"A Place at the Table" (Ps. 26) - Pastor Lynn Miller-Jackson 10/04/2015

Summary

The sermon explores Psalm 26, highlighting David's plea for justice and self-declared righteousness. It challenges the congregation to move beyond self-righteousness and exclusivity, urging them to embrace inclusivity and share with others. The preacher emphasizes the need to see God's glory in all creation and to recognize our own imperfections, calling for a change in mindset from self-preservation to sharing and understanding, mirroring Christ's radical hospitality.

Takeaways

• 📜 The sermon is based on Psalm 26, where David pleads for justice and asserts his integrity.
• 🙏 David requests God to test him, indicating a desire for purification and validation of his faith.
• 🤔 The preacher suggests that David's strong declaration of innocence might be a sign of self-righteousness.
• 🧐 The sermon challenges the notion of self-promotion and self-preservation, urging introspection on one's actions.
• 🤝 It emphasizes the need to move beyond self-interest to a place of abundance where sharing is possible without ulterior motives.
• 🌟 The preacher calls for an open and inclusive mindset, contrasting with the exclusivity suggested in the psalm.
• 👥 The sermon discusses the importance of not judging others and the negative impact of 'othering' on community and faith.
• 👶 Jesus' example of inclusivity and engagement with marginalized groups is highlighted as a model for believers.
• 🌱 The preacher encourages embracing a childlike innocence and openness to understand the diversity within the kingdom of God.
• ✝️ The sermon concludes with a call to action to be like Christ, to engage in dialogue, and to have an open table for all.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon based on Psalm 26?

The main theme of the sermon is a plea for justice and a declaration of personal righteousness, with a deeper exploration of self-righteousness, judgment, and the importance of inclusivity and recognizing God's glory in all of creation.

How does the preacher relate the psalmist's words to the idea of self-promotion?

The preacher suggests that the psalmist's strong declaration of innocence and avoidance of the wicked might indicate self-promotion and self-preservation, akin to the phrase 'methinks thou dost protest too much,' implying an overly forceful claim of virtue.

What does the preacher imply about the psalmist's claim of never having done anything wrong?

The preacher implies that the psalmist's claim is questionable and potentially hypocritical, especially considering the historical context of David's life, which included significant moral failings such as his affair with Bathsheba and the plot to kill her husband.

What is the preacher's perspective on the idea of God's presence being limited to a specific place?

The preacher emphasizes that God's presence is not confined to a specific place like a temple, but is omnipresent, existing in and through all of creation, challenging the听众 to embrace a more expansive understanding of God.

How does the preacher connect the concept of 'othering' to the psalmist's behavior?

The preacher connects 'othering' to the psalmist's behavior by pointing out that the psalmist judges and distances himself from those he deems as liars, evildoers, and wicked, which is a form of exclusion that contradicts the inclusive nature of God's love.

What does the preacher suggest as a way to overcome self-righteousness and judgment of others?

The preacher suggests that to overcome self-righteousness and judgment, one should seek God's examination and revelation for a changed life, embracing an open table and inclusivity, and recognizing the inherent worth and sacredness of all people.

How does the preacher relate the story of Dr. James to the sermon's theme?

The preacher relates the story of Dr. James, who practices medicine among the homeless, to the sermon's theme by illustrating the importance of engaging with and valuing the marginalized, embodying Christ's radical hospitality and inclusivity.

What does the preacher mean when he encourages the congregation to be 'altars in the world'?

The preacher means that as disciples of Christ, they should carry the spirit of Christ's love and inclusivity into the world, being a welcoming presence for all, much like an altar is a central place of worship and communion within a church.

What is the preacher's view on the role of dialogue in Christian community?

The preacher views dialogue as essential in the Christian community, encouraging open and loving communication, avoiding conflict, and seeking understanding and encounter with others, including those with differing views.

How does the preacher interpret Jesus's interactions with the Pharisees and children in the context of inclusivity?

The preacher interprets Jesus's interactions as examples of radical hospitality and inclusivity, highlighting that Jesus engaged with those who were testing him and welcomed children, who represent purity and openness, as symbols of the kingdom of God's inclusive nature.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Seeking Divine Justice and Personal Reflection

The speaker begins by introducing the sermon text from Psalm 26, a plea by David to the Lord for justice. David asserts his integrity and requests the Lord to test him, seeking purification of his heart and mind. He distances himself from evildoers and praises the Lord's house. The speaker reflects on the psalmist's self-assuredness, drawing a parallel to Shakespeare's Hamlet, suggesting an overemphasis on personal innocence. The speaker challenges the congregation to move beyond self-interest and ego to a place of sharing and inclusivity, praying for a broader understanding and a willingness to share with others.

