Exodus" (Exodus [Augsburg, 1983], 113ff.). That place, of course, is the "holy mountain" where God had led God's people. Here, at Sinai, Yahweh puts forward both promise and command. Promise: You shall be "my treasured possession" (NRSV). Command: "... obey my voice and keep my covenant."

The call to be Yahweh's "treasured possession" is undergirded by the gospel message at the very beginning of Yahweh's call to Israel, "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians ..." (see With One Voice #770). The gospel is clearly the foundation for Israel's vocation--"priestly kingdom," "holy nation." While Yahweh's grace in rescuing Israel is the motivation for all of Israel's life, that life of thanksgiving, priesthood, intercession, and service to others is the pattern for "holy living."

Paul also talks lavishly about the gospel. His image is not the exodus from Egypt but the death of Jesus for the "ungodly," those who have no fear or awe in the face of God. If God can give God's only Son for those set against God, those who have no respect for God, then what will those "saved" do with the "peace" that has been given them? Jesus has given us "access." What will we do with that "access"?

Jesus calls twelve. These "special" twelve certainly have "access." They are even named by the writer of Matthew's Gospel. With access comes responsibility, a commission. Jesus seems to answer his own prayer (9:38) by sending out the twelve. He has specific instructions for them. In his steps they walk, and, as they walk, they are to act with "compassion" (9:36), that is, they are to "suffer with" those they serve--"get into their shoes," a modern idiom might say.

Pastoral Reflections

So you want to be a "church worker"? Or, perhaps, you "simply" want to be a Christian, a follower, one who walks in the steps of Christ. If you do, be ready to take the blessing "special people," "treasured possession"--however you want to translate the Hebrew of Exodus 19:5--seriously.

I remember the transition from high school to college. I had worked very hard in high school, National Honor Society and all that. Still, I wasn't sure I was ready for college. The library and its contents became special friends very fast. Although the Lord had blessed me with intellect, dedication to my school work, and many gifted teachers and friends, the challenge of college classes was still great, and the step from high school to college immense.

Like many other somewhat intimidated college freshmen, I made it through school, into seminary, through that curriculum, and on to parish ministry. Thank God for "continuing education" in the "ELCA as well!

The "education" begins, however, in baptism, which connects us to Jesus and his death "for the ungodly" (Rom 5:6). It begins in God's call to be God's "special people." "Special" has many connotations for people today. From Exodus and much of the Old Testament, however, the one meaning that stands out is that "special people" bear great responsibility. As we live out our "specialness," our "treasuredness," that responsibility has to come through. It is the ultimate privilege to bear that responsibility as God's "special people." Like "the father of Israel," Abraham, we have been "blessed to be a blessing." TCG