August 15, 2018 · Ordinary Time (after Pentecost) · Year B
Put on a Hat? - 1Thessalonians 5
Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, this sermon explores the metaphor of putting on a hat — how it can signal transformation, courage, and wisdom, or be used to hide from a fearful world. The preacher connects Paul's armor of light imagery to the call to remain awake and sober amid racial injustice, violence, and chaos.
Scripture:1 Thessalonians 5 · 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 · 1 John 3
hopediscipleshipidentity
Put
on a Hat?
Tony
E Dillon Hansen
18
Dec 2017
A
Sermon based upon 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Will
you pray with me? May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our
hearts be acceptable in your sight O Lord, our Rock, Our Redeemer. Amen.
I
recall our good minister, Lindsey Braun, talking about this passage.
For
my own, I love putting on hats and suddenly transforming into some character.
It
can be liberating and fun to take on a character full of courage and wisdom.
With
hats, we can also use them to hide away intentions and feelings.
Because
we can draw the hat lower to hide our eyes from the world,
especially
when the world looks like chaos and fear.
From
racial profiling, systemic sexual violence, routine shootings, and challenges
to water rights as well as to equal rights.
The
world is full of negative energy gripping people.
When
everything seems to be chaotic and anxious,
Thessalonians
tells us to
put
on a “breastplate of faith and love” and a “helmet the hope.”
Now,
how does one do that, you ask?
I
am glad you asked…
Our
lesson also tells us that days of tension and negativity are reminders
to
come together to “encourage …and build up each other.”
When
you listen to each other, share your talents,
or
share a meal with each other,
When
you genuinely value all God’s Children,
When
you share our authentic compassion
When
you are demonstrations of Christ in life and community,
That
is when we walk and put on a “breastplate of faith and love”
and
a “helmet the hope”.
Further,
Thessalonians tells us to go out -- teach the community this love!
When
you take another’s hand,
And
remind them we are in this together
--
that we are going to make it,
we
not only teach but witness how to be a community again.
When
we witness all Beloved children of God (1 John 3).
Yes,
Black Lives Do Matter.
Blue
Lives Do Matter.
Indians
protecting their water Do matter.
Immigrant
lives Do matter.
Queer
lives Do matter.
Persons
facing divorce, job loss, serious health diagnosis, or even loss of faith do
matter.
All
Beloved need and deserve authentic love
--
not just as token phrases
but
from our revealed compassion
Remember
that you are a Beloved Child of God.
That
is how you wear the “armor” of faith, love and hope.
When
you “encourage …and build up each other”
when
you welcome all to the table of communion,
then
you remind each other that you too
are a Beloved child,
you matter,
are a Beloved child,
you matter,
and
we are going to make it!
Even
in the darkest hour (or longest night),
even
during pain or betrayal,
And
even when fear and injustice seem to reign
You
do not have to hide behind makeshift hats.
Walk
with your “breastplate of faith and love” and wear the “helmet of hope
And
go forward with the assurance of God.
And
you Child of God say with me, “Amen.”