Along for the ride? Hop aboard

Hebrews 2:10-18

          Back in the day, my father used to take us boys travelling in what had to be one of the very first conversion vans,  circa 1963. We went all over and it probably gave me my thirst for traveling. One of the things I recall about those times were the hitch hikers. Hippies, men in uniform with duffel bags and all sorts of people. My Dad picked up many hitchhikers that were going our way. All seemed to be welcome on our journey.

          Today's passage speaks about brothers and sisters, accepting the message ( of salvation )  no matter who you are. Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience for the most part ( naturally ) but the disciples spoke to a broader audience, not only Gentiles but people of varied nationality and philosophy. In fact one of the reasons scripture interpretation is so challenging is not only because of language differences but the way in which the Greeks viewed things and actually thought. It was different culture, a different world view, a different history and of course a different language. Translation is always a challenge. But the message went out to a vast array of peoples. One only need google the routes the Apostles travelled and transpose it over a world map of today. Very interesting. Somehow, people with ears to listen, heard the truth and the love that was being conveyed. Christianity spread like wildfire.

           Today in the church we recall Frederick Douglas, a vibrant and eloquent speaker known as "the sage of Anacostia" and "the lion of Anacostia". One might assume that because Mr. Douglas was a black man and a slave, he spoke to that audience. You'd be quite wrong. He spoke eloquently about equality and freedom for everyone. Perhaps a dividend of him being an ordained minister along with his many other titles and accomplishments. Mr. Douglas said "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." He stood with a wide variety of people as we are all children of God, all brothers and sisters, all open to the message of salvation and all asked to respond to the love of our creator.  The message is open to all. 

          During Black history month perhaps it is good to recall that the message of love, faith and freedom was not always open to African Americans just as it was not always open to women. Perhaps anyone reading this for a glimpse of support as a gay man or woman would also know what it is like to be considered anathema, not worthy or not equal. We are of course worthy, just not always treated so. Villainized, marginalized and segregated in a more modern way but segregated none the less. Perhaps not as much any more but certainly so in other parts of the world where we are still in fear for our lives.

        If the passages of today say anything they speak of universal brotherhood and that the message of God's love is open and equal for all. No one, not anyone should be dismissed or diminished because God invites us one and all. If you have ears to hear, hear this.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,
‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’
And again,
‘I will put my trust in him.’
And again,
‘Here am I and the children whom God has given me.’

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.