Loving God, you are faithful, and you keep your promises. You promised through your Son Jesus to be with us always. Grant us an awareness of your presence with us and of your love, not only this day, but every day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A rich man stopped to visit the Teacher in his modest hut. He was astonished to see that such a famous man had but a wood table, some simple chairs, and a few books in his main room. "Teacher," the man asked, "where is your furniture?"
"I might ask the same question of you," the Teacher replied.
"I have no furniture because I am just a pilgrim. I am just passing through."
The Teacher smiled, "So am I." (Stories for the Journey by William R. White; Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1988, p. 99)

The Teacher knew in his heart and his life what the Scriptures proclaim: True treasure is not to be found in the things of this world (Lk. 12:33). Like Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, who lived in tents, he knew that his true home is not on this earth (Heb. 11:13-16). Rather, his heavenly home is the place that he values the most.

Throughout history, there have been people like the Teacher who have chosen a life of simplicity. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the better known of these people, who chose to give up a life of luxury in order to serve others and preach the gospel. His life became one of voluntary poverty, which he felt was the only way for him to live as a follower of Jesus.

So.... is this the only way to live as a follower of Jesus? Do we all need to go home today and sell everything we have and give the money to the poor? After all, that's exactly what it says in the gospel: "Sell your possessions, and give alms" (Lk. 12:33). Is this a straight-forward command from Jesus or one of those cases where he overstates things a little bit in order to get our attention? After all, isn't the real question here, Where is your treasure and where is your heart?

And so, if your possessions are actually a constant source of worry to you and end up taking all your time and energy, then maybe it's a good idea to get rid of them. After all, who needs the stress? And if your house costs you more than you actually have and takes up most of your time and energy, then maybe it's time to move somewhere a little more modest. And if you lay awake at night worrying about your investment portfolio and how your stocks are doing, maybe it's time to just sell it all, and give the money to those who need it the most. After all, who needs the constant worry?

Jesus knows the human heart. Jesus knows our hearts and knows the things that get in the way of having a life-giving relationship with God. "Watch out," he says. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Lk. 12:34).

Have you ever noticed that your treasure doesn't follow your heart, but it's the other way around? We tend to operate under the assumption that people give their hearts to Jesus first. However, today's gospel seems to say that it's the treasure that comes first. Perhaps this pirate actually has the right idea (show cartoon). For those of you who can't quite make it out, the pirate has just put his treasure map in the offering plate. The gospel tells us that our heart just isn't there until our treasure is in the same place.

Now, it may have seemed to you earlier that our gospel for today contains two different topics. Part of it seems to be about treasure and possessions, and part seems to be about being ready for action because Jesus is coming. However, in this chapter of Luke (12), it is actually all one topic. In fact, how we handle our possessions, and the orientation of our treasure and our hearts - this is all part of being ready for the coming of Christ.

Now, with respect to the coming of Christ, where is Jesus now? (responses) Is he here? Do you remember that promise from Matthew 28? "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt. 28:20). So yes - Jesus is here. And how does Jesus come to us now? (responses) - He comes primarily through Word and Sacrament. He speaks to us through the Scriptures and by the Holy Spirit. He comes to us in the bread and the wine and gives himself to us. Remember that part that we sing before Communion? "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Jesus comes to us now!

And so that little joke that was on the screen at the beginning of the service was just that: a joke. If you missed it, it said, "Jesus is coming. Look busy." Unfortunately it does reflect the attitude that some people live with. There are always those who think that they'll get really busy and really faithful just before their time is up. However, today's gospel reminds us that we're not going to know when our time is up. Jesus will appear "at an unexpected hour" (Lk. 12:40). The time to be ready is now.

Now, just in case you're confused about the fact that Jesus is already here and he is still coming, let's make a little clarification here. The Scriptures do teach that Jesus will come again. He will appear in visible form and will come to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1). However, at the same time, he is already here. He is not here in visible, bodily form, but he is here. And so, when today's gospel talks about the Son of Man coming, it is in the present tense. Jesus is the one who continues to come to us and who will make his final appearance on the day of judgment.

In the mean time, we are to be ready for action with our lamps lit (Lk. 12:35). In other words, we are to live each day as if Jesus comes to us and spends the day right here with us. In everything we do, it is good for us to ask the question, "Would I do this if Jesus were standing right here beside me?" If the answer is, "No," then we shouldn't be doing it. The truth is that Jesus is right here with us. He has promised it. Nothing that we do goes unseen or unnoticed. God knows our hearts and our minds.

Yet, this is not a case of "Big Brother is watching." God's presence here with us is not an occasion for fear. Did you notice the very first verse in today's gospel? "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Lk. 12:32). This is followed by: "Sell your possessions, and give alms." God gives us the kingdom. It is his gracious pleasure. It is the reason why Jesus came. If we were to sell our possessions and give the money to those in need, we would have no reason to be afraid for the future. Remember, those who seek the kingdom of God above all else will have everything they need.

In other words, use the gifts that God has given you. In all things, seek to give glory to God and to serve others. Seek to live according to God's will. Love as Jesus loved. Give, for it has been given to you and will be given to you. Forgive, for you have been forgiven, and you will be forgiven. Open your hearts to God's power, God's love and God's Spirit. Build and maintain your relationship with God.

God has saved you through Jesus Christ. God has claimed you as his own in Holy Baptism. God has nourished you at the Lord's Table, giving you forgiveness and new life. "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." There is no need to fear. There is need only to give thanks and to live as a companion and follower of Jesus. Amen.

Lectionary 19 (C) Luke 12:32-40
August 12, 2007 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
St. Luke's Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore
? 2007 Lynne Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved