(This sermon was prepared for the Holstein United Methodist Church and delivered on Father's Day in 2009.)
Slingshots. Boys and girls are fascinated by them. Growing up, my brother and our cousin both got fancy models we were all eager to try out. They were made of leather, metal, plastic and had a part that went over your wrist. It looked like a high tech marvel to us those many years ago. And it’s still available in that format today.
The longer we had it, the more material we learned could be projectiles aimed toward our intended targets. Thankfully it was never each other! It was the sides of buildings, tin cans, trees, and, unsuccessfully, birds and small wild animals. We were annoying, not dangerous.
When given this slingshot, a stern warning came along with it from our parents. And because it was to be used outside only, that message came from dad. So when the window broke, I heard these words, “Umm, Dad… About that slingshot…”
Though our aim was never too true, we couldn’t help but think of David who used his slingshot to bring down Goliath. Knowing a slingshot brought down a huge enemy was a powerful thing, even if it was a completely different tool than the one we had to play with.
For us, it was a trivial matter. For David, it was monumental. Here was the youngest son of Jesse, chosen by God, send to defend god’s chosen people. The entire country's future was being placed into the hands of one of the nation's youth -- a shepherd boy with a demonstrated gift for prevailing against the odds.
This story of David and Goliath we know so well is fitting for Father's Day because he was honoring his father, Jesse's, wishes by being at the battle field. The mission Jesse gave his youngest son, David, was to deliver grain and cheeses to his older brothers and their leaders, see how they were faring, and return with this news to Judah from the battle with the Philestines.
When he arrived at the battlefront, David felt certain his heavenly father was giving him another mission – this one to slay Goliath, the philistine. Just as David had successfully defended his father's flock of sheep from the lion and bear, he also protected his Father's flock, the Israelites, from their attackers. With one smooth stone, he brought the giant man down. So when he said to his father, Jesse, “Umm, Dad... About that slingshot...” his was a different story altogether than ours.
As we think about David and his success with slaying Goliath, what does it tell us about what God thinks about the role that young adults in the future of the church? the community? the nation? the world? Our families? We need to look to all members - regardless of age and experience, as potential leaders, those called by God to serve as his warriors in this daily battle we face.
Remember, too, Saul offered David his own armor. It was too big and heavy; David had already learned at least one way to deal with the reality of bears and bullies -- a slingshot and stones. In a very similar way, the youth and young adults to whom we must turn for leadership in the future will probably require (should I say demand?) their own ways of facing life's challenges as they lead us into the future.
It’s so rewarding to watch as my brother parents and gradually takes over more and more family responsibilities. I’ve watched my husband parent our daughter and now be Gramps to Ethan, our young grandson. And I measure them by the example my own father set, one of patience, high standards, faith, and unconditional support.
As we look at our earthly fathers, we find a source of strength and support for the big challenges we face. Their wisdom, vision, and experience help us overcome many obstacles. Without their counsel, we would not be as successful as we are.
Think again about David and Goliath. The Philistines had the "big guy," and he had showy armor and made a lot of noise. The entire nation was paralyzed with fear by the terror tactics of Goliath and his companions. It was by Philistine design that the Israelites paid more attention to what they saw than to what they should have known about their own history and resources. Things are not very different for most of us; we tend to develop amnesia and paralysis when confronted with huge challenges. David used the skills of a shepherd, learned from his father, to slay Goliath.
Today we also read a passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians who were misbehaving. In much the same way a father advises his children, redirecting them when they err, Paul shares his wisdom with the people of Corinth who were – well – being obnoxious.
Paul’s life was heavily peppered with afflictions, hardships, beatings, hunger, and sleepless nights. He felt the Corinthians turn from the message of the Gospel he and Timothy shared. Yet, he did not close his heart, turn his back, or walk away. He remained faithful to them, continuing to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. In verses 11 through 13, Paul says, 11We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Paul speaks from a fatherly perspective, one reflecting the love of our heavenly father who never gives up, gives in, or turns away, no matter what we do or how far we run in the opposite direction.
In the storms of life, times when our faith is tested, we know we have the solid rock of our father God to rely on. As the disciples experienced the storm in the boat on the sea of Galilee, when they called upon Jesus, the messiah, to keep them from perishing, their faith wavered. Yet Christ – in a reflecton of his father’s love – rescued them from both their unbelief and the storms’ danger.
We are so blessed to be loved by our fathers – earthly and heavenly. Today we recognize all fathers. We remember the fathers who have gone on to their reward in heaven. We cherish the love of our fathers who gave us life and are role models for all children. We honor our sons who become fathers themselves. And we don’t forget those men who may not be fathers in the traditional sense yet impact lives none-the-less.
And in this celebrating, we praise and offer thanksgiving for our heavenly Father whose love, compassion, and care surround us each day. We are beyond blessed to be the recipients of his unconditional love, knowing without a doubt, everything good in our lives comes from God.
When God the Father sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us, we won eternal life. We did not earn it, we cannot buy it nor bargain for it. We simply must profess our belief in Jesus, and respond by dedicating our lives to doing God’s will.
© Ann Trimble-Ray 2010
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