"A Place at the Table" (Ps. 26) - Pastor Lynn Miller-Jackson 10/04/2015
Summary
TLDRThe 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
🙏 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.
🧐 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.
🌟 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.
🌱 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.
👶 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.
🤝 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Integrity
💡Self-righteousness
💡Psalm 26
💡Othering
💡Inclusivity
💡Ego
💡Mercy
💡Self-reflection
💡Radical Hospitality
💡Preconceived Notions
💡Dialogue
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
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