05:02

🧐 The Paradox of Self-Righteousness

The speaker delves into the psalmist's request for purification despite claiming righteousness, indicating an internal struggle. They highlight the psalmist's self-declared innocence and separation from those deemed unworthy. The speaker contrasts this with the known flaws of King David, who despite his moral failings, proclaims his innocence. The sermon emphasizes the need to move beyond self-righteousness and recognize the omnipresence of God's glory, challenging the congregation to embrace a more inclusive view of God and others.

10:05

🌟 The Fallibility of Human Judgment

The speaker discusses the human tendency to judge others and exclude them from the Lord's table, contrasting this with God's inclusive nature. They point out that David, despite his own sins, calls for separation from sinners, failing to recognize his own faults. The sermon encourages self-examination and a change in perspective to one of inclusivity, urging the congregation to see the value in all people and to avoid the behaviors that lead to exclusion.

15:08

🌱 Embracing the Resurrection of Self and Others

The speaker reflects on the Christian duty to embrace diversity and inclusivity, using the metaphor of resurrection to encourage personal transformation. They discuss Jesus's interactions with sinners, outcasts, and marginalized groups, emphasizing his radical hospitality and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of one's faith and a commitment to embodying Christian values in daily life.

20:09

👶 The Kingdom of God Belongs to the Childlike

The speaker highlights the innocence and inclusiveness of children, using them as an example of how to welcome others into the kingdom of God. They discuss Jesus's interactions with children and the importance of retaining a childlike heart to better understand and appreciate diversity. The sermon encourages the congregation to let go of preconceived notions and to be more like children in their openness and acceptance of others.

25:12

🤝 The Call to Open Dialogue and Encounter

The speaker concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to engage in open dialogue and seek out encounters with others, especially those they may have preconceived notions about. They share a story about a doctor who treats the homeless, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the stories of those on the margins of society. The sermon encourages the congregation to be like Christ in the world, to be inclusive, and to welcome all to the table of God's love.

🕊️ The Challenge to an Inclusive Faith

In the final paragraph, the speaker challenges the congregation to examine their own prejudices and to ask God for purification of heart and mind. They emphasize the importance of Jesus's command to make disciples of all nations and to be willing to engage with everyone. The sermon concludes with a call for the congregation to have an open table, to be inclusive, and to determine through their words and deeds that all are welcome.

Keywords

💡Integrity

Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In the context of the video, the speaker uses Psalm 26 to discuss the concept of integrity, highlighting the psalmist's plea to God to establish justice because he has walked with integrity. The speaker explores the idea that proclaiming one's own integrity can sometimes be a sign of self-righteousness, contrasting with the humility required for true spiritual growth.

💡Self-righteousness

Self-righteousness is the act of claiming to be morally correct when accused of a wrongdoing, often without due humility. The video script critiques self-righteousness by pointing out how the psalmist's declaration of innocence might be excessive and lacking in self-awareness. The speaker suggests that self-righteousness can prevent individuals from recognizing their own faults and from seeking a more authentic relationship with God.

💡Psalm 26

Psalm 26 is a specific psalm from the Hebrew Bible that the speaker uses as a reference point. It is a prayer for vindication and a plea for justice. In the video, the psalm serves as a starting point for discussing themes of righteousness, self-examination, and the contrast between self-perceived innocence and the need for divine purification.

💡Othering

Othering is the act of perceiving or treating someone as intrinsically different based on group memberships such as race, ethnicity, or social status. The script discusses how the psalmist's judgmental attitude towards 'sinners' and 'evildoers' is a form of othering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming othering to embrace the inclusive nature of God's love and to create a more just and compassionate society.

💡Inclusivity

Inclusivity is the practice of including people who might be excluded because of their identity or status, promoting diversity and equal opportunity. The video script encourages viewers to embrace inclusivity, drawing a parallel between God's inclusive love and the need for humans to welcome others, regardless of their perceived differences or shortcomings.

💡Ego

Ego refers to a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses how ego can obstruct spiritual growth and prevent individuals from recognizing their need for God's grace. The script suggests that overcoming ego is essential for opening one's heart to God and to others.

💡Mercy

Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. The video script mentions mercy in the context of the psalmist's plea for God's mercy. It reflects the human need for divine forgiveness and the desire to be saved from one's shortcomings.

