Can we be authentic followers of Jesus without engaging in the art of surrender?
by Stephen G. Marsh
Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14 – 27:66
For Sunday, April 17, 2011: Year A – Passion Sunday
I am an African American male who was born during the Civil Rights era of this country’s history. It was a watershed moment in America, when African Americans were demanding that their God-given humanity be recognized – a recognition that had never been part of the history of this country. My grandparent’s generation knew their place in society, and for the most part surrendered to the reality of racism and its indignities (but not without cussing out white people under their breath). My parent’s generation made some headway by speaking and acting more boldly, but still for the most part had to surrender to the racism that has always been woven into the fabric of this country.
By the time my “baby boom” generation came on the scene, surrender was no longer the prevailing strategy of black folk in this country. Resistance – by any means necessary – became the order of the day for many segments of the African American community.
The Ironic Nature of Surrender
I have recently had the blessing of being able to do some concentrated personal healing work on my disease of addiction. My healing work helped me to discover that one of the core issues of my addictions could be traced back to my own internalized fear, anxiety and confusion concerning the societal racism that I have been submerged in all my life. Different people respond to internalized anxiety in different ways, and becoming an addict was part of the way I responded.
I also discovered that surrender is the primary move that needs to be made before actual healing from addiction can begin. That posed a new dilemma for me, because as an African American male in a country where discrimination against African Americans is one of its founding tenets, it is not in my nature to surrender. My nature has been honed to resist, to fight, and to hold on for dear life, by whatever means necessary! I had to painfully have many of my own psychological layers peeled back to finally learn – as Sylvia Robinson said – that it’s not always holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it’s letting go.
What’s All This Have to do With Jesus, Preacher?
I’m glad you asked that question! In Matthew 26: 39, 42 and 44, Jesus struggles with what I have come to believe is the basis of authentic surrender: Not my will, but thy will be done. Whether it is struggling with the cross, struggling with addiction, or struggling with being genuine (as opposed to knock-off) disciples in this world, surrender to the God who gave us our purpose is a primary move that has to be made.
Or is it?
During this most holy and moving week of our Christian year, millions of registered followers of Jesus will be doing things the same way: their way.
This week, millions of registered followers of Jesus will fight and resist changes in their church, their community and their country that could potentially bring justice to many who are marginalized, and they will do it in the name of the Jesus who died for a justice agenda that included everyone.
This week, millions of registered followers of Jesus will hold on to racial and cultural privilege for dear life, by whatever means necessary, without seeking God in the Gethsemene of their souls on the matter.
The Hardest Question
Can we be authentic followers of Jesus without engaging in the art of surrender?
The Rev. Stephen G. Marsh is a grateful child of God who was born, raised and schooled in the windy city of Chicago. He was baptized in 1961, and between then and now has been called to serve God’s people in many capacities, from acolyte to bishop. Stephen pastored three urban Lutheran congregations in a span of twenty years, then served in metro Detroit as a bishop’s assistant for five years, and as bishop for one year. He has been a featured writer for The Lutheran magazine, as well as a contributor to numerous resources for urban congregations. Last but not least, he is a life-long and long-suffering Cubs fan!
