Sermon Pentecost 3A 2011-07-03
Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Frequently read words this time of year, although we are much more likely, perhaps to hear the second sentence that follow so soon after this opening sentence in our Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Liberty... independence... two central themes to life in America. We are instilled from very early ages with these notions. Human beings are free. Most importantly from the governing authorities. The Declaration of Independence is clear that the governement’s power comes from the consent of the governed. Totalitarian systems have no place. Divine-right systems have no place. Human beings are free. Free to express themselves as they choose even if it is unpopular or distasteful. Free to worship as they choose. Each human being is the forger of his or her own destiny. Independence. Liberty. Freedom. Watchwords for our nation.
Perhaps then it seems ironic that today, the day before our Independence Day, that we hear Jesus words, “Take my yoke upon you....” The yoke is of course an implement that shackles two beasts together for labor. Hardly a vision of independence. This image seems to play right into the hands of all of the critics of Christianity (or any religion for that matter), that it exists to control and oppress people, that it refuses to allow people to think for themselves. The word “religion” doesn’t help us here. That word comes from the Latin root “ligare” which means “to bind.” Religion might bind us to a deity but at the same time it binds us from our true desires. From obtaining what we really want. Our pursuits of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are thwarted by the presence of this yoke. After all, religious adherents are not all that likely to live and let live. There are numerous examples of religion being used to advance various agendas, demonizing others, and even instilling horrendous violence. Is Jesus’ statement here then the smoking gun that critics of Christianity are looking for?
Let us return for a moment to human freedom. If humans are to be free, why do we enter into political bonds in the first place? The political philosopher Thomas Hobbes argued that humans could, in the absence of political order and law, live in a state of unlimited freedom. Of course this unlimited freedom would entail pillaging and plundering, and unspeakable violence as humans were free to do as they desired. Hobbes describes this life as “nasty, brutish and short.” Humans enter into this political life because it is clear that some reduction of freedom is necessary to preserve life for all.
Most of us can see that reality. Humans living in complete freedom are not generally speaking paragons of virtue. We are willing to trade some of our freedoms for the order that political life brings us. However we also see that wherever freedom exists there are those who seek to curtail that freedom to further their own cause. We give up some, and others seek to take more. And just to be clear it happens on both sides of the political spectrum. Whether the boot on your throat is right or left, is of little consequence.
But when it comes to religion, the general thought is that we cede far too much for what we get out of it. Not just for critics, but for adherents as well sometimes... the thought is that humans lose something being yoked to a religion. Religions, and here Christianity in particular, make demands on us. Particular behaviors and practices are proscribed that might put us at odds with the prevailing culture. And when various camps within Christianity have differing views of what is necessary, then even greater confusion is created. Is birth control acceptable? Can Christians serve as soldiers? Can we advocate for the death penalty? How do we treat those who are living in poverty? How do we handle wealth? What does sexuality have to do with being a Christian?
Depending on where you stand with these issues and how the tradition to which you belong teaches can often determine how oppressive Christianity feels. But we must not confuse Jesus with the institution. The invitation Jesus offers is to yoke our lives with him. The church does indeed have a role as the center for Christ’s presence in the world, but the church is not to be equated with the institution either. When we are baptized we are brought into a new relationship with Jesus who invites us to take his yoke upon us so that we might learn from him, that we might in fact be freed from sin and all that burdens us.
The submission to Christ’s yoke is itself freedom. Christ offers this invitation, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” as a response to John’s question if he truly was the Messiah. This yoke is not one more means of oppression but the source of freedom. Christ tutors us in the life God desires for us. Christ shows us grace so that we might show others grace. Christ shows us true devotion and faithfulness, so that we might be devoted and faithful. Christ forgives, consoles, and admonishes so that we might do the same with others.
Christ frees us from the burdens of following after our untutored desires. We are freed to be his disciple in all areas of our lives. We are not bound to follow the narrow demands of party, or other association. We are freed to enter the fullness of life with Jesus. We are freed from sin and for this life following the Messiah.
Thanks be to God. Amen.