💡Self-reflection

Self-reflection involves thinking deeply about one's own experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. The speaker encourages self-reflection as a means of recognizing personal faults and biases. It is presented as a necessary step towards spiritual growth and aligning one's actions with divine will.

💡Radical Hospitality

Radical hospitality is the practice of welcoming and including others without judgment or condition. The video script uses the example of Jesus engaging with sinners and outcasts to illustrate radical hospitality. It contrasts with the psalmist's exclusionary attitude and serves as a model for how Christians should approach others.

💡Preconceived Notions

Preconceived notions are pre-judgments or fixed ideas that a person forms beforehand, often without sufficient evidence. The speaker in the video challenges preconceived notions as barriers to understanding and empathy. By letting go of these notions, individuals can better embody Christ's teachings of love and acceptance.

💡Dialogue

Dialogue refers to a conversation between two or more people or groups, often with the aim of resolving points of disagreement or gaining a better understanding of different perspectives. The video script encourages dialogue as a means of fostering unity and mutual respect, even in the face of disagreement or conflict.

Highlights

The sermon text is from Psalm 26, where David pleads to the Lord for justice and asserts his own righteousness.

David's plea includes a request for the Lord to examine and purify his mind and heart, indicating a recognition of potential impurity.

The psalmist distances himself from those he deems wicked, liars, and evildoers, reflecting a self-righteous attitude.

Despite claiming innocence, the psalmist's words are contrasted with David's known sins, suggesting a disconnect between self-perception and reality.

The sermon challenges the idea of self-righteousness and calls for an examination of one's own conscience and behavior.

The concept of 'othering' is discussed, where people are judged and excluded based on perceived differences.

The sermon emphasizes the need to move beyond self-centered thinking to embrace inclusivity and share with others.

The importance of recognizing God's glory in all of creation and not just in a physical place like a temple is highlighted.

The sermon calls for an expanded image of God that is not limited by human projections or confined spaces.

The challenge to overcome prejudices and judgments of others in order to truly follow Christ's teachings is presented.

The sermon encourages embracing the unbounded nature of God's glory and inclusivity, reflecting God's desire for all people.

The story of Dr. James, a street doctor in Boston, is shared as an example of Christ-like service to the marginalized.

The sermon concludes with a call to action to be shepherds who engage in dialogue and seek encounters with others.

The importance of having an open table and being inclusive, as demonstrated by Jesus' interactions with diverse groups, is emphasized.

The sermon suggests that as followers of Christ, we should be willing to engage with anyone God brings into our lives.

The final message is to set aside egos and preconceived notions to create an open and inclusive community.

