14 May SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2023

In the opening of his final discourse, Jesus tells his disciples two things. The first is, “Remember what I’ve told you.” He doesn’t expect them to remember without being reminded that what he has told them is the same as what they’ve always been told: “To love God is to obey and to do what God commands.” 

Beyond telling them with words, Jesus demonstrates what he means.  Like a caring parent, relative or responsible authority figure, Jesus knows that his role entails reiterating the wisdom of generations and passing on the best advice one’s life experience can afford. What is spoken as his final words amounts to pretty much the same message God has been hammering upon his children for years. 

Do you remember any last words spoken to you as you walked out the door or through a door on your own, as you left for school or a new realm of independence? Many of us were told how to dress, where to go or not go, who we should or shouldn’t associate with, how to drive and when to return home. Instructions given were often preceded by words such as those Jesus used. “Remember if you’re going to…, don’t forget to… Absolute words like “always” and “never” were spoken for added emphasis.

Do we always follow instructions given and never break the rules? I don’t know about you, but I don’t always do as I should or never do what I shouldn’t. That’s why during confession each week we cover our bases: asking forgiveness for “what we have done or possibly failed to do.” Paul reassures us on the one hand that, “God overlooks times of human ignorance.” On the other hand, God also commands all people to repent. We are reminded that a day will come when the world will be judged and we’ll each have to answer for ourselves.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus delivers words of hope that counter fear over whether we will forget to remember or do as we’ve been taught. Thanks be to God, in John 14:26 Jesus says, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said.” 

This same phenomenon is what parents throughout the ages have counted on to keep their children out of harm’s way, to ensure their children’s good fortune, contribute to their happiness and guide them in every circumstance once they are no longer physically present or in their children’s line of eyesight.

Parents, like Jesus, hope against hope that their best words of advice will linger and be replayed. They pray that once their ability to directly influence us becomes less, their prerecorded voice will still be heard. In the same vein, Jesus says to his disciples, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” 

Now we know that what Jesus and God desire is one and the same. What he and God have spoken are words as ancient as the commandments themselves. What parents repeatedly tell children bears much similarity to what’s already been heard for generations. Those bearing responsibility for others often worry about losing the ability to exert influence once we are no longer heard or in plain sight. 

In contrast, Jesus’ sphere of influence was not going to diminish in his absence; it would increase. Because of the Son’s extraordinary relationship to both the Father and Holy Spirit, in a cooperative strategic move decided among the three of them, Jesus’ disciples are to be even more well-equipped upon his departure than while in his actual presence. 

“Once I ask the Father, he will give you another Helper, Counselor, Advocate, to be with you forever.”  How clearly Jesus understood his own role among his disciples and discerned our needs. We need a constant presence with us. Without help, counsel or another advocate, not one of us can do right or survive on our own. We are dependent upon others no matter how self-reliant we aim to be. It’s not only children of a very young age or parents of advanced age who require assistance, we all do. Dependency begins in utero and never ends.  

In chapter 16, John further explains why the Helper is also called the Spirit of Truth. Before he leaves his disciples, Jesus admits to having many things to say that the disciples can’t hear all at once or just then. We, like Jesus, wish to have the option of offering ongoing input. We hope for further opportunities to influence future behavior. 

When the spirit of truth comes, the spirit will guide Jesus’ followers, that is, God’s offspring into all truth. There will be quite the difference between those truths and our words of influence or advice playing on repeat. “Thanks be to God,” for that. Because not everything we say to children or to those we’re responsible for proves beneficial, does it? 

The spirit whom Jesus sends is not a separate entity from God the Father and Son. The spirit will not speak on self-possessed authority, but according to what she hears spoken among the Trinity. She will declare things that are yet to come. This fact provides evidence of the spirit’s full deity and power to access God’s domain of knowing the future. The spirit can be trusted.

In accordance with the aim of the Trinity, “The spirit will glorify me,” Jesus says, “for the spirit will take what is mine and declare it unto you. All that the Father has is mine. “Therefore,” Jesus says, “I can say what the spirit will take is mine and deliver it unto you.” These were new declarations at the time. 

Believers weren’t on board yet with the concept of the Trinity, so over and over, Jesus conveys unity and equality among Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Almost like when parents say, “Your mother and I agree,” or “Your dad and I agree.” Kids from very early ages realize there’s little use arguing against the truth of that statement. 

Truth is really important. Without knowing the truth, no one can make decisions, function, or have real hope. And yet, if we claim to possess the truth, Paul says, “We must defend it with gentleness, reverence and keep our conscience clear.” 

I am currently intentionally straddling two different and distinct circles of Christian practice. Through contacts in Dauphin County, I’m attempting to cooperate in ministry with what some would call the fundamentalist right. Through my professional association with the ELCA and Christian Churches United, I’m participating in the agenda of what some would call the liberal left. 

I can honestly say, as an insider of both circles, that neither is doing a good job of defending God’s truths with gentleness, reverence or a clear conscience. Neither can claim the special privilege of knowing God’s specific will regarding legislation, even though both claim to know the truth. Only under the guidance of the spirit, can words be spoken, prayers be offered, and God’s will be done. 

In the very same week, I attended the National Day of Prayer in Gratz and Lutheran Advocacy Day at the capitol in Harrisburg. Both audiences claimed America for God while also denying anyone not sharing their views the status of Christian or good citizen. Many people are confused these days. Many disagree while claiming to be in the right. 

Truth is not an external factor, it is an indwelling state. The truth must be in us, abiding with us. It may exist invisibly until revealed by God. Jesus said, “They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father and myself. It is those to whom I will reveal myself.” 

Truth is not an external factor, it is an indwelling state.

Remember, it is in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through whom we live, move and have our being. Let not our desire to be obedient and follow God’s instruction mislead us into listening to any other voice but the spirit of truth. Let us pray.

Through the spirit of baptism, you give us each a good conscience. Through your death and resurrection, you have reconciled us to you. What we need most now, Lord, is to be reconciled to each other, to stop pointing fingers and start holding hands. 

Today, we fold our hands in fervent prayer for families, faith communities, and nations striving to follow your will. Lead us, guide us, teach us to know the truth and to better understand our role as advocates and helpers. 

You are most generous and gracious, Lord, and always strive to ensure our protection and good fortune, to contribute to our happiness and guide us in every circumstance. If we are maligned, let it be for our good conduct. If we suffer, may it be according to your will for righteousness to prevail. 

We attest that righteousness and truth belong to you. Reveal yourself within us and the world at large so we’ll not only remember your words, but listen to your commandments: to love, honor and obey the Trinity present at creation, present in moms and dads, within children and our siblings on earth. You are one God, yet triune in nature, desiring no less than a trifecta of our hearts, minds and souls. 

Only you, dear Lord, can empower us to live lives of faith and devotion. Unite your church and strengthen our trust in you for all things. This we pray in your precious holy name. Amen.