Sermon by David Layman October 15^th, 2000

"GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER"

Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-27

Let us consider our passage from Mark 10 as many today might prefer it to be told.

Jesus was setting out on a journey, waiting upon a street corner with the twelve for the next bus. A wealthy businessman in a stretch limousine pulled up. While the chauffeur sat and waited, the businessman handed Andrew $100 and asked to be introduced to Jesus. Andrew responded "Yes, SIR!" The man began "My name is John Bears Furtipton. I normally try to stay out of the limelight, so you may not have heard of me, but Bill Gates and Ted Turner work for me. I have a lot of time to contemplate spiritual matters, and Im on a quest for meaning. Ive heard you have a lot of insight, so Id like to know, what must I do to go to heaven?"

Jesus responded "What do the scriptures say?" John Bears Furtipton responded "The scriptures say dont murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, and so forth. Actually, Ive been too busy getting rich to read all the 10 commandments, and it seems like one cant find them posted many places any more." Jesus responded "Dont worry about it. You seem like a decent enough guy. We could sure use someone like you working for the Kingdom of God. Are you willing to tithe? Give 10 percent of your income to Gods work, come to church at least twice a month, and serve as a church officer, if you arent too busy with other things?"

The rich man responded. I think I can make two services a month. Do you have comfortable pews? Is the music program good? How long are the sermons? Oh, and about that tithe. You know, most of my money isnt in ready cash. I mean, a lots tied up in stocks and long term securities. And taxes nowadays are really steep. I presume you mean 10% AFTER taxes, right? Could I start out at 5%?"

Jesus: "How about 8% the first year?"

John Bears Furtipton: "six percent?"

Jesus: "Well, you look like a decent guy. OK. Id really prefer 10%, but if 6% is all you can swing, I understand. With the high cost of gas nowadays, I know it must not be easy driving a gas guzzler like that around." "Good work, Andrew!"

No, this isnt the way our passage from Mark reads! Amazing as it seems to us, Jesus did not go out of his way to entice the rich young ruler to follow him. I bet the disciples were grumbling in the background when they heard Jesus challenge him to sell all he had, and give to the poor. Matthew may have said to Jude "Why doesnt Jesus realize this man could do us and the kingdom SO MUCH GOOD! If this man travels with us, no more sleeping out under the stars. Well stay in the best inns, eat the best food. Well make following Jesus so desirable, theyll be lining up to come along!" No, Jesus went on to exclaim "HOW HARD IT WILL BE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WEALTH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD! IT IS EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM." To this the disciples responded "THEN WHO CAN BE SAVED?" And Jesus countered "FOR MORTALS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT NOT FOR GOD; FOR GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."

In the last 2,000 years, believers, rich and poor, have come to Jesus. It has been pointed out that Jesus didnt require of everyone that they sell all their earthly possessions to follow him. Many perceive the heart of this passage to mean that we must be ready to root out of our lives whatever might hinder our following Jesus, whether that be a love of money, anger, unforgiveness, or another form of self centeredness. Many who are wealthy, and many who are poor have followed the Christ.

But I am glad Jesus did not cave in to the rich young ruler. Im glad we have this passage in Mark. Im glad that Jesus demonstrated so clearly, that sacrifices are called for in the Christian life. That God deserves more than 10%, more than 90%, of any and all of us! That we shouldnt expect a lot from a small commitment. Im glad that Jesus could walk away from a temptation that you and I would struggle mightily with!

Because of Jesus, I can stand here and say that Jesus doesnt expect a little from us. He expects A LOT! We have A HIGH CALLING, not an easy one! Let me be the first to admit that I have not mastered my calling. I have not fulfilled all that God is calling forth from me. I have fallen short of what God has desired, many, many times. But each time I fall short, God does not lower the bar. God doesnt say "Youre a nice enough guy, David. Relax. Give a little less. Dont try so hard." Instead, God says "I forgive you. Call upon me for more strength, more power. Try again!"

A minister was exhorting his congregation to greater action, saying "Brothers and sisters, if this church is going to serve God, this church is going to have to walk." And the congregation chanted back "Amen, brother, let her walk, let her walk." The minister continued "Brothers and sisters, if this church is going to serve God, this church is going to have to RUN." And the congregation chanted back "Amen, brother! Let her run, let her run!" Greatly encouraged, the minister challenged "Brothers and sisters, if this church is going to serve God, this church is going to have to FLY, and flying costs money!" And with one voice the congregation chanted back "Let her walk, brother, let her walk!"

As we begin our fall stewardship drive, the question we face is: "Is this church going to walk, run or fly?" First Presbyterian has gone from a walk to a run. Our 2000 budget is $284,000. The proposed budget for next year is $317,000, an 11% increase. One approach to meeting our goal would be to encourage everyone to increase their pledge by 11%. But does God first and foremost challenge us to give to meet our churchs budget, or to give in proportion as He has blessed us? To learn the joy of disciplined, sacrificial giving? I have heard people question "Can God really expect us to tithe, give 10% of our income? Is that possible in todays world?"

I know it is. Because my parents tithed throughout their lives. Only my father worked outside the home. We didnt have as much "stuff" as some families. But all three of us kids received a college degree. And in reality, we were among the richest, most blessed families around! Likewise, Pam and I have found it possible to tithe, in fact, give somewhat more than 10%, before taxes. God never drew a line at 10% and said that once we had met that challenge, we had arrived. And he praised those who would fly, such as a poor widow who was rich to God.

Those who make the greatest sacrifices in life, are those who discover the deepest satisfaction! I am grateful that Jesus didnt settle for a small gift from a man who was OWNED by his portfolio! Im glad Jesus didnt simply go part of the way to the cross, for then, only part of my sins would be forgiven! Im glad for a God who challenges me to sacrifice and stretch. And whose grace redeems me, even as I constantly stumble and fall short. And I beseech you, brothers and sisters: not only with your material possessions, but with your time, talents and substance: GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER!