Redeeming Reputation

Exodus 32:7-14; Luke 15:1-10; 1st Timothy 1:12-17

Central Baptist Church—Lowesville, VA

16 September 2007

Reputation is like interpersonal credit. What we hear or believe about people colors how we think of them, how we expect them to act, and the level of trust we grant them. Reputations are not limited to people, but also to corporations, institutions, offices, professions, and even God. Unfortunately, God’s reputation is greatly dependent upon the words and actions of those who claim to be God’s people. The Bible speaks of God’s reputation as a Redeemer. How are we advancing that reputation and declaration of God’s identity and character?

One of the purposes behind Yahweh’s dealings with the Hebrews in the wilderness was to reveal his identity and character to the world. It was not a case of God reigning in lesser aspects of his nature, rather, through his dealings with the chosen people, God revealed his true character. This revelation through the Hebrews came over the course of journeying with Yahweh into greater understanding. The Bible we read is not a systematic discourse on the finer points of theology akin to what we might find in a textbook describing the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, health issues, and habits of the longhorn sheep. Rather it recounts the journey of faith undertaken by a people coming to terms with issues of the reputation and identity of Yahweh, the God who sought them out as a people chosen to bear his name.

So today’s text in Exodus recalls this process in Yahweh’s revelation. Due to the character of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Yahweh determines to respond in mercy and grace toward the people who have rebelled just after redemption from Egypt. The text places in God’s mouth words that would seem appropriate to an idolatrous people, as though God were playing “devil’s advocate” with Moses. After all, they believed the gods to be fickle, harsh, and vengeful in character. In the dialog, however, Yahweh’s character becomes visible, revealing an altogether different character than what might be presumed by this Hebrew band. Decidedly because of God’s character and reputation as a compassionate Redeemer, grace trumps judgment, and mercy overcomes revenge.

At the end of the day, it is not God’s mind that has changed, but the people’s understanding of Yahweh’s character. Yahweh is the Redeemer God. Yahweh redeems and rescues because of his very identity and character. Yahweh will interact with this chosen people so as to reveal his true character and assert once again God’s redeeming reputation. In the dialogue with God, Moses also assumes this divine character of redeeming grace. Are we as willing to display the character of God’s redeeming grace and mercy in our lives?

The Egyptians were aware of Yahweh’s redeeming character. They had witnessed how Yahweh had ripped the Hebrews from their land in spite of Pharaoh’s army and chariots. They had learned about the character of this redeeming God. As often is the case, it was those under the care of God’s provision who had difficulty in grasping Yahweh’s true character and identity. It was difficult for them to trust that Yahweh would continue to deal in the coin of mercy, grace, and love. Are we ready to trust God to keep dealing with us along the lines of God’s redeeming character and reputation?

Paul’s life story was not fitting to speak of in church. He had been a man of violent persecution, involved in bringing believers to trial, pain, and death. Given the standards of the day, accusations against one were generally assumed to have some merit. Investigation of one’s guilt generally included some form of torture. What hand Paul had in carrying out acts of violence may be unknown, but he was definitely involved in instigating violence against the believers he despised. We might say he was involved in the equivalent of the Spanish Inquisition among Jews of his day.

Like those “Christians” behind the Inquisition, he labored under grave misconceptions of God’s character. From his perspective, it was more important to bring people into the line of tradition and the fulfillment of religious ritual, than to display grace and love. Before finding Jesus on the road to Damascus, he did not understand the character of God’s grace, mercy, and love. Once he grasped God’s desire to rescue and redeem sinners, however, his whole life changed. He began to exhibit his new understanding of God’s identity and redeeming character. As he embraced God’s grace and mercy for himself, he gave his own life to advancing God’s reputation as gracious redeemer, offering grace to all. Are we willing to give our lives to clarifying God’s redeeming character and reputation?

We struggle with issues similar to Paul’s in relation to Jewish tradition. He was on the inside of those designated as chosen. From his perspective, those outside the fold needed to get their lives right and enter into his meaningful tradition as pre-requisite to approaching God. In its extreme form, those on the outside should be coerced into the tradition for their own good. As Paul came face to face with the wonder of God’s grace, however, all changed. He faced God’s initiative in Christ to offer grace, and then call people to transformed living. Love and acceptance come first in God’s character. This is how God can redeem sinners—He first loved them, then called them into fellowship. Will we participate with Paul in God’s initiative of loving grace? Will we extend the reputation of God’s loving grace to those outside our fellowship through our words and deeds?

It is in Jesus that God’s character is most clearly presented. Yahweh created flesh, not only in Eden, but in the Incarnation. Through Jesus’ words, deeds, and very presence among sinful humanity, the gracious, redeeming character of Yahweh shines through. The cycle of parables we read in Luke today recall this essential element of God’s character as seeking out those in need of redemption and restoration. While God cares for those in the safety of the fold, the one’s who have lost their way are those in need of God’s attention. They require redemption and restoration. These who lie beyond the shelter of God’s presence are those Jesus would call us to bring into fellowship.

Virginia Baptists are working in disaster relief efforts in Ohio, Jamaica, and Peru, because people are in need. Habitat for Humanity exists for people without shelter to establish themselves in appropriate housing. This is the body of Christ reaching beyond itself to those in need of understanding God’s grace and redeeming character. All this comes at a cost, however. We must assume the risk taken on by God that some will reject our efforts at redemption and grace. We must accept that our own sense of security and comfort within the fold may be compromised. We must take up the burden of expanding on God’s reputation as the God who rescues and redeems.

It was to this end that Jesus told these parables. Against all better judgment, the shepherd leaves the 99 in search of the one that is in peril. In so doing, it would seem that the 99 are left endangered. Yet God’s grace and redeeming character is so compelled to rescue those in gravest danger. If God so relishes and rejoices in rescue and redemption, how will we participate? God desires that we join in this mission of redeeming grace. How will we allow God to use our efforts in this mission to redeem the world? Will we risk our lives to extend God’s redeeming reputation, confident in the character of God’s redeeming grace? The world awaits our offering toward God’s reputation.

—©2007 Christopher B. Harbin