Transcripts

amen God will delight what we are

creators of justice justice and joy our

sermon text this morning comes from

Psalm 26

this is a psalm of David his plea to the

Lord i'll be reading from the common

english bible and the text reads

establish justice for me Lord because I

have walked with integrity I've trusted

the Lord without wavering examined me

Lord put me to the test purify my mind

and my heart because you're right

because you're faithful love is right in

front of me I walk in your truth I don't

spend time with people up to no good I

don't keep company with liars I detest

the company of evildoers and I don't sit

with wicked people I wash my hands they

are innocent I walk around your altar

Lord proclaiming out loud my thanks

declaring all your wonderful deeds I

love the beauty of your house Lord I

love the place where your glory resides

don't bother don't gather me up with the

sinners taking my life along with

violent people in whose hands are evil

schemes who's strong hands are full of

bribes but me I walk with integrity

save me have mercy on me my feet now

stand on level ground I will bless the

Lord in the great congregation may God

at a blessing and illuminate our

understanding of this reading amen this

Psalm sounds like a wonderful plea for

justice amidst a personal declaration of

righteousness at first blush the

psalmist sounds like many folks who say

oh I live a good life I don't hurt

anybody I try to do good by other folks

these are people living good lives but

still seeking God's affirmation look at

me go ahead test me see how good I am I

am all that and a bag of chips I find

this

passage bothers them it makes me think

of shakes to Shakespeare's play Hamlet

when someone was proclaiming their

innocence and there's a line that says

methinks thou dost protest too much the

psalmist claims his attributes a bit too

strongly this is a declaration of

innocence by someone who appears to have

an utterly clear conscience sounds like

someone who has never in his entire life

done anything wrong it speaks of

self-promotion and self-preservation

there's something amiss in this text I

find it interesting that when we are in

survival mode we tend to be

self-protective we're trying to get

something but then we're in when we're

in the time of abundance we still seem

to be self-protective we're trying to

keep somebody so we're either either

we're either trying to get something or

trying to hold on to it and I ask the

question how do we get to the point

where we change our thinking and reach

that state where we realize there is

enough for all well we're neither trying

to get it or keep it but we're willing

to actually share with our neighbors

without any ulterior motives just

willing to share how do we get to a

point where we can get over ourselves

our

egos her own needs our own desires and

open a place at the table for everyone

pray with me Lord God Almighty open our

eyes beyond what we can see open our

ears beyond what we can here and open

our hearts to a new understanding so

that you may walk in your ways gracious

teacher have your way and show us your

way in Jesus's name we pray amen today

we're going to take this song and kind

of flip it on its head to give it to get

a different perspective of what's going

on here what's the message behind these

actual words the psalmist starts with a

plea established justice for me Lord

because I have walked with integrity I

trusted the Lord without wavering

examine me Lord put me to the test but

then immediately moves on to say purify

my mind in my heart there's doubt in

this mind purify my mind in my heart

because your faithful love is right in

front of me and I walk in your truth if

this person is so righteous why the

request to purify my mind and my heart

there is something troubling this soul

the psalmist is seeking God's approval

but at the same time he's declaring his

own worth in his own eyes listen he says

I don't spend time with people up to no

good i'll keep the company of liars i

don't i detest the company of evildoers

I don't sit with wicked people I wash my

hands they are innocent in other words

I'm living right I don't deal with

lesser folk with those human beings

I don't associate I only associated with

people who I have judged to be worthy of

me and my time I only associate with

people who don't have any blemishes at

all in their history since I don't have

any failed judgment of my own I after

all I'm perfect I have never lied for

maybe except for that one little one of

that all the way back in the day but

that one doesn't matter I don't sit with

people who have even an errant wicked a

thought come on now this is David a

psalm of David David we know was a great

king of Israel but David had some wicked

ways okay he was not a perfect guy this

is the guys who in his idle time was

glancing down a hill and saw Bathsheba

decided he would seduce her and in so

doing then he decided he would have her

husband killed by sending him to the

front lines so his hands would be clean

but he was conniving and plotting all of

this wickedness this is the one who says

I wash my hands they're innocent I told

you methinks thou doth protest too much

David wasn't innocent in his ways and

neither a week we're all guilty of

infractions we have all fallen short of

the glory of God he goes on to say I

walk around your altar Lord proclaiming

out loud my thanks declaring all the

wonderful deeds I love the beauty of

your house Lord I love the place where

your glory resides it's interesting

words he chooses he has judged people as

being no good call them liars evil doers

and wicked he has claimed to walk in

integrity in his own eyes in his own

mind and then he comes to worship God

with a clear conscience he sees nothing

wrong with his way of being nothing

I'd say he's leaning to his own

understanding and then on top of all of

this he has the audacity to place God

embossed I love the beauty of your house

Lord the place where your glory resides

the truly back in the day people did

think that the temple was where God

resides but this is very significant

because God does not reside in a place

God is God's glory is because God is

everywhere God is everywhere in and

through all of creation you cannot look

at anything any person any part of

creation without seeing God's glory we

have to embrace this expanded image of

God do away with the pictures that you

might have seen the white-haired old

great white oh great old man you know

floating on clouds and so forth that's a

human projection somebody trying to

