Greetings on Septuagesima Sunday, we find ourselves 70 days before Easter and hearing a call to remember the power of our strength (which is minimal) when compared to God’s strength.
Our invitation into worship asks God to hear our prayers for strength and recognition that our power is not enough to sustain us, only God’s strength will prevail. Our Hebrew scripture from Jeremiah reminds the Israelites that trusting in their strength does not sustain them and, because they have given up on God’s strength, they receive their reward as a consequence of giving up on God. The Psalmist’s refrain portrays God’s teaching as the only thing which guides to truth. The letter to the Corinthians gives logical reason why Jesus was raised from the dead, to preclude sound logic which is contrary to the life we live in Christ. Our Gospel from Luke was the account of Jesus’ sermon on the plain, an accounting of the ideals of faith and the counter – the woes for those who forget God.
Points worth considering, human strength is limited in the long run. Our mission is to meet society where they and we are, to not ignore what we see that disturbs us. How do we do that? By not isolating ourselves, or lording our faith over others, but by building and mending bridges and relationships in community. Something which cannot be done alone nor quickly, but when complete, will bring wholeness for all whom it touches.
The storms of life cannot be avoided but God’s promises last through the storms of life. Who has God placed into our lives to help all of us survive the storms of life? I invite your likes and comments,
Les+
Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/epiphany-6-sermon
