Do you just dive in? Or do you hold back and check things out? Both methods have their value, depending on the situation. Jesus does, however, challenge us to consider what it really means to follow him. We can be grateful that, in our nation, many say they believe in Jesus. Yet we must ask of ourselves, we must ask of one another: What must we place in lower priority? What must we give up? He asks us to follow him along the path of suffering, the way of crucifixion. As people of Cross and Resurrection, however, we get to trust that we are following the Lord of Life. We get to realize the result of that is beyond our imagination.
The Lesson – Philemon 1-21: Saint Paul’s brief letter gives us a glimpse into the early church and the society in which it grew. Most churches – we might call them congregations – met in homes. (Verse 2. Also Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Acts 2:46; 16:15, 31; Joshua 24:15) A wealthier household included slaves. Neither Jesus nor Paul seem to confront slavery head on. Yet this letter subverts such power and economic structures of inequality. For Philemon to accept Onesimus, a runaway slave, without retribution, could bring condemnation from other slave-holding households. To punish him, as would be expected, would violate the new law of freedom in Christ. See words written shortly after this letter at Galatians 3:27-28. We are not sure how the story of this letter ends. The answer may be in Colossians 4:9.
The decisions I need to make this week may not seem as important as was required of Philemon. However, can I trust that God will use my sharing of, living my faith for his good purpose?
Psalm 1 is a poem or hymn of instruction. Here we see several most important images. Path – Jesus tells us he is the way – John 14:6, also Psalm 119:105. Fruit – Jesus tells us we will bear much fruit as we abide in him – John 15:8.
The Gospel – Luke 14:25-33: Large crowds continue seeking the obvious benefits of Jesus’ ministry. In a culture that considers illness a moral curse, he heals the sick. In an economy that does not allow all to be adequately fed, he provides food in abundance. The people have visions of greatness. Jesus knows, however, the reality of setting the world right, of overcoming the political and economic powers that bring death. Only his death will bring salvation. Only through willingness to walk with him can we be part of his mission to heal the world. The cost may, at times, seem extremely high. Jesus needs to dramatically emphasize this reality.
When have I felt, that placing something in lower priority seemed like turning my back on it? … “hating” it? If I consider myself a follower of Jesus, what priorities do I need to re-evaluate?
Key Verse: I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. Philemon 6
Message: Intention and Completion
Gathering Song – Take…me as I am – Hymnal 814: Our gathering song comes from the Iona Community, located on the island of that name off the western coast of Scotland. Founded in 1938, this Protestant Community includes women and men who keep their secular jobs while maintaining a rule of faith and life, similar to a monastery. The community is devoted to justice and peace, as well as renewal through worship. This song is used in a weekly service of commitment.
Hymn of the Day – Rise up, O Saints of God – Hymnal 669: Here we may see the evolution of the Church’s song. Previous words were written for the conditions and needs of the early 1900’s. Circumstances of the later part of the twentieth century brought a new appreciation of the work of the Triune God to build the Kingdom. These words invite us to hear and heed Christ’s call to share in this work. The author was a Lutheran layman and longtime professor of history at Gettysburg College, a school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Pennsylvania.
Communion Hymns – Beneath the cross of Jesus – Hymnal 338: Throughout her short life, the author experienced poor health. Yet she devoted herself in service to the poor and the sick. Thus she became known as Sunbeam. Her example suggests the line, content to let the world go by, is not an escape. Rather, she challenges us to consider our priorities as we walk in the way of the cross.
In the Cross of Christ I glory – Hymnal 324: The author served the British government in various domestic and international roles. The theme comes from the New Testament letter to Galatians (6:14).
Sending Hymn – Lift High the Cross – Hymnal 660: This hymn was written in the early 20th century – a time of expanding empires that trusted military might. The words invite us to be just as courageous, perhaps even more so, because we go forth with the strength of the One who willingly submitted himself to the powerlessness of the Cross.
P-squared 