A Commitment to the Church

"I desire, as I have for many years, to come to you when I go to Spain.
For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent on by you,
once I have enjoyed your company for a little while.
At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem
in a ministry to the saints...."

From Paul's Letter to the Romans [15:23-25 NRSV]

There may be those today who would criticize the Apostle Paul for returning to Jerusalem [representing the past, the mother church], when his desire was to move into the future by going to the Church in Rome and then on to Spain to establish a new church.

I've had the opportunity again this winter to teach a Wednesday evening bible study in my home congregation. This year our theme is "Paul and the Early Church" focusing on Acts but also looking briefly at Paul's letters. It is near the end of Paul's 3rd Missionary Journey that we learn of his deep desire to go to Rome and then on to Spain. But he cannot go yet for he must return to Jerusalem. Paul has periodically returned to Jerusalem to report to the church on the success of his missionary journeys, but this time the urgency in returning is tied to the collection he has been gathering among the scattered churches for the needy in Jerusalem. He must go to Jerusalem before moving on to Rome and to Spain.

I've been reflecting recently about Paul's commitment to the church in Jerusalem, even when his heart urges him to move on to new opportunities and new beginnings elsewhere.

How often today we are willing to forsake the church that nurtured us yesterday, for the church that promises new beginnings with new and exciting opportunities. I recognize that some of the churches we are tempted to forsake have become stuck in a rut or have declined in size or have aging buildings or graying congregations. Even so, there is that within me that feels a sense of commitment to caring for these congregations.

We live in a "throw-away" society. We buy cheaper products of poorer quality with the intent to throw-it-away if it breaks and buy new again. Cameras are but one example of this convenience. Rather than investing in a good camera and buying film; we purchase disposal cameras made of cardboard and when we have shot the roll of film, we mail in the whole camera for developing.

I observe individuals who select congregations the same way. I'll get what I can for a while and then throw-it-away for a new church that offers me something more exciting or more contemporary. We seem to have lost the concept of church as a community of Christian believers that grows ... and suffers ... and struggles ... and prays ... together.

Perhaps before we too quickly move on to an unknown congregation in a new location, we should consider returning to the church in Jerusalem with an offering for the saints.

As we enter the season of Lent, I invite us to reflect anew on Jesus who is the very foundation of the church. Jesus believed that transformation was possible. He made it possible for us to hope in the resuurection of all that seems dead. He gifted us with hope for the church, even where "two or three are gathered in my name."

Jesus and Paul taught us about sacrifice, about giving an offering for the saints, about new life for the church that is founded in Jesus' name. Brothers and sisters, whether we gathered in churches large or small, old or new, may we move through Lent toward Easter

Continuing the work of Jesus
Peacefully Simply Together.

Herman Kauffman