Greetings on the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, the day before Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer.
Our invitation to worship is a prayer asking that our affection for God’s word and name would be cemented in our hearts so we can strive for God’s goodness in our works. Our first lesson from the Prophet Jeremiah recounts his impeachment of the Israelite leaders who had forgotten and given up on God, and their inactions caused the people to fall. The Psalmist’s refrain invites us to rejoice in God and to repent and return when we falter. The New Testament reading from Hebrews was the reminder that God never leaves us, alone and afraid, and that Jesus is the same for all time, and that is solace for our souls. Our Gospel from Luke is the story of Jesus at the Pharisee’s house for a meal and his critique of using people to pad one’s social standing or position in life.
Our lessons and sermon highlight the need of our Christian leaders to continue to uphold the faith and ministries of others in the body of the faithful. We need to continually renew our profession and our understanding of God at work, in and through us and our communities of faith. It’s not simply enough to get ahead, especially by the world’s standards, or to place your gifts ahead of others. We are called to live the principal of shared burden so that all can thrive in God’s kingdom.
How will you allow your life to be changed as you change other people’s lives for good? Who are you called to serve? I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-1-6; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/pentecost-12-sermon-1