figure out something we don't know what

God looks like I'm day what God doesn't

look like but we have to think beyond

the box we can't put a form or limits if

you unbind your image of God then you

can better embrace the unbounded nature

of our Creator the unbounded nature of

God's glory and then recognize how God

is so inclusive how God's reach is

immeasurable it is it is the ultimate of

inclusivity until we move our minds

beyond confined space beyond the walls

of this building even we will never

understand what it means to have an open

table what it means what God's opentable

truly truly means when we judge others

like the psalmist has calling them liers

evil doers yeah these are folks who are

imperfect truly

this is the case of all humankind we are

faulty and frail creatures but when we

judge others we hold prejudices that

will include others from the Lord's

table and that is the opposite of what

God would have us to do david says don't

gather me up with the sinners take

taking my life along with violent people

in whose hands are evil schemes who's

strong hands are full of bribes did not

say he plotted and killed had a man

killed he's still judging and can't see

his own faults these are the blinders

that you know when you're walking in a

certain way for so much time it's easy

to get used to the way that you are and

thinking that that's okay that's the way

you were supposed to be but god has

something greater plan for all of us

David goes on to say but me I walk with

integrity save me have mercy on me my

feet now stand on level ground and I

will bless the Lord in the great

congregation he has self-righteous and

we'll go amongst the people to to bless

the Lord in this last verse he says that

he stands his feet are on level ground

meaning that he stands upright again

thinking that everything that he is

doing is alright but he's really on

shaky ground now knowing David's history

these words are hypocritical at best

there's a real need for God's

examination and revelation for a changed

life when he says I think the greatest

part of this package examined me Lord

put me to the test show me what I don't

know show me my real truth show me the

reality that I am now and then show me

what I should become

david was burdened with the same denial

and self-centered thinking that can move

us to a place of exclusivity so

internists causes us to judge and

characterize others and as David knows

he doesn't associate with liars evil

doers with the people he proclaims his

distance from these folks he's

proclaiming his distance from people

that he doesn't approve of or doesn't

understand lifestyles their behaviors

whatever's going on with them they're

just different from what he thinks

should be this is called other ring as

african-americans we are the other in

too many eyes the challenge is that

we've been other for generations we all

know this the greater challenge is that

though we have been other for so long we

take on other in behavior we other

individuals as well as groups and then

we also other within our own group

within our own population we other by

skin tone hair texture education social

status economic status we even other

within our own faith denominations and

we need to be clear on this other in

behavior how it rears itself other in

causes folks to use language like those

people or to generalize when you say

black people or Hispanics do this or

Latinos do that and even understand the

difference between Hispanics and Latinos

that is a distinction Asians behave a

certain way those are gross

generalizations that tell you nothing

about the person it's no different than

just saying oh that group is a bunch of

liars that group is a bunch of evildoers

I'm not going to have anything to do

with them other ring again is distant

saying it is even objectifying and when

you objectify another person you

dehumanize them that is what we have

suffered for so many years

dehumanization not even just looking at

you as a person who has feelings who has

thoughts who has opinions about a

variety of things who can actually love

more deeply than you could ever imagine

other ring is not something that we can

do as followers of Christ we as

disciples of Christ ought to be seeking

others to seek understanding we were

charged to go out and make disciples of

all nations in order to do that that

means we got to get over ourselves by

our baptism we were born again in Christ

we were to die to our old selves to our

old ways and then to be resurrected into

a new way of being that is what we share

in our Christian walk die to self be

resurrected in Christ take the time to

think about your baptism about your own

resurrection what does that mean for you

and what does that then mean for the

world are you with me

we've got to think about these things

you can't just say I'm Christian and

didn't just wear that moniker on our

heads and say and not think deeply about

what that really means the only way to

embody faith is to continue to think

about it and to grow in it as follows of

the Christ we don't get to be selective

Jesus was not selected Jesus did

everything that was just the opposite of

what the psalmist is talking about he

ate with sinners he was the one who went

out with the social outcasts he cared

for the poor he touched the unclean he

cured the sick he engaged with the

Pharisees and the scribes even though

they were always testing him and then

when he was in the presence of Roman

authorities he didn't shudder he knew

who he was he knew what his purpose was

he walked in confidence Jesus was

radically hospitable and demonstrated

that there is a place at the table for

everybody regardless of what your

circumstances are it doesn't matter

whether you are being just or unjust

there has a place the table for you the

fact that there is a place at the table

for you at God's table for you when

you're not right with God speaks to

God's inclusiveness and speaks to God's

desire for something better for you

Jeremiah 29 11 says the Lord declares I

know the plans I have for you plans to

give you hope and a future that means

wherever you are today is where you are

today that may be your reality for the

moment it does not have to be a reality

going forward there is always hope a

place at the table you know

art text the Pharisees came to test

Jesus and he still engaged them he

didn't push him aside he allowed them to

ask their questions and he responded

they asked him a question about what a

man could do to his wife the Pharisees

were selective in their male centered

thinking and questioning Jesus

recognized this but he didn't demean

