A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on
Sunday 18 August 2019, Tenth Sunday after
Pentecost, by Timothy Chan. The scripture readings that day were Psalm 82, Hebrews 11:29–12:2, Luke 12:49–56.
Good morning sisters and brothers.
Do you have your bulletin with you? sometimes when I am reading about the
prayer concern, I wonder for how long would conflicts and divisions be no more.
I wish there can be more good news written in the bulletin. It would be nice if
we are all living in a peaceful society, where no one has any complain, no
protest, no tear gas, no violence. It would be nice, too nice, unrealistically
nice. Then we read about this passage from the Gospel of Luke this morning,
saying, Jesus the Cause of Division. I think it’s time for us to renew
our understanding of peace and division. Before we dig deeper, let’s pray:
God of justice, God of peace. Help
us to understand what it means to follow you. Help us to find peace in you
instead of looking for it in the world. May your Holy Spirit come and inspire
us, ignite our passion to follow you again. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
“I came to bring fire to the earth,
and how I wish it were already kindled!” This is how Jesus describes His mission.
When we think of fire in an apocalyptic perspective, we would think of the
hellfire of destruction, punishment and judgement. That’s why we would be
confused of why Jesus is going to punish and judge the earth. But in the
context of Luke, or in the wider Old Testament context, fire has a few more
meanings. In the Exodus, fire signifies the presence of God, think of how the
pillar of fire leading the Israelites in the wilderness and how he shows
himself in the fire to Moses. In the prophetic books, fire carries a meaning of
transformation and sanctification. In the context of Luke particularly, the
image of fire is the continuity of the mission of John the Baptist, which is
the refiner’s fire, purifying our sin, and making us holy. If we can expand our
understanding of fire here in this context, then we know Jesus is coming to
judge and punish, but to make things right, to remove the evil within us, our
society and all humanity.
The second thing he mentions in his
mission is baptism. For many of us who are baptized would know the meaning of
it. It means we are dead to the world, so we can live for God. Baptism is also
a mark we carry, separating us from the world, telling the world and its
authority that we are children of God, citizens of God’s Kingdom. For us, it
might only be a religious ritual. However, in the New Testament time, it is a
political statement. By declaring themselves as the citizens of God’s kingdom,
and to recognize Jesus Christ as their King and Lord, Christians were accused
of treason. They are labelled as threats to the national security of the
Roman’s Empire. At the same time, Christians were also being rejected by the
Jewish community for betraying their tradition. These are the reasons why
Christians were persecuted in the first few centuries.
Even today, Christians are being
persecuted in many countries, such as China, because of the value and belief we
hold firm to. Therefore, the mission of baptism is a mission to disturb and
challenge the earthly authorities, cultures and spiritual forces which go
against the Kingdom of God. No wonder Jesus says: “Do you think that I have
come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” This
division can be so close to us that it happens within our families as mentioned
in the scripture.
The scripture reading this morning
reminds me of the current situation in Hong Kong, where we all experience
different kind of divisions. It might happen in our workplace, in our family,
among our friends, or even in the church. It is easy to think we are right, and
they are wrong. It is easy for us to think that God is on our side, because we
are pursuing justice and peace. But I find it unconvincing, for both sides
believe that they are advocating for justice, and against violence. So who is
right?
Yesterday, there was a gathering in
the Tamar park in Admiralty, organized by pro-government group, their group
name is “Safe Guard Hong Kong”. They advocated against violence too, but they
support the police’s excessive use of force. I also rememfber how these people
celebrated when the white shirts beat up citizens in Yuen Long MTR area. It is
hypocritic. Today’s problem is how people become selective on what they support
and how they misinterpret and abuse the meaning of justice in order to fit
their own agenda. People can be divided because of their own selfish motives
and benefits.
