sermon excerpts: "Relating to Hosea" - Trinity Anniversary Sunday

... Hosea was attributed as the first person to use the metaphor of marriage between God and Israel. All around him he saw the people of God as the unfaithful partner in the relationship, worshipping other gods, treating each other unfairly and unjustly. To further make his point, Hosea himself married a prostitute in an act of social symbolism.

Cheery stuff, isn’t it? Is it appropriate for an anniversary? After all, this is a time of remembering history through rose-coloured glasses, lauding the church’s achievements and praising its people. Which I may still do, once I figure out why Hosea’s message is so compelling to me.

Hosea imagines God is speaking to the northern kingdom, mockingly confessing repentance and renewed faithfulness, knowing full well that nothing was going to change. Here the people of Israel were caught in that not-so-unique place between knowing what the right thing to do is and actually doing it.

It’s a common theme in the Bible but consider in our own lives all the times we say the right things but actions or inactions speak louder. Our intent may be pure but the result is as permanent and lasting as morning dew. I do not offer this as a personal accusation aimed at anyone of us individually, but as a challenge to the wider church. How often do we initiate a program or attempt to make a change but revert to old ways at the first sign of resistance or setback?

In 1925, three denominations came together to form The United Church of Canada (although the many times I’ve typed “Untied” instead might mean more subconsciously than a simple slip of the fingers). A lot of political maneuvering had to be done for such a feat to occur with graciousness and cooperation from all parties needed to make this denominational marriage work.

Eighty-three years later, we’re facing declines in membership, energy and effectiveness. We’re trying to imagine our way to viability as an institution again by adopting the latest innovative strategies (like computer projection technology!) or public awareness campaigns when instead Hosea pinpoints the genuine plea of God: “I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me.” It is who we are that matters more than what we give or do.

I know of a minister in a big city church who unashamedly proclaims: “I don’t care if you ever come to church, just send your money.” Well, at least he’s honest. I would offer the exact opposite message, “I don’t care how much money you have to give to the church, just show up.” There is greater richness to be found in people gathering, if only for the fact that it offers hope and encouragement to everyone involved.
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So as we remember and pay tribute to 116 years of the God’s mission at work as Trinity United Church in Glencoe, we honour the relationships that link us together through our history and tradition. We look around us in the moment of right now to see what the future might bear, how we might better know ourselves and be the church.

It is not our sacrifices and offerings that God desires, it is our commitment to love, honour and cherish; yes, like marriage. As Hosea alludes to, being the community of faith requires dedication, patience, forgiveness, stubbornness, love and delight. May it be so.