February 19, 2012

"It's all epiphany"

This is the sermon in worship Sunday, February 19, 2012 by Rev Jim Bragan at Beacon United Church, Yarmouth NS.
It is based on the following scriptures. You may wish to read them for a fuller understanding of the message.
2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50 1 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9

Epiphany means manifestation, and technically refers to the visit of the Magi. It is celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas, but the season runs right through to this Sunday of the Transfiguration, which is another manifestation that God is at work in a unique way in this person named Jesus.

But the irony of scripture is that it's all epiphany. Every story in the Bible is intended to say something about God and God's self-revelation. I want to highlight two or three points from this story about Elijah and Elisha this morning.

One obvious point is that it's a time of transition. I know you're tired of hearing me talk about change, so I'm not going to dwell on this point too long, but it is interesting that no less than three times, other persons point out to Elisha that Elijah is leaving soon. And Elisha essentially says, "Be quiet, I don't want to talk about it." Elisha, just like most of us, wants to hang on to what has been. If I stay close enough to Elijah, maybe he won't go away. You notice he follows him everywhere -won't let him out of his sight. But the irony of the story is that change was part and parcel of God's plan.

The disciples up there in the hills with Jesus are going through a time of transition and bewilderment. I doubt if they had any idea that the light which enfolded Jesus was going to be passed on to them - that it would fall on their shoulders to continue this ministry of healing and hope, reconciliation and renewal. Nothing less than a new creation is symbolized by the light. As light was the first act of creation, (remember our Bible Trivia question?) so light here symbolizes a new creation in Jesus Christ. And Paul will use these very words, "God, who caused light to shine out of darkness, is shining in our hearts to reveal the glory, the manifestation of Jesus Christ in each of us."

I visit in hospital on Thursdays. Other members of the Pastoral Care Team have been there on Tuesdays each week. And I can tell you that their visits make a difference, they enlighten (lift the load) of those in hospital more than we might imagine. You know what that's like when you call on someone in a nursing home, when you send a card or write a note. When you make a phone call, light is being shared.

One final word for Elijah and Elisha. It's a small detail we might miss, but after the fireworks and the chariots and all the hype and activity, after Elijah is gone, Elisha picks up the mantle. The mantle is a very powerful symbol in the Old Testament. Mantles don't get passed on from one to the other lightly. That robe or cloak-like garment represented the power and spirit of the previous owner. And Elisha inherits the mission and ministry of Elijah by taking up the mantle.

This idea of the mantle reminded me of a man we met on the West Coast about 10 years ago. Alfie McDames had served as the Pentecostal minister in Bella Bella, B.C. for 17 years. When he took the name of Christian, he understood he had to give up his First Nation traditions. But the longer he studied his Bible and prayed, he came to see that that was the Pentecostal position, but not necessarily God's position. So even while remaining a minister of the gospel, he returned to his home village and explained his understanding that the ancient traditions of his people were not in conflict with the gospel, and that he was ready to accept the leadership role which fell to him as an elder in the community. He almost had tears in his eyes as he shared with us the depth of emotion that filled him as the button blanket of his clan was placed on his shoulders, and he received his Kitselas name. In that moment, he also experienced a renewed meaning of St Paul's words, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul used exactly this kind of symbolism to say we are incorporated, enclosed, inducted into the lineage given us in Jesus Christ by putting on Jesus Christ like a robe or mantle. Strong symbolism in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and in First Nation traditions.

What an honour it is that God has chosen you and me, just regular, nitty-gritty people... and invited us to come to the banquet table of Holy Communion. We have been enveloped in God's love, made part of the family. It's all epiphany. Thanks be to God. Let us pray . . .