What about us then? What we are
standing for today? In the midst of division and conflict, we need to have
courage to be critical on what we are supporting too. How can we, as
Christians, support and follow the values of God’s Kingdom instead of
supporting a particular group of people or a political agenda? Are we too
overwhelmed by what happened around us that we forget to simply pray and listen
to God? We all have our own emotions to deal with, we all feel frustrated,
angry, and sometime confused. While we are paying attention to what is
happening around us, let us not forget to spend time with God, and to be still,
and know that He is God, to seek his will be done, not ours.
If division is unavoidable, we have
to understand why. Today, we are divided not because we are supporting
democracy or not, we are divided not because we are supporting the police or
not. Today, we have to remind ourselves that Jesus is the cause of division,
which means, in order to follow Jesus, we must make decisions to separate
ourselves from injustice and evil. That is why in the midst of chaos, we must
turn our eyes to Jesus, to ask God where we should stand in the context God is
placing us. God is not asking us to be indifferent, or to turn a blind eye and
run away from what is happening around us. Instead, God is inviting us to
engage, so we can be the light and salt of the world, to testify his love
and justice.
I like the word Division used here.
It is a process, it is not trying to erase the difference, but to highlight the
constant struggle in the context. Instead of retreating and running away,
division actually offers hope for those who are oppressed. So, let us not be
afraid of division. I thank God for division, because it means we have a choice
to make, to follow his way, or to follow the world, even sometime following God
would give us more trouble and may put us in danger. I thank God for division,
for it means God still cares, and he doesn’t ignore sin and compromise to evil.
Only if we have faith in God’s judgement and promise, we would have the
courage to embrace division. This is what our ancestors in faith has
demonstrated to us.
If we choose to believe and follow
the way of God, we must be ready for the consequence and the choice to make. In
Hebrews chapter 11:29 to verse 12:2. The author listed out the faith of
Israelite heroes. It reads:
29 By faith the people
passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians
attempted to do so they were drowned. 30 By faith
the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By
faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were
disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
In these situations, the people of
God has made the decision by faith. The Israelites could have stayed in Egypt
to be enslaved, instead, they have faith in God for the Promised Land. They
chose to leave Egypt, a place where they have inhabited for a few generations.
They might be suffering, but Egypt was also their comfort zone. But then, they
made a choice to leave that place of oppression and slavery, to rebel against
the will of the Pharaoh. They disobeyed their government so they could receive
the promise of God. They made the first
move to leave, and God was helping them to pass through the Red Sea.
Rahab, the prostitute is also listed
among the people of faith. We are not sure why she became a prostitute in the
first place, but we know the ancient society has the least respect for them.
According to the scripture, she is convinced that God has promised the city
Jericho to the Israelites. She decided to hide the spies sent by Joshua from
her people, in another word, she had to disobey her people to receive the
promise of God. There are many more people mentioned in the scripture who
received the promise of God through faith. They have all made a choice, a
choice which might not be welcomed and agreed by the majority. They chose to
act up against injustice and confront evil. They chose Jesus over their own
life, for they have faith in the judgement and promise of God.
Friends, not all of us are lucky to
have received the promise right away. Some of us might be making the right
choice to stand up for justice and confront evil, but because of it, being
persecuted. This reminds of me of a refugee friend I have met in KUC. Other
than having fellowship every Tuesday in KUC, I would bring a few members from
our fellowship to different schools and churches to share their experience in
Hong Kong and their testimonies. I remember one time, there was a student
asking one of our friends, “Do you regret involving in political movement, and
speaking against the government? If you have not done all these, you wouldn’t
become a refugee now”. Without a single thought, my friend said “No.” he
continues “If I am given another chance, I would still do what I have done, for
it’s a matter of justice and what is right or wrong.” Even though now he is
separated from his family, and living a difficult life in Hong Kong, he did not
blame God and has no regret of the choice he has made. For he follows the way
of God’s Kingdom, to stand up against injustice and evil.
