1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Some years ago, I took an Old Testament class under Dr Gordon Wong. To prepare today’s sermon, I went back to my notes and looked under the lesson on the Psalms. I found an article I had kept by a certain Prof Greg Parsons, who said,
“At first glance, the Psalms are among the most inviting sections of the Bible for the preacher because of how well loved and familiar they are to believers. The Psalms are widely used for devotions, public worship, ministering to the sick and downtrodden. Yet, they are rarely preached or taught.” Why? He says, “what preacher has not been captured by a psalm, only to be defeated and humiliated in his attempt to turn it into a sermon.”
I should have read this before I suggested our next series be “Preaching the Psalms”!
The difficulty some say, is because the psalms are primarily words addressed to God rather than words or instructions from God, so we ought to pray the psalms or sing them, rather than preach them. Others say the psalms are so richly poetic, that we, the poetically illiterate are intimidated and not sure we can preach them well.
The Psalms is in fact, a collection of sung poetic prayers associated with divine worship in Israel. And the two main types of psalms = laments (both individual and communal) and hymns. Laments form 1/3 of the Psalm, these are complaints where the psalmist describes distress or despair and appeals for divine intervention. Maybe that’s why we rarely preach from the psalms, we are uncomfortable complaining to God. Jean Lee said in a recent cell meeting that the laments are her favourite because they reflect real struggles, our struggle with questions of Where are you God? How long will you hide your face from me? Why have you cast me off, my God?
Today, I am not preaching a lament. In fact Clarence said, “Susan, what a tame psalm you chose”. I told him I’d leave the provocative ones to him, the liberation ones to my father and the laments to Jean.
Psalm 84
This psalm is one of a group of psalms called Songs of Zion. These psalms honor Zion or Jerusalem (especially the temple) as both a symbol of God’s promises to Israel and also a physical place where the community can experience the living presence of God. While people then, and today, could encounter the divine presence any time and any place, they regarded the temple as a guaranteed place where the community could enter into the presence of God.
So, listen to what the psalmist says in the opening verses –
v.1-2
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
If we were to translate the Hebrew literally it would say,
My soul is drained of its color, even wastes away, for the courts of the LORD.
The psalmist finds life in God's courts with his whole being – body and soul, heart and flesh – he looks forward to taking part in Tabernacle worship. This is no passing fancy or desire he is expressing here. It is heartfelt, sincere, real. This psalmist yearns for worship. This psalmist cannot wait to go to church. Do any of us look forward to church even half as much as the psalmist?
In v.3
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, at your altars,
O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Given the semi-arid conditions of the land of Israel, the lives of sparrows and swallows were tenuous. The psalmist says the birds find a home in the temple and experience the providence of God. We, people, like the birds, can similarly discover in God’s house, the providential power that supports life.
In v.4-7
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise
Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion
As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
The priests who dwell in the temple are happy or blessed. Those who make a pilgrimage to the temple are likewise. The valley of Baca was probably a dry place through which pilgrims passed, but the knowledge that they are going to the temple makes that valley a place of springs and early rain. This journey through the valley is a powerful symbol for individuals and communities who find themselves in Baca-like circumstances. All week long we can be battered by the world, by busyness, by work, by illness, by financial hardship, by family problems. For them and us, the temple is not only a symbol of divine presence but also a real source of refreshment and renewal.
But do we feel "blessed and happy" to be in church each Sunday? How many of us measure blessing or happiness in this way? Or does the psalmist look at church quite differently from us? The psalmist carries on to further declare in v.10 that “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Do we share those feelings?
Why do we come to church then? Out of habit? To put on a good appearance? Because that is the way we were brought up? Because of the singing? Because of the preacher or sermons? Because of the fellowship? I think we all come to church for a bit of all those reasons, but when it comes right down to it, there is only one reason for coming to church. It is the reason of the psalmist. We come to church, first and foremost, to be in the presence of God. We don't come out of habit or obedience. We don't come because of the songs, prayers and sermons or the fellowship foremost. We come because we want to meet with God.
And, the opposite is also true. We don't stay away because of the songs – they are unfamiliar or too loud, too soft. We don't stay away because of the preacher and sermon – she is dull and he is uninspiring. We don't stay away because of the fellowship – no one talks to me, everyone is so cliquish. The psalmist longs for the House of God because there he meets God in worship.