them he didn't dehumanize them he didn't

call them idiots he just responded that

Moses gave them a command because they

were hard hearted they had their own way

of thinking and Moses wasn't going there

however Jesus clarified that from the

beginning God made them male and female

and for this reason a man shall leave

his parents and become one with his wife

they will become one flesh and then

later he explained further to the

disciples that what goes for one goes

for the other God doesn't apply separate

rules for men and women that is what the

Pharisees were trying to do Jesus was

not walking into that trap God doesn't

play favorites that way God is fair to

all that is why God's table table is

open all human beings have value because

we are all created by God we are called

to treat all human beings as people of

sacred worst regardless of where they

are in their lives we are called to

treat all human beings as people safer

sacred word and then to make this point

even further Jesus turns to children and

as the disciples people were bring in

the children to Jesus just to touch them

so that they could be blessed and the

disciples were trying to keep the kids

away from Jesus and he got angry with

and he said no let the kids come let the

children come to me for it is to such as

these

the kingdom of God belongs now think

about children back in that day they

were the vulnerable population they had

no rights no privileges they were often

on the margins they were liabilities

they were expenses they were the ones

that they couldn't provide for

themselves they had to be cared for the

vulnerable folks but children are so

pure in heart that they can welcome even

the stranger they can welcome the

peculiar they will welcome the

marginalized if a child has a sandwich

and greets a homeless person a little

baby will share it doesn't matter what

that person looks like a who they are

they just appeared hard you want some

here they offer it this is the how this

is that that is the the heart set of a

child and that is the heart set of

people who will see the kingdom of God

Jesus remember was a stranger Jesus

truly was peculiar and Jesus was always

on the margins because the powers that

be were pushing him out he was bringing

radical change about and that was

disturbing their status quo the children

yet were flocking to him the stranger

the peculiar the marginalized children

are like altars in the world they have

this portable innocence and they are

that welcoming table of God moving

around in the world and we have to look

at them that way if we could just retain

or let go of ourselves our old selves

and regain that childlike heart that is

when we may better understand the beauty

and diversity that the wholeness there's

a wholeness and a holiness in the

diversity and inclusiveness of the body

of the of the kingdom of God I'll leave

you with this story I heard an NPR story

about a dr. James

in Boston and he's released this book

called stories from the shadows

reflections of a street doctor these are

recounts of people that he is

encountered over the course of he's been

practicing medicine for 30 years but he

goes out to the streets to meet with

folks and to treat them he refers to the

homeless as rough sleepers I've heard

urban outdoorsmen and all different

types of things but he says they are

rough sleepers sleeping in the rough if

you will now what's unique about this is

that she's been practicing for 30 some

odd years now he couldn't stay indoors

in the pristine comfort of a private

practice but he has chosen instead to

practice medicine on the margins he

makes house calls to the homeless that

means under freeway ramps you know in

alleys wherever the people may be that

is where he goes he sees the invisible

and here's the voiceless these are the

folks that are nameless and faceless

that most people just don't take the

time to acknowledge but because he has

intentionally gone out to tend to these

folks he has encountered their life

stories their histories he has now

recorded and put names and faces voices

on the page preserved this he has

impacted their lives and in turn they

have impacted his life this is being

Christ in the world Pope Francis told

the US Catholic Bishops last week to be

shepherds who never shy away from

dialogue she told them don't fight

amongst yourselves

and always be seeking encounters that is

a call to action for all of us be

shepherds in the world don't shy away

from dialogue with anybody especially

not each other because we have trouble

talking amongst one another we still

fight and don't necessarily know the

right words to say we let emotions rule

instead of thinking well let's just get

down to what is the bottom issue and

let's deal with one another in love

that's dialogue it's not yelling it's

not fussing and fighting he's a dialogue

don't fight amongst not one another we

are to love one another and then to seek

out opportunities for encounter we grow

through encounter you never know what

encounters going to bring there are

wonderful wonderful blessings and places

that we've not even ventured to go

because we've got a preconceived notion

let's let go of that and be Christ in

the world be those welcoming children of

God that open table in the world we

often think that you know this is the

altar this special table that is within

the church but as disciples of Christ

don't we take Christ out and therefore

we are altars all of us altars in the

world the question is is your table open

are you inclusive enough for are you

going to say my table is only set for

serving spoons is my table only for

those who are good enough to sit here

and then who's determining who's good

enough God would have us welcome all and

it is our words and deeds that determine

whether people know that the table is

open or not so I would encourage you set

aside egos set aside any preconceived

notions and if you think that you don't

have any that you don't have any

prejudices you do

they're ingrained in us it is part of

who we are but we have to ask God like

David said you know test me purify my

heart and my mind if we're not willing

to ask God to show us to purify our

hearts and our mind we're going to be

stuck with where we are with a closed

table as disciples of Christ again our

command by Jesus go forth and make

disciples of all nations as you go as

you go make disciples and that means

you've got to be willing to engage

whoever God's brings to you as we offer

Christ to our brothers and sisters we

must have an open table amen amen won't

you please stand