Get Your Pretense On!

72 • Get Your Pretense On!

This election of the church as not worldly wise, not of noble birth, and generally those considered foolish, low and despised, and weak, is emblematic of the calling of the Messiah, whose marks and character corresponds to this selection of the lowly. Consider Jesus’s inaugural sermon at Nazareth, where he announced that he was anointed with the Spirit of the LORD to preach Good News to the poor (Luke 4.16-21). Think about how Jesus verified the confession and faith of Zaccheus after he announced that half of his goods he would give to the poor, and restore fourfold those whom he had swindled (Luke 19.1-9). Think, too, of how our Lord throughout his ministry identified himself without reserve with the poor, i.e., those unable to repay you for your kindness (e.g., Luke 14.11-15). And consider the implications of the King at his judgment seat before those who identified themselves with the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the naked, the alien/stranger, and the prisoner (Matt. 25.31-45). These and other examples show the intimate connection between the Messiah and the broken of this world. The Church, therefore, is the ambassador and agent of this Messiah , whose rule is called the Kingdom of God. The Church is therefore called to demonstrate in its worship and practice the life of the age to come in the here and now! (cf. through the Great Commandment, Matt. 22.37-40 and the Great Commission, Matt. 28.18-20). Looking at the early church, you can see the church’s hospitality and generosity from its very birth at Pentecost (Acts 2.42-47). Throughout the book of Acts we see the humble character of the ancient-undivided church: it was persecuted, poor, filled with little folk, largely urban, packed with little gatherings of Gentiles, women, children, and slaves! The Church historically has been the source of dramatic acts of justice for the poor and oppressed. And, we were impressive from our very start: the earliest hostels