The Open
18 July 2004 – David Jenkins: " Jesus welcomed all sorts, even out-of-sorts people, even those who were considered "fools"... yes, you name them, all were welcome.""Behold I set before you an open door" (Revelation 3:8).
How open is open?
So the "Open" Championship of Golf is over.
Troon, Scotland.
Todd Hamilton has won the claret jug!
It is called the "Open"
because anyone can play
(if you're a bloke!!!)
amateurs and professionals.
2200 entered.
This year some famous golfers failed
to get to play in the "Open"
because of the new rules in qualifying.
There was an attempt
to make it more "Open" than ever before.
More pre-qualifying tournaments
were held all over the world.
More global.
2200 entered.
Brilliant... say all of us.
(Except they were all fellers!)
So how open is open?
Open all hours?
The church is meant to be
the most open of organisations around.
Even a church at 9.00pm at night!
Of course there have to be rules
in any organisation.
Even in a virtual church.
The church sometimes hedges its welcome.
You're welcome, but not in my pew!
You're welcome when you dress properly!
You're welcome, but get your hair cut!
You're welcome, but not with your partner!
And so on.
Jesus' ministry was open all hours.
Open for all sorts.
(This preacher's real-time church
is Wilmslow United Reformed Church.
At this moment it has a notice outside
which says: ALLSORTS welcome here...
of course there are sweets (candies)
round the edges of the poster!)
Jesus welcomed all sorts,
even out-of-sorts people,
even those who were considered "fools"...
yes, you name them, all were welcome.
The church's meal should also be
open all hours.
Bread, wine, a gift, for all.
"This is my body" (ME!)
"It's for you!"
Open table, open invitation,
a gift from the Jesus-man-host-servant.
So it has nothing to do with our own deserving.
Guests are not chosen on merit.
All are equally welcome,
because when it comes down to it,
there is no way any of us (fools)
deserve God's "Yes".
When the Church of Shared-Love (Philadelphia)
received a letter in the post,
the virtual congregation were thrilled to bits,
though slightly apprehensive,
especially if they had got wind of the other letters
sent by "John" from his Greek Island.
(which were not exactly complimentary).
The letter to Philadelphia
contained positive words:
"I set before you an open door".
Opportunity... yes.
To be an open church... yes.
To be welcoming, inclusive and including people.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
So go for it.
Even though you may be called
fools
fools
fools.
Rev. David Jenkins is minister of Wilmslow United Reformed Church, England.
