Messages, Meditations, and Musings on the Life of Faith by Rev. Dr. Scott E. Olson, Interim Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Preston, MN

Sunday, February 5, 2017

"Just Say the Word" - Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Just Say the Word
Epiphany 5 – Narrative Lectionary 3
February 5, 2017
Grace, Mankato, MN
Luke 7.1-17

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

You may recognize these words. They’re from one of my favorite songs in the early 70s, “You’ve God a Friend” by Carole King. It was on her Tapestry album, also one of my favorites. I wonder, how often we say something like this, “Just say the word and…” or some variation on the phrase? “Just say the word and I’ll do whatever you need.” Of course, not in the manipulative, Facebook sense, “If you’re really my friend you’ll repost this.” We say these things because we know that our words have power and we want others to know—or they us—that they are effective and do what is promise.

The Gospel writer Luke knows the power of words as well. Since Christmas and before, Luke as been answering the question, “Who is Jesus” and what is he about in various ways. At Jesus’ circumcision and presentation we learn that he is the long-awaited one. Then at his baptism, Jesus was declared God’s beloved Son. In his first sermon at his home congregation, Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy, giving sight to the blind, setting the prisoner free and bringing good news to the poor. Last week we heard how Jesus is the one who rightly understands the Sabbath and won’t let human rules get in the way. Now, in today’s readings, we hear about a Jesus who has authority to speak words of healing and life.

In the first episode, a Roman centurion sends a delegation asking for the healing of his much-beloved servant. Though the Jewish elders declare him worthy of Jesus’ attention, it becomes clear that the centurion doesn’t think so at all. But then he makes an incredible faith statement, “Only speak the word and my servant will be healed.” And though Jesus doesn’t say so directly, clearly Jesus can and does heal the servant at a distance. In the next episode, Jesus encounters a widow mourning the devastating loss of her only son. Without a husband or son, she will be dependent upon the generosity of others. Jesus has compassion on her and speaks an authoritative word that, in resuscitating the young man, results in resurrecting her life.

The centurion turns “just say the word” around, putting the authority of the word on Jesus rather than himself. It’s not, “Just say the word” and I’ll do something; it’s “Just say the word and I know it will happen.” As I thought about this phrase, it occurred to me that these words form a sort of prayer: “Jesus, please, just speak a word into this.” One of my colleagues pointed out that the Roman Catholics figured this out long before me (proving that there are few truly original thoughts). In the mass, just before Holy Communion, the priest makes an invitation to the table and the people respond, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” I’m going to invite you to respond similarly in a few minutes. The important thing is that this response acknowledges, as did the centurion, that all healing and grace come from God. Our worthiness is irrelevant.

This recognition of God’s authority leads me to ask you today: what word would we like Jesus to speak to you? For me, I would like God to speak a word of wisdom, to discern if I am leading this congregation faithfully as its pastor. I know that there are some among you who long for Jesus to speak a word of peace in our world that is being torn apart by divisiveness and polarization. Yesterday, at Ed Mellstrom’s funeral, we emphatically declared that death was not the last or even the most powerful word; the life found in Jesus Christ is far more powerful and authoritative. And when we gather at our Communion table, we’ll encounter the reliable word of forgiveness for, as Martin Luther says, where there is forgiveness of sins there is life and salvation.

What word do you want Jesus to speak to speak to you today? Know that he’s there even before you call on him. Amen.

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