If I was on the receiving end of this sermon, I would jump up and protest immediately! Surely, there are many others places where I can meet God, and in fact some of these places make for a more real encounter with Him than in church. I would never confine God to the walls of this building. And I daresay, God may probably be found walking the lorongs of Geylang more than he is sitting here with us in this room.
So why bother preaching about coming to church?
Because personal devotion and personal worship aside, God intends for us to live in community. He made us to live in relationship with other people. There are many communities you choose to participate in, but when it comes to choosing a faith community, FCC should be your community of choice if you believe in our mission.
Because we have been called to a special, unique mission. And because you and I have been placed here for such a time as this, you and I have a special calling. To call others to receive what we have received.
What have we received that others may need?
Theologically, the answer is “a relationship with God through Jesus Christ”. That may sound kind of abstract. But simply put, what we, as people, need are,
To know that,
- God loves us just as we are
- We are worthy in God’s eyes
- Our lives are significant, our lives have a purpose
- We are not alone
- We do not have to figure out on our own, how to cope with relationship problems, family tensions, self-doubts, temptation, despair, etc.
- We are surrounded by a supportive faith community
- There is always hope that sustains us through difficulties
- We are forgiven and must forgive
- We are loved and must love
- Life comes not from taking, but from giving of, ourselves,
and so on ……
We as a church, must know this, and must make this known.
FCC’s very existence as a community that worships an inclusive God, who leaves no one out, is in itself a form of proclamation, of Christian witness. Today, we are the ONLY church in Singapore that affirms the sexuality of gay people, and that places an extra responsibility on our shoulders to ensure our church continues to be welcoming, inclusive, compassionate and most importantly, sustainable. We need to create a sustainable community because there are people counting on us, and there are people we are accountable to. And only a community that is vibrant, relevant, fruitful and reaching out always to bring new “others” into the family, can continue to sustain itself.
So perhaps the most important thing that we can do, the most significant act we make, is to continue to gather to worship God in the midst of a local Christian community that criticises and ostracises us.
So how can we ensure sustainability?
Every church has a front door as well as a back door problem. As hard as we try to please everyone, it is inevitable that some will leave, but we must ensure that those coming in the front door exceeds those leaving. How? That’s where Shawn’s initiative to start a Ministry of Welcome will help. Hospitality is a mark of Christian discipleship. We are extending God’s invitation to others, not just our own. Paul says, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you” (Rom 15:7).
Say to a newcomer, “Welcome to our Home! This can be your home too!” And he will say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt 25:35) The letter of Hebrews says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Heb 13:2). And these very people, with their gifts, talents, their life experiences and faith perspectives, may prove to be individuals whom God uses to breathe new life into our community. Why do we welcome strangers? Because we were once strangers, aliens in the land of Egypt (Deut 10:19). Because we were once strangers to FCC, and because someone invited us, received us, encouraged us and helped us feel welcome and included in the family, we stayed. If we had not felt welcomed, we would not have stayed.
Maybe we should think back to what brought each of us first to FCC. What our first experience was like. What made us feel welcome? What made it hard for us to connect? How long did it take us to feel a sense of belonging? What were the obstacles? Shawn has drawn up a detailed list of to-dos, pre-, during and after service. This is important because we need to do the practical stuff – proper signage/directions, trained greeters, system of visitor follow-up. Aside from techniques and strategies, I believe it is also important to focus our minds on the fundamental purpose of Christian hospitality.
In our thanksgiving service on the last Sunday of 2007, we opened up the pulpit to members to just talk about the year past, and so many of us spoke up about how grateful we are for our church, for our cell group friendships, for the opportunity to serve, to learn, to grow, to laugh, to cry -- for a home where we can just be ourselves, And that is the purpose of church – to draw us together into relationship with God and with each other, with friends and strangers; and to change our lives. These are among the gifts God gives to us.
So the reason why we should be hospitable is, once we realize that we have been given gifts which many others may not yet have, we should begin to sense a responsibility and a calling to invite others to receive these gifts too. In fact, we will be restless to offer the invitation of God to others, to offer the utmost of ourselves, our abilities, our creativity, our energy, and visitors will sense this, they will be surprised by the love of God they see in this church. We will not just be a friendly church, with ushers and greeters warmly welcoming visitors, chatty, helpful and polite. Instead we will be a surprising church, one that exceeds expectations, that goes the second mile to include others, that takes welcoming to the max, that makes our hospitality radical in line with the radical church that we are!
