Born Again?

Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

Today, of course, is the sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Traditionally, Memorial Day has been the day upon which communities have gathered together to remember those who have offered themselves for their nation. But, even more, this is a time when we also remember all of our loved ones and cherish their memory. Certainly, it is a national holiday. But, more, for many of us here today, it is a personal holiday that brings special thoughts to mind, vivid memories of specific people who played an important part in our life.

It could be said that those persons who have died that we cherish the most are those who gave little thought of themselves and, rather, thought more about their families, their God, their communities, and their nation. They put their own self interest down, away from the top of their list of priorities so that when the call came for them to serve the requirements of Truth they gladly offered themselves.

I am reminded of our scripture from the book of Isaiah, which I read earlier this morning. The prophet Isaiah, praying in the great Temple in Jerusalem, had a vision. Looking toward the altar of the Temple he can actually see the Lord, sitting on his throne, surrounded by the splendor of heaven. And the call comes forth from the throne of God that someone is needed for a special mission that will require sacrifice and suffering. This call comes forth from Almighty God, and Isaiah hears the call. But, he wonders how he can possibly answer the call, since he considers himself hardly worthy to serve God in any way. But, in Isaiah's vision an angel flies to the altar and takes a burning coal from the fire and brings it to Isaiah and touches his mouth with it. With that, the angel pronounces that Isaiah's unworthiness has been taken away. And the cry comes forth from the throne of God, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" And Isaiah knew that he had to answer, "Here am I. Send me!"

There are some very important things that we need to remember as we consider this story: First, there is work that God has for us in our lives. Secondly, it is natural for us to feel that we may not be the one for the job. But, third, because God has chosen us, we are made worthy by the power of heaven, itself.

Let us take a look at what God wants us to do in our lives. In 1988 the General Conference of the United Methodist Church declared that every person who is baptized should consider him or herself to be a minister of Jesus Christ. Many of you may not have realized that you were ministers. But, indeed, you are. At baptism we become disciples of Jesus, followers in his footsteps. Thus, it becomes our business to do what Jesus did and what he called all of his disciples to do: heal the sick, feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, forgive sinners, and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.

Indeed, it is important that those of us who call ourselves "followers of Christ" remember that this is our duty. And, yet, over the years, many Christians have been confused in this regard. In fact, in most churches the pastor is also called "the minister" when what we should actually be doing is calling the members of the church "ministers" who only receive guidance or leadership from the pastor as they do Christ's work.

I believe that the scriptures point it out over and over again that every person is called of God in some way. This has been true throughout history, and it is true today. Every one of us, no matter who we may be, whether it is the person standing here in the pulpit, or the man, woman, boy, or girl, sitting in a pew in this church, today, have been called to do something special for God. And it's not just a one-time deal. God doesn't call us just to do one thing and then just sit back on our laurels. Rather, God calls us everyday to follow him, to do the work of Christ.

Ever once in a while, as a pastor, I get the opportunity to watch as someone is called right out of my congregation on Sunday Morning. I had a congregation once where several of the members were emergency medical technicians. When they were on call they would carry pagers that would go off and send a message if their services were required by the local volunteer ambulance service. On several occasions while we were having a worship service their pagers would go off and quietly, and immediately, they would get up and leave to do what they had been called to do.

Certainly, this is what God expects of us. When he calls us, we must answer.

But, yes, it is natural for us to wonder whether we are worthy of God's calling. But, here, we should remember the prophet Isaiah. Likewise, when called, he doubted that he was worthy of what God wanted him to do. Nevertheless, God proclaimed him worthy, God made him worthy.

Our Epistle lesson for today goes a step further to say that when God calls us we are made children of God by the power of God's Spirit. We are even given the right to call God "Abba," or "Daddy," or "Father." And if this is true, who is more worthy to do a Father's bidding than those of us who are, indeed, the Father's children?

Some of us are called to do more than others. But, all of us are called according to our ability. A few years ago a popular magazine had a series of pictures which portrayed the life story of a "one-note musician." The pictures, in cartoon-like fashion, showed the man following his daily routine of eating and sleeping until it is time for him to prepare for the evening. He carefully inspects his instrument, takes his seat in the orchestra with the other musicians, arranges his score and readies his instrument. On the arrival of the conductor, the music begins with the leader skillfully bringing in first one group of musicians and then another.

After quite a long time, the crucial moment arrives -- it is time when the "one-note" is played. The conductor turns to him and his one note sounds forth. Once more the orchestra plays and the "one-note" man sits quietly throughout the rest of the concert. At the end of the day the man knows that he has done his duty well and earned contentment and peace of mind.

Some of us may play one note, or many, in God's orchestra. But, when we do all that is required of us, either much, or a little, there is great satisfaction, indeed.

The gospel lesson for today, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again is not only a formula for salvation, but it is also a formula for power for those who might otherwise be afraid to do God's work.

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are born again. Quite simply, this means that no longer need we fear death. For all those who are in Christ have already died to this world and been raised to eternal life. Physical death, thus, becomes to the Christian a mere formality. For to be born again is to be born of the Spirit. And what a powerful thing this is!

Persons who have been born again need not fear the enemy, for they know that because of Jesus the most powerful weapon the enemy possesses has been made ineffective. Persons who have been born again need not fear ridicule, or suffering, or hardship, or sacrifice, because they know that Christ and the angels of heaven are with them.

There is the story out of China that tells of how a Chinese farmer saved his neighbors during an earthquake. From his hill-top farm he felt the quake and saw the distant ocean swiftly withdrawn from the old shoreline, like some enormous animal crouching back for a leap. He knew that the leap would be a tidal wave. In the valleys below, he saw his neighbors working the low fields that would be flooded. They had to be gathered quickly to his hilltop. His rice barns were dry as tinder. So, with a torch he set fire to them and rang the fire gong that hung beneath the eaves. His neighbors saw the smoke and rushed to help him. Then from their safe perch on the hill, they saw the waters cover over the fields they had just left. In a flash they knew their salvation and what it had cost their hero. The monument they erected to his memory is still standing, bearing this motto, "He gave us all he had, and gave it gladly."

Certainly, this is the kind of sacrifice that we treasure most in our hearts as we celebrate Memorial Day. May we all be as ready to give of ourselves as they were in their imitation of Christ, the One who gave everything so that all may live. Amen.