Sometimes I wonder what is the price
for us to believe in God in Hong Kong. What is the price for us to do what is
right? Do we have the courage to make the right decision, to help those who are
weak and oppressed? We are living in a time where it is easier to judge than to
reflect what we are standing for. I hope we can all remember the mission of Jesus,
who sends fire and baptizes the earth. The fire is not only for retribution,
but also for purification and transformation. This fire is not only for those
who are wicked. It is also prepared for those who believe and follow him. We
are all called to be representatives of God in the world and be part of his
mission. May we be conscious of the roles God has given us, to bring true peace
to where we are living even it may result in division. For peace without
justice is tyranny. (William Allen White)
Friends, let us put our faith in
Jesus, who is “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.” Our choice
to follow God and pursue goodness may result in persecution and division, but
compare to the promise of God, they are all temporary. No matter what you are
struggling with now, I believe God is inviting us to make a choice and decision
to follow His way. Let us set our sight on his promises and goodness, for even
we are in the darkest valley, he is there with us, for he is our shepherd, our
savior, and our liberator. Amen.
# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, August 18, 2019
A
sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 4 August 2019, the Eighth Sunday
after Pentecost, by the Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that
day were Psalm
107:1-9, 43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21.
Opening prayer
God of life,
May Your word strengthen our faith, fill us with your
love and transform us to be more like Christ. Holy Spirit, come and speak to
us.
May the word of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable and pleasing to you, our redeemer and saviour. Amen.
Message
Today I would like to share with a message about love.
Love is the core of Christian faith. We all agree that
love is very much needed by everyone.
Love is a powerful driving force to human beings.
I believe love is the answer to many problems and
challenges we are encountering in our personal lives, our city and in our world today.
Recently Hong Kong has become a city of protests.
Since 9th of June, there are protests every weekend and even on some
weekdays. Tomorrow there is an online
call for a general strike. Many protesters walking the streets are students and young working
adults. Why do the young people
walk to the street and go to the frontline?
I would like to present you a video. It is about a student from the Chinese University who spoke and
questioned the Vice Chancellor in a forum.
This student wore a full gear - a helmet, eye protective goggles and a black mask to cover his
whole face.
He said that this full gear outfit that he was wearing was common amongst
his fellow students and friends who are staying in the frontline. The
student shared that he wore this outfit not to embarrass the
University but it deliberately manifests their fear. Fear of heavy weapons (tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets) from the
police. And fear of white terror.
I watched the video for a few times. I was sad but was touched at the same time.
I was sad for what they have suffered and sacrificed for Hong Kong:
being injured, and being arrested
and prosecuted. I was touched
on the other hand by their
love to HK and other people. Out of this selfless love, they overcome fear and
risk their future and even risk their life. Actually it is not only me. Many people from all walks to life are touched by their self-sacrificing love to Hong Kong.
Even people do not agree with their strategies and
methods, their love and heart to HK should be appreciated and should not be denied.
I personally witnessed how housewives, retired
elderly, young social workers and pastors young and old went to the street in
late night in support of the young protesters. They loved them and wanted to
protect them. These people are not necessarily in support of the young
protesters to block the roads and risk their life to confront the police. They
went there just because they didn’t want our children get hurt. They wanted to
be peace ambassadors on site and helped the young people to find a safe place
to stay.
Yesterday a group of young volunteers came to our church to make food for the protesters. Yesterday the
protest was organized in Mongkok but the protesters walked to Tsimshashui in
the evening.
In the past week, stories were shared in social media
that there are young people starving while they were joining the protests
because they spent their money to buy gear or simply they don’t have money
because they are just students without income or support from family. Many
working adults have been moved by these stories and volunteered to donate food
coupons to the young protesters in need.
In the anti-extradition bill protests, people have
been supporting each other and caring for each other even though they don’t
know each other. It is amazing.
In the midst of crisis, I see the beauty of love and
connectedness amongst people.
