Sunday, April 26, 2020
Standing Still Looking Sad
Jesus approached two of his disciples that were walking to the village of Emmaus, which is about seven miles from Jerusalem. It is the same day of the resurrection. While they are walking Jesus approaches them, but their eyes are kept from recognizing him. Jesus asks them, “What are these words you are saying”? They stopped in their tracks and looked sad. They didn’t even know that it was Jesus that was talking to them! Maybe you can relate to this. Since stay at home orders were issued many people feel as though they have stopped moving, and they feel sad.
The Economy Has been Closed
Thinking back a couple of months ago, I remember the first time I heard the words spoken which caught my attention. One of the infectious disease experts were being interviewed on the radio. The reporter asked them what could be done to stop the spread of the virus. He said very firmly and unwaveringly, “Shut down all economic activity. Close restaurants, businesses, gatherings, and direct everyone to stay at home.” I’m pretty sure I accidentally swerved out of my lane a little bit when I heard these words. I must have heard incorrectly. Close the economy? Just thinking words seemed impossible and almost…sacrilegious.
The economy means a lot. So much of our material well being is dependent on the condition of the economy. If the economy is good, healthy, and strong, then there is financial opportunity and upward mobility. If the economy is weak, soft, or…closed, then it is understood that there will be suffering, lack of opportunity, and life will be difficult and dreary.
God’s Economy is Open
The thing about the “economy” that not everyone knows is that it is actually a church word as well as a business word. The root of the English word Eco-Nomy is Greek: Oiko-nomia. Oiko is stands for house, home, or household. They seel a Greek yogurt called, “Oikos.” That means houshold. The second half of the word is “Nomy.” Which means, rules, laws, or governing structure. Examples would be: “anti-nomian” which means anti-law, or Deutero-nomy, which means, “Second law.” Put these two word halves together: Oiko-nomy, and it means the rules of the house. Which makes sense if you think about it. What is the “Economy” after all but the rules and ways we manage our household?
God has an economy that is larger and encompases our own. We call this, “the Divine Economy.” How does God manage God’s house, that is, all of creation? Consider these verses from First Peter chapter one:
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 1 Peter 1:17-19
This feels like we are living in exile, standing still, and feeling sad. But remember that we are not saved by gold or silver, but by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Peter compares Jesus to a lamb without blemish because in the days of old God’s people would sacrifice animals as an offering to God. These sacrifices would heal the broken relationship between God and people. This was part of God’s economy. But in Jesus Christ God sacrifices himself once and for all. Jesus gives himself for each of us, to ransom us, that is, to liberate us from the devil. God’s economic activity has not been closed, but is open and active.
You Can Boost Your Economic Activity
What ever happened to home economics? That was that class in school that taught how to run a household. It included practical things like cooking, cleaning, and balancing a checkbook. Based on what we’ve talked about today, the name, “Home Economics” should sound a little redundant. In its essence economics is about managing your house. Whether that house is a studio apartment, a city, or a nation, it is about managing your home.
“Home economics” could be seen functioning at an all time high. People have more time than ever to take care of their homes! Have you visited a hardware or home improvement store lately? Good luck! They are busier than ever because people are taking care of their homes more than ever. We have all been forced willingly or unwillingly into home economics.
Take, Bless, Brake, and Share
This morning’s reading is a lesson in home economics. It’s about getting it right at home first. Jesus has resurrected from the dead. That’s awesome! He takes time to walk with just two of the disciples. He couldn’t be with 11 because that’s a group greater than ten! So it begins again with just two. They talk about things that matter. They walk side by side. Then they gather around a table to eat together. Then Jesus shows them the basic elementary steps to home economics.
- Take some bread. If you don’t have bread any food item will do.
- Bless it. Say a simple prayer like, “Dear God, thank you for this bread. Amen.”
- Break the bread, or whatever food item you have, and break it into smaller pieces.
- Share the bread with yourself first, and then with anyone else present.
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