The kids will tell you about more about the youth gathering a little later — but each night as we would reflect on the day together…it was usually the speakers who touched them most profoundly. We heard speakers who shared their passion and compassion for children who have been abused, imprisoned, and dismissed as unimportant by our systems of justice. Speakers who shared the violence and the pain of rejection that they had experienced because of their race or gender or sexuality. And speakers who spoke honestly about their struggles with terminal illness, depression, addiction, anorexia and self-harm.
As they all told their stories throughout the week…one thread ran through them all. And that was their willingness to be vulnerable. To risk telling their stories, warts and all…to risk being honest about who they were, even if others might reject them…because they trusted God’s grace and love held them completely.
It made me think of the findings of Dr. Brene Brown. Some of you might be familiar with her — she’s a research professor and author who became widely known after a TED talk in 2010, where she shared her discovery…based on research…that the most powerful tool we have to create meaningful human relationships is our vulnerability. Doing things “right” will not help us achieve a full and satisfying life…any more than attaining some measure of perfection or “getting our ducks in a row”. No — it is when we have the courage to risk letting ourselves be fully known and fully seen…and let go of our belief that if people really knew us…they would reject us…that we will discover abundant life.
The power of vulnerability…It’s hip research these days. Millions of hits on the web. But really, it’s old news. Because it’s the way of the gospel, after all. Paul knew it…what did he say? He wanted God to take away his struggles…his thorn in the flesh…his weaknesses. But Jesus responded –“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, Paul says, “Ok…so I guess I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”
Basically…this means it is not our successes that make us bearers of grace…rather, it is our willingness to be loved as we are, struggling and broken..that makes us able to bring grace to others as they are. It is only in risking rejection, not covering up or being ashamed of our stories…but acknowledging our weaknesses…that love and healing can begin to happen and abundant life is possible. Paul knew that. And he pretty much hated it…he was used to being in control. He was used to having all the answers. He was used to being above reproach…a paragon of virtue. But, it was his witness as a failure….as someone who didn’t do the good he wanted to do…not a hero of the faith…that allowed others to know the grace and love of Jesus through him. Paul had screwed up royally by persecuting Jesus’ followers…he’d overseen stonings, sure of his moral authority. And now…he had to acknowledge it. He acknowledged his arrogance and pride, his self-righteousness and the bigotry that still clung to him. He acknowledged his weakness…and how deeply he needed grace….and THAT was when his message finally became clear…that in Jesus, there was more than enough grace to meet his need and ours. Paul had to be willing to put himself out there, knowing he would be rejected by all the people that used to admire him. And he was. We know that — Paul was rejected over and over again. Imprisoned. Thrown out of town. Maligned by the very churches he started.
Daring to be vulnerable makes the possibility of rejection possible. This week, part of the story of those speakers we heard was how they had been rejected again and again. Most are still are the targets of judgment and derision. But that’s kind of the way of Jesus, isn’t it? I mean, if we’re following him…that seems to be the road we’re on.
Jesus was rejected…again and again. In his hometown…he was rejected by those he had known all his life. He was only “Mary’s boy”, after all. (Notice, NOT Joseph’s boy…they intentionally were referring to his born out of wedlock status to demean him). He was rejected by his synagogue. He was rejected by his religious leaders. He was even rejected by those who professed to love him…because he didn’t meet their expectations. Because he didn’t follow the script that his culture laid out for him. Jesus was rejected, again and again…and finally executed…one more in the ongoing procession of victims of political injustice.
But what we have to remember…what we have to realize…is that their rejection doesn’t change who Jesus is. He is still God’s son. He is still savior of the world. He is still the Word made flesh, the love of God incarnate and the light of the world that no darkness can overcome.
No, the rejection of others doesn’t change who Jesus is… but it does limit their ability to experience the healing and grace and abundant life he offers. This morning, we read that “Jesus could do no deed of power in his hometown, where he was rejected…except to lay hands on and heal a few sick people.”
It was true for Jesus…but it is also for those who follow him.
When Jesus sends his disciples out, he knows they will be rejected. He prepares them for it. It’s okay. Don’t let it throw you. Shake it off. Move on. And trust that you…as you are… are my witnesses of love and healing in the world, Jesus says. When they, like him, are rejected…it doesn’t change God’s love for them. It doesn’t change their identity as child of God. It doesn’t change the vast grace of God that gives them abundant life. What it does do it limit the ability of those others who need grace and healing themselves …. to experience it through them.
So…I guess, here’s the bottom line this morning. God’s grace is revealed to others, not in your perfection…but in owning your weaknesses. When we finally get that God loves us AS we are …even the deepest, darkest corners of our soul…even the parts we are so sure that if anyone knew they would reject us….when we finally get that God calls us “beautiful” and “beloved child”…no strings attached….THAT is when our light shines. When we finally receive the fullness of God’s grace because we know how much we need it…and dare to love ourselves as God loves us….THAT is when our light shines. And when others reject you…even when the church rejects you — you can move on. You can shake it off. God’s love for you doesn’t waver. The sadness is that those who reject you will miss out on the healing and abundant life that they could experience with you. But you……you are still God’s child. Never forget that. And Let your light shine. Amen. And Amen.
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