I am not trying to romanticize the movement. I
recognize the harsh reality in which there is increasing hatred between the
protesters and police, many people are depressed and feeling hopeless, there
are friends who unfriend each other and there are fights between parents and
their children because of different political stands. A few weeks ago, a young
man who was kicked out by his family committed suicide. It was sad and breaking
people’s heart.
From the stories above, we see love can help people
overcome fear.
Love can heal and save a life.
At the same time, life without love brings people to a dead end.
In today’s lectionary reading taken from Psalm 107, we
are affirmed by God of their steadfast love.
We see how the kind and generous manners in the social movement reveal God’s steadfast love. The God of steadfast love redeemed people from trouble, delivered them from distress
and satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry.
The gospel account from Luke today is taking about a selfish and greedy rich man who stored up his wealth. His act
is a great contrast to people young and old who selflessly give and support
each other in the movement right
now. When people are
filled with love, they are generous to share and even have no fear to sacrifice
their own interests.
The message
from the book of Colossians 3 this morning is timely. The early church leader reminded the followers of Christ
not to be greedy, not to lie and not to speak abusive language. The love of
Christ compels the disciples to live a
new life to reveal the image of Creator God. Jesus Christ who manifests God’s
image and glory is the example that all disciples should have to follow.
God’s love is
revealed in Christ.
Jesus Christ,
the incarnated God, powerful and yet humble himself. He came to serve but not
to be served. When God’s people sinned, Jesus came to identify with humanity. He forgives and heals.
Jesus Christ,
the world’s redeemer and liberator had shown us what’s love all about. A love to forgive. A love to sacrifice. A love to die. A love to liberate and set people
free from oppression. A love to heal the sick and to mend the broken hearted
and give new life to the dead.
Jesus Christ
has demonstrated a love that is changing people’s heart and life.
Jesus Christ
calls people, you and me, to repent and return to God, the Steadfast Love.
With the
example of Jesus in God’s steadfast love, I would share with you how we live
out a life of love. Please listen carefully and see which aspect of love is
close to your heart and calls you for action.
Love is not to convince but to listen and to
understand
Love is not to hate but to embrace
Love is not to seek revenge but to forgive
Love is not
to possess with greed but to share with generosity
Love is not
to make people frightened but to grant peace
Love is not
to lie but to speak the truth
Love is not
to hurt but to heal
Love is not
to control but to let go
Love is not only relevant to individuals,
it matters to community. Move beyond our personal life, with the perfect love that lives within us, I
would like you to join me in prayer for those who are in power with positions:
- may love move them not
to kill but to give life
- may love move them not
to oppress but to serve the people
To end my sermon, I would like to
share with you the song - “Love changes everything”.
This was a song composed by Andrew LIoyd Webber and
was first released 30 years ago in 1989. The inspiration of my sermon title is
from this song.
As the song
“Love Changes Everything” said,
“Love will
never let you be the same”
Love will not
let the world be the same.
In the
steadfast love of God, nothing will ever be the same!
Lyrics below:
Love, love changes everything
Hands and faces, earth and sky
Love, love changes everything
How you live and how you die
Love, can make the summer fly
Or a night seem like a lifetime
Yes love, love changes everything
Now I tremble at your name
Nothing in the world will ever be the same
Love, love changes everything
Days are longer, words mean more
Love, love changes everything
Pain is deeper than before
Love will turn your world around
And that world will last forever
Yes love, love changes everything
Brings you glory, brings you shame
Nothing in the world will ever be the same
Off into the world we go
Planning futures, shaping years
Love bursts in and suddenly all our wisdom disappears
Love makes fools of everyone
All the rules we made are broken
Yes love, love changes everyone
Live or perish in its flame
Love will never never let you be the same
Love will never never let you be the same
Let us pray
Creator God,
We pray that
your steadfast LOVE fills everyone’s heart. May we all live a life of love that
brings hope, joy and peace.
May love
change us for the goodness of God.
May on earth
every mouth give you thanks and glorify your holy name. Amen!
# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, August 04, 2019
