Graduation Sunday -- “The Whisper of God in a Noisy World”

Listen Up!

According to the Bible Encyclopedia, Hananiah, son of Azzur, is a notable figure in the Book of Jeremiah.  Hananiah prophesied during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, a time marked by political turmoil and the looming threat of Babylonian domination.

Hananaiah is mentioned specifically in Jeremiah 28, today’s lesson from the Old Testament.  Yet, Hananiah was a false prophet.  

In Jeremiah 28:1-4, Hananiah boldly declared, “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.  Within two years I will restore to this place all the articles of the LORD’s house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here and took to Babylon.  And I will restore to this place Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

Hananiah's message was one of hope and deliverance, directly contradicting the warnings of Jeremiah, who had prophesied a prolonged Babylonian captivity. It should not be surprising if I were to tell you that Jeremiah was dismissed as a naysayer, while Hananiah became the go-to prophet of the day.

Jeremiah still pressed on, initially responding by expressing a wish that Hananiah's prophecy would come true.  However, Jeremiah was not shy in emphasizing the need for a prophet’s words to be fulfilled as a test of their truth (Jeremiah 28:5-9).  (Cf. https://biblehub.com/topical/h/hananiah.htm)

So, here’s the bottom line – It is impossible to know beforehand who a is true prophet or is a false prophet.  It is only after the fact, when truth will be revealed. 

Now, then, what is the point of having a prophet if we cannot know the truth until the game is over?  For who wouldn’t like to know whom to trust – beforehand? 

Let me suggest that the prophetic ministry is not so much about predicting the future – which nevertheless is useless, as you may have noticed.  But it is about discerning how God relates to this world of His. 

Since the days of Abraham, we are told that walking with God is a matter of faith.  Walking by faith requires a little of chutzpah on our part, for like Peter we need to try walking on water to know our own limits.  But it also requires a good dose of letting go and let God. 

The Christian journey is a balancing act – never perfect nor static.  As I said two Sundays ago, God calls us into pilgrimage, and not to sit in class.  We learn as we journey.  And it is only in journeying that we grow.

In Jeremiah’s time as well in our present days, the challenge is discerning the true voice of God.  How do we listen to the whisper beneath the noise of so many who claim to have a direct line to heaven?  Or the noise generated by our own self-interests and our comfortable ways?  How then we tune up to the voice of God?

Graduates:  As you begin a new stage in your own personal journey, you will do so escorted by a variety of voices blaring day and night what you should like, what you should wear, what you should believe, and how you should act. 

And, for sure, you’ll have the ever-present voices of your parents and loved ones trying to impart wisdom and guidance as you step further into the world.  Perhaps to no avail – but at least give them credit for footing your bills!

And then, of course – every now and then, I hope – you will return here to listen to the voice an old preacher who still doesn’t know how to speak Gen Z!

I am not going to ask you to disregard any or all of those voices because, as you well know from your own experience, no one will learn how to ride a bike by watching a video.  Bumps and falls are part of the journey.

However, if anything, among all the voices that you will hear, learn to discern God’s voice and to follow in His steps.  At times God’s voice may be comforting, at times disquieting.  At times you’ll see the path ahead clearly, and at times you’ll have to venture in faith.

So, let me suggest that David, in today’s Psalm still offers good advice for your days ahead.

First, both the people of Israel and Christians were called to learn to walk in the presence of the Lord.  And, let me assure you, one cannot follow the One whom one doesn’t know. 

In the 17^th Century, Br. Lawrence, in his enduring book, “The Practice of the Presence of God”, taught that we do not need complicated methods to grow closer to God — we simply need to turn our hearts toward Him in love, in every moment of daily life.  In other words, becoming aware of the One who would never leave us alone.

I am sure that in your experience there were times when with just a glance, without words, you understood what was going on with a loved one.  You knew what kind of gift to give, what kind of relationship would flourish and, of course, what could cause a short-circuit.

Walking in the presence of the Lord requires cultivation of the same skills.  It requires time, it demands practice, and it needs the space for trial and error.  But in doing so, the vision of whom we wish to follow will become clear.

Second, as you progress in your journey, you should learn to celebrate God’s triumphs and not your own accomplishments.  This is more challenging.  Because let us face it, sometimes what glorifies God will not fit your likes and dislikes – nor your hormones! 

But keeping your eyes fixed upon Jesus will help you keep the right bearing and to keep the right perspective.  What is the trendiest band or artist these days?  

Well, have you ever heard of “New Kids of the Block” or “Bill Haley and His Comets?”  Your world is not your father’s world and indeed, it is not the same world that influencers want it to be, but it is fleeting and transitory.  Therefore, learn to celebrate what is lasting and of eternal value.

And finally, and perhaps, most importantly, you will need to learn to give God not only credence but accept that He may have a say about how you like to live “your” life.  And, let us face it, such thought is an inconvenient truth.

Of course, God is not interested in micromanaging your life.  God is not a puppet master.  God created you with intelligence, creativity, and the gift or reason.  They were given to you to use them wisely – and not, to take them for a stroll. 

My suggestion is that you’ll need to learn to live lives with a good batting average, and then trust God’s mercy, grace, and love to take care for your own blunders.

Yes, it would be nice to get a heavenly message for every decision you may need to make all along your lives.  But as we know, the story of Creation and our own life experiences show that even when we get the memo, we are prone to do our own thing, anyway.

So, let today’s message be and invitation to walk gently and faithfully in the presence of the Lord, with ears open to truth, hearts ready for mercy, and lives willing to be shaped by God’s promises.

The world will try to entice you with many voices.  Some will whisper indifference; others will shout despair.  Some will promise certainty while offering only half-truths.  Even the voice within can become crowded with coldness, fear, pride, or desire.

Then, when the noise around you and within you grows loud, may you have the courage to seek the true voice of God.  Jesus may not call you to easy comfort, but He will call you to faithful love.  For among all the voices of the world, He is the only One who will truly hold your best interests at heart.

So, my friends – Listen up!  And may God be with you, now and forever.  Amen.

Fr. Gustavo