Yesterday we heard about the general Naaman, in 2 Kings, who was persuaded to heal his leprosy by washing in what to him was the unattractive River Jordan. I love the fact that heroism in this story is given in those who—unlike Naaman, the two kings, and the prophet—have no power at all. The young captive, snatched from her homeland of Israel and now serving the wife of the energy general, and the servants of Naaman. Any power any of them might seem to have would have come only from those they served. It probably took courage for them to speak up, but they did! They make their vulnerable lives even more vulnerable as they challenge the authority that controls them.
We are often reminded in Scripture that people with little power or wealth are God’s agents—and then small becomes surprisingly big. Because we’ve just had the Fourth of July, I’ve been remembering that the colonies were determined to challenge King George III in ’76, well before the surrender of the British in Yorktown in Oct 1781. They were still vulnerable and yet were determined to speak up for truth and justice. We continue to feel vulnerable, especially in these times of uncertainty and confrontations. And so this story asks us to look for our own Jordan River. Sure, we are essentially washed in the Jordan at the time of our baptism, but, like General Naaman, are we willing to commit ourselves by making the plunge into the Jordan over and over again?
Jesus tells his apostles to prepare to be vulnerable: “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals.” Not to carry a purse, for example, means not to carry anything in which to accumulate wealth—that’s subversive in our consumer culture. It indicates faith in a power beyond ourselves, in our Creator and in the spirit of the living Christ. It indicates that we are messengers of something far higher than ourselves, with a powerful calling to bring peace, mercy, and compassion. In this way we take part to defusing and challenging the injustices of this world.
When we manage as best we can with whatever we consider our own vulnerabilities, when we proceed knowing we have a purpose, we will know that the Holy Spirit has been with us and that we have touched the hem of God’s garments. The irony is that Christ sees abundance and strength where others see scarcity and vulnerability. Through our vulnerability—our willingness to plunge into what seems unfamiliar, we can be part of a healed, nurturing, and Christ-centered community. We may seem powerless, but God’s goodness always has power and always has a voice. The willingness to be vulnerable to the mercy of God is our strength.
Grace all ways, Pastor Dora
You are welcome to join us in worship every Sunday at 11:30. Together we can lift up our voices and sing our own needs, those of our community, the country, and the world. You are always welcome to leave messages for me in the office: 412 431-0118
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!