I bid you greetings from Chuckatuck on the first Sunday in October. It is hard to believe we are 3/4 through 2021 – time has been flying yet again. Chaotic southside weather abounds, chilly in the morning and about 85 in the afternoon. But there’s no complaint as we still gather to worship and look ahead at the work God has in store for us this week. We are a bit saddened that one of the last members of “The Greatest Generation” transitioned this week – our last WWII veteran who served in the Pacific theater. We remember his presence and will use his memory to continue to move forward – as he would want us to do.
In worship we greeted worship with the reminder that God is more ready to answer our prayers than we are ready to ask for God’s assistance. We are also reminded that God knows and will freely give what we need if we ask. Our portion of Hebrew Scripture was taken from the opening chapters of Job. Satan (the accuser – the “District Attorney”) lays claim that Job will turn against God, but God knows how Job is made and what he will do when pushed by the Accuser. Our New Testament reading was taken from the book of Hebrews and tells us how we are made perfect in the life and person of Jesus Christ. If we have a question of how we should act, Jesus is the example for us to follow. Our gospel reading was from Mark and highlighted both the necessity of rules and the hypocrisy of narrowly assuming we know exactly what the rule is for. Marriage is given by God for the creation of a new community, children are welcomed into the kingdom of heaven – both because life is made complete in community.
Our sermon was focused on the Psalm and how the Psalmist states the facts of life of a faithful person. The Psalmist tells that “he washes his hands in innocence” so he can be around the altar and to sing the praises of God in the world. Our reminder today is our innocence is not earned; it is intrinsic in our nature as God’s creation. How do you remember that we are given great things by God, even when we struggle with life?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Job 1:1; 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12: Mark 10:2-16
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/5h8LT7j1gW4
0 Comments