March 12 Update from Scott Lumsden
Seattle Presbytery
[Jesus said to Nicodemus]...“‘And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.’”
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:14-21
This Sunday’s gospel text is familiar enough to most that the context is helpful. In fact, it’s also good to remember that Jesus’ response here is to Nicodemus, a Pharisee with considerable power and privilege. Yet something about Jesus’ teaching cuts him to the quick and sparks his curiosity. To Nicodemus, Jesus has unorthodox, but legit credentials that allow him to reveal God’s heart, which in turn may have revealed some gaps in Nicodemus’ own discipleship. In fact, Jesus does seem to imply that Nicodemus, with all his power, privilege, and training, isn’t actually following God (or can’t be) unless he essentially (repents and) starts over. That didn’t land so well, so Jesus offers a fuller explanation complete with an Old Testament reference (above) to help him. (And then the gospel writer John adds some helpful interpretation).
Familiar passages like this lull me into complacency if I’m not careful, but today I’m struck by my own power and privilege. In other words, I’m not just someone casually reading the gospel and lifting up my John 3:16 sign -- no, quite the contrary -- I’m Nicodemus. I’m part of a power structure in religion, family, government, and society that is designed to perpetuate my privilege in all spheres of life. I didn’t create it, but I do receive its benefits daily. Yet like Nicodemus, my heart knows somehow this isn’t part of God’s plan -- there’s something missing in my own discipleship -- but am I willing to go to Jesus so he can help me see things differently (anew)?
God’s plan in sending Christ is to shed light on the darkness of the people, powers, and structures of this world that stifle the Light -- to bring hope, life, and wholeness to the whole world -- overturning the people, powers, and structures that hinder the building of God’s new community. The story of Nicodemus reminds me that I can believe in the Light, yet still participate in and perpetuate systems that oppress; I can claim to be “enLightened” yet still lack the knowledge of the depth and broadness of God’s plan to renew all things.
This is why I’m grateful for fellow disciples who show me my blindspots and encourage me to think differently -- and more deeply -- as a leader. One such opportunity I had recently was the 2021 NEXT Conference that took place last weekend. The theme (Break, Bless, Build), the speakers, the worship, the workshops were all quite a powerful witness to the moment we’re in as a nation, church, and denomination. More importantly, it was a sacred space to take stock of one’s discipleship in challenging and life giving ways. The really good news is that it is all recorded and available online for you to view yourself. In light of the scripture today, I’d encourage you to check it out. If you'd like Seattle Presbytery's subscription access to recordings and other resources, please contact EJ Lee.
Lastly, I want to thank Eliana, EJ, Tali and many others for so ably keeping things going while I was away. The challenges of this pandemic are deep and incessant and we need to remain mindful of the hidden toll they are taking on us all -- especially people like pastors and other caregivers. Let’s continue to reach out and be honest with one another about how we’re doing -- it makes all the difference.
Peace,
Rev. Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyter
Join us next week for an amazing opportunity to get a flavor for how we're living into our partnership with the Presbytery of the North Coast in Colombia.