It’s week 3…have you claimed the identity of a holy troublemaker yet? Have you caused any holy havoc? We can’t wait to hear about it!
Our current worship series is about the prophets in the Old Testament and how God called them to be holy troublemakers for the sake of justice. In learning their story, we find that God is still calling us in the same way today, to be holy troublemakers for the sake of justice.
For those of us who have always been known as troublemakers, this idea might be appealing, though we might wonder about the difference between holy and unholy trouble. But for those of us who are used to avoiding trouble, this worship series might make us uncomfortable. After all, isn’t Christianity all about staying out of trouble and being good? Humm …What if it’s more than that?
The prophets in the Bible are called by God to speak and act in the times when what is defined as good and expected in the church and culture has gotten separated from what God defines as justice and righteousness. It might seem like an honor to be chosen by God to speak God’s message. Many of the prophets, however, were reluctant to do so.
As we reflect on their stories, we can see why. God asked them to speak up, to confront those in power in their time, to tell them to change, and to describe the consequences if they don’t. This message was not well received. They were accused of causing all kinds of trouble.
It is rarely popular or well received to confront anyone and to tell them that they are wrong, even when the message comes directly from God. When we do so, things get uncomfortable really quickly. There is usually a response of anger, defensiveness, a flipping of the narrative, threats, or attack. Most of us function from a worldview in which we have convinced ourselves that we are on the right side of things, working for good. But the reality is that we all work within systems which are imperfect and when not corrected, will replicate injustice without our even realizing it.
From our perspective today we realize that the trouble the prophets caused was holy trouble, that which speaks truth and brings about change for God’s justice and righteousness. But in the moment, it is often unclear and painful.
As we think about how God is calling us today to speak up for truth and act for justice and righteousness, we might be reluctant as the way seems unclear and the results of our actions might be painful. We will most likely be considered as troublemakers.
This week’s prophet, Jeremiah, the reluctant prophet, reminds us that we are not alone in our reluctance. And, as we step out in faith, our words and actions of holy troublemaking make a difference in transforming the world for the sake of God’s grace and love.
Peace,
Pastor Suzanne