The Pastor's Ponderings

In an election year there is lots of discussion/debate about "the issues." What issues are foremost in the minds of Americans? Is there a particular issue that tops the list? There is much to choose from. The Iraq War is in its fifth year with no end in sight. Weren't we told weeks after it began that the mission was accomplished? Mortgage foreclosures are escalating at a record pace. The stock market is taking a licking. Gas cost $3.65 a gallon, just a little higher than a gallon of milk. Food costs throughout the world have tripled since last year. Close to home, companies are laying off workers due to the economic slump. Some forecasters say we have not seen anything yet. For the first time in a long time our country is facing hardships that the rest of the world has dealt with for years.

It reminds me of Pentecost. Yes, you read it correctly. On the day of Pentecost the church was born. The Advocate that Jesus promised the disciples came rushing upon them like a hurricane. They spoke other languages. Their weak knees became strong. Their timid speech turned into courageous proclamation. They worshipped God with glad and generous hearts. They pooled their possessions so that none would have too little, nor would anyone have too much. As Acts tells us, "The Lord added daily to their number those who were being saved." So what does economics have to do with it? Listen to these words from Lutheran seminary professor, Barbara Lunblad:

"Pentecost often ends too soon. The first part of the story is thrilling. The sound of a mighty wind. The tongues of fire. People from all over the Roman Empire hearing their own languages spoken by ordinary Galileans. The promise of the Spirit poured out on young and old, including slaves, both women and men. Pentecost means all of that. As the story goes on, Peter stands up to preach, and he preaches such a powerful sermon that over 3,000 people are baptized. Pentecost means all of that too. But Pentecost ends too soon if it has nothing to do with possessions, with wealth and poverty, with what we call economics. Economics is from the Greek word oikos, which means household. How do we live together in God's household? Well, I know economics is a subject so complicated that our eyes glaze over at the mention of the word. But God is very interested in economics, about what we do with our possessions and portfolios.

A Pentecost church will reach out to people of every language and tongue. A Pentecost church will call young and old, women and men to prophesy. A Pentecost church will preach and baptize, but the story always ends too soon if a Pentecost church isn't concerned about economics."

Whether or not we are in a recession, and whether it will be short or long is beside the point. Jesus addressed the issue of money more than any other. Money gives Jesus some of his stiffest opposition. Lives that come under the influence of Jesus Christ become generous lives. Churches that are open to the winds of the Holy Spirit are generous churches, regardless if economic times are good or hard.

In Christ love,
Pastor David