And we may be equally surprised to find that our radical hospitality shapes us too. As we plan, prepare and work towards being welcoming, not just in our Ministry of Welcome, but also in our others ministries of music & worship, cell groups, community outreach, lgbt outreach, HIV/AIDs outreach, stewardship, we discover an increasing joy and sense of purpose because we know that through our participation, we are extending the invitation of Christ to others.
We will realize that to offer ourselves to Christ is to offer Him to others. We would have internalized the quality of hospitality. And once that happens, it will make everything we do, invitational. And we will not solely depend on our Ministry of Welcome, welcome will be part and parcel of our church culture, an trait of every member, every cell group, every worship team member, every outreach team, every ministry will invest time to invite and receive newcomers, and to teach each other how to be more welcoming.
There are many techniques, practices and ways we can do this. Shawn has already some plans mapped out. And Malcolm has also offered his training skills, and I know many of us here are already in the customer service industry. I hope many will come forth with ideas, time and ‘bodies’ to help in this ministry. At the start, all this will seem very intentional and even perfunctory processes but with time, I am confident it will become norm, and really part of our culture.
Together, let’s figure out ways to make our church inviting from the moment the lift doors open. Aside from a big welcome hug, do we know how to make visitors feel at ease? Once we’ve seated him or her, usually alone, what’s going through her mind? Does she feel awkward? Self-conscious? Looking around at all the people she does not know, wondering if she should have come in the first place? How can we make her feel comfortable and less awkward?
What about our physical space? Does it feel intimidating or inviting? Ours is not a big church, there’re no corners to hide in. Does that make it scary for visitors, who are then highly visible? Are our church promises kept neat and clean? Our toilets? I even went as far as to wonder if we could de-sex our toilets for the sake of our transgendered friends. Surely in FCC of all places, they would not have to face the dilemma of whether to enter the male or female toilet!
We can also start thinking about how to seize every opportunity to publicise our church. Collect contacts of visitors to service, talks, events with careful sensitive follow-up. Maybe even plan follow-up events for them, newcomers tea, getting-to-know-you sessions, etc. Keep in touch with absent or inactive or infrequent members with equal care and sensitivity. Introduce our church to colleagues and friends; this should be something we must learn to feel comfortable doing. We have no problem telling others where to find the best char kway teow, where to find the cheapest buys, and yet, the most important relationship we have as Christians, we find ourselves hesitant to speak. I am guilty too. We don’t want to be pushy or sound too fanatically religious. But if we think of what church and God means to us – relationships, sense of purpose, meaning, connection, peace, encouragement – why would we not desire these things for others, and especially for those we care about? We can do it without being pushy, we can do it in our own voice, with sincerity and love.
Henri Nouwen has given me a sharp reminder of my own blind spots on hospitality. To him, hospitality means “creating space for the guest”. It means providing a free space for him/her to be him/herself and for us to be ourselves. Hospitality is not a task nor is it entertainment. Its just being ourselves, living and sharing our lives with others. So in our eagerness to hospitable, we must be conscious that we do not crowd the guest, smother or control. Like me for example, I can be quite a kaypoh and ask newcomers too many questions!
Once people have found a church that makes them feel welcome and loved, needed and accepted, we must also acknowledge that the work doesn’t stop there. When we invite someone to the feast, we can’t spend all our time getting the invites right, we need to also arrange for what will be served. And that’ll be topics, and they have been topics, of other sermons. Together we must learn how to worship, to draw close to God; we must continue to develop our faith, to learn and deepen our understanding of what it means to be disciples of Christ; we must learn to serve, to give generously of ourselves to help and to make a difference in the lives of others.
That’s what a church, all churches, must do. Rick Warren has said the first Reformation was about creeds, the next Reformation must be about deeds. He said the church is the Body of Christ, but the Hands and the Feet have been amputated, and all we’ve been is a big Mouth. There’s so much he feels the Church can do, and that’s why he and his wife are now spending the majority of their time, energy and money in work with AIDS, hunger, disease and literacy.
Let’s not be accused of being big mouths, let’s every member of this church be hands and feet. Let’s together be welcoming and inclusive, vibrant and relevant, fruitful and reaching out always to new “others”, and make our church the lovely dwelling place that all will long and yearn to be in.
Amen. |
