Reflection on Luke 12:
32-40
by John
G. Gibbs, PhD
Unlike terror alerts which expect
the worst soon at unknown places, the alerts that come from
Jesus expect the best “at an unexpected hour.” Accordingly,
the mission of the Church is to focus on so long a prospect
and so encompassing a purpose that the people of God may “stay
the course” of God’s purposes through whatever terror comes.
Since we have been forewarned
by intelligence services that terror attacks on the American
homeland are likely soon and repeatedly, the signs of our times
square with what Jesus in effect said: focus far beyond inheritance
and self-centered treasure (Luke 10:13-21), focus far beyond
food and clothing, concentrating beyond all that on “an unfailing
treasure” (12:33) and on God’s ultimate rule in this world (“kingdom,”
12:31).
Our ultimate loyalties as Christians
and as congregations of the “one holy catholic apostolic Church”
are not placed in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, capitalism,
and “the American way of life” (whatever that might mean to
us). “The vision thing” of God’s people cannot be set aside,
whatever urgency might try to distract our attention. Vision
of God’s own future makes all the difference in the here and
now of inheritance, crops, food, clothing, and “ample goods
laid up for many years” (12:19). Only the long view of God’s
purpose for all times and places can steady us when political
campaigns try to influence our votes by replaying images of
falling towers and warnings about worse things yet to come.
If we stay the course that God
has set before us, if we “strive for his kingdom” (12:31), then
neither greed nor anxiety nor fear can determine what we think
and do. It will not be easy, souls have been required of people
in such nights, terror attacks may well come, but they will
not be the final focus of our attention. The mood of the Church
in such times as these is, as it was for Martin Luther when
he faced the terrible possibility of being made a martyr: “Here
I stand. I can do no other.”
Peter the apostle asked what
audience Jesus’ parables of watchfulness were supposed to reach:
“Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone”
(12:41). Jesus’ answer elevates everyone into the determined
committed mood of Luther and Church: “From everyone to whom
much has been given, much will be required; and from the one
to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded”
(12:48).
Here is how we face a future
that may contain terror and protracted conflict, these are our
guidelines: “Do not be afraid.” “Consider the ravens.” “Consider
the lilies.” “Do not keep striving.” “Do not keep worrying.”
“Instead, strive for his kingdom.” “Be dressed for action.”
“Have your lamps lit.” “You also must be ready, for the Son
of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
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