SERMONS

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Sean Gilbert — 25/11/07

CHRIST CHURCH – 25/11/07 – CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
            Jeremiah 23:1-6            Luke: 23:33-43
                                   
As I indicated in my introduction, I find the kingship of Christ a highly problematical, yet I think, ultimately, a very important theme for Christians to explore.  And on the problematic side, there are at least two considerations that I want to raise:

Firstly, the language of monarchy and the imagery of divine sovereignty no longer connect, I would suggest, even with long-standing churchgoers. It belongs to another era, even another world view. It is simply not a language we use in relation to a common experience of life any more.
           
Secondly, in a multi-faith world, where arguably each religious path has equal validity of belief and purpose, claims of Christ’s kingship over the universe, and over all humanity, are potentially violent in their often elitist applications.

That all being said, though, the language of kingship is also the language of allegiance, and particularly in relation to other key people or key movements I may choose to follow. A challenge, if you like, for our political, social and religious heart. Jesus or Kevin Rudd, in other words!

And related to that, is the highly confessional nature of the term or designation.  And by that I mean that ideally Christians are to be formed by both their experience and understanding of Christ’s kingship, that is, to be true to it, even in dialogue with, or in relation to, other faith positions. This is now what is being called “deep pluralism”; a speaking and acting out of what is most true to one’s own faith tradition, but which in turn does not mean imposing that upon another. Said more simply, the kingship of Christ can nurture the Christian faith without an expectation that everybody in the world need believe or accept it.
           
Now hopefully this is not all hyperbole, but a useful way into our theme. And significantly, that theme is further shaped today by two somewhat surprising readings, In Jeremiah, a kingship based simply on justice and kindness; in Luke, a kingship based in self-giving and indeed sacrifice, not to mention the grace of acceptance and forgiveness.

 In each, then, a model of leadership, a quality of leadership, that engenders trust and inspires the hope of participation. And for me, that is what (feast) days like this are all about; to be reminded as to why I am a Christian by virtue of the qualities of the One we call King. For if it is simply a grand designation, with hymnal tones of glory and splendour, thrones and crowns, what does that ultimately do? But if it is a breaking open of Jesus’ humanity, and discovering at core, at base, that his heart and mind of compassion is something to find a union with or to find a life purpose in, well I think that is an entirely different matter.

For then we don’t begin with the impossible or the removed from life experience that so much of our talk and song of Jesus has traditionally been about. Quite the opposite needs to be the case; a kingship predicated on his depth of humanity, a lordship grounded in his rare ability to inspire other humans to great and enduring things.           

So, Christ the King is no small or insignificant confession; and by confession, I do mean a preparedness to live by it, not merely to say or sing it; To take to heart its personal and communal implications. Namely, a radicalized view of the world whereby equality and justice are the hallmarks of this “kingdom”, compassion and kindness its very foundation. The invitation for Christians, then being, to participate fully in its coming, or in its further establishment within our midst.

And I would hope the encouraging note in all that being, it comes incrementally or one step at a time, never as an overnight success story. For in many ways, the kingdom (realm) of God is also a very human story, unfolding and unwinding over time. That shouldn’t give it any less urgency but hopefully a whole lot less ego or ‘kingdom building’ activity.

The question remains, then, what is it about this man that would set us in such a life direction of practical allegiance and faith confession? Or, where is the point of connection for you with him and how might that be deepened? Two parts of the question I would like us all to consider as we leave this place. Indeed a good question for the Advent and Christmas seasons.

To conclude, a good and healthy quote from Keith Rowe:

            “The Jesus we have to offer is the one in whom, through the preaching of the church and the scriptures, we have glimpsed possibilities for human living and sensed a call to serve the loving, forgiving, peace-building, harmonising purposes of God. Jesus is the one in whom we sense the love of God present within the struggles and ambiguities of life. Jesus is the one in whom we have learned of the invitation to fulfil our lives and the life of our communities as we become servants of the liberating energy of God. Jesus is the man who broke down barriers, welcomed sinners, challenged the power hungry and invited people to walk together on a road to newness”.

Thanks be to God.  Amen.