On the third Sunday in Lent, we are asked to consider where our power comes from, and that grace offered by God through the action of the Holy Spirit.
Our invitation into worship calls to mind the place where we draw power from and that God’s grace protects us body, mind, and spirit. Our Hebrew scripture from Exodus recounts Moses’ call by God to bring the Hebrews back from Egypt and that God has seen their pain, even though they may not think so. The Psalmist’s is a call to God and a statement of confidence in God’s promise of providence and protection. In the letter to the Church at Corinth Paul speaks about the truth, that we, as humans, are not unique when we suffer – everyone is beset by the world and God gives strength to persevere. Our Gospel from Luke is two images of Jesus – one where he appears unmoved by pain, yet he still offers grace in the pain experienced. Then Jesus reminds that God’s grace is always available to creation.
Reminders and things to ponder – God sees everything that happens and is concerned when believers are beset by the world we live in. The bad things that happen in our lives are not punishment by God for our sins. But God through the Holy Spirit continues to nurture and offer grace by which we are restored to relationship with God, not simply let us wallow in our sins. Our task and call is to share the nurturing power of God with our community to change their lives and ours alongside theirs. Who are you going to interact with who needs to remember God’s ever-present grace?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9.
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/lent-3-sermon-1
