As we worshipped today we began with a prayer that God’s grace would precede and follow us. But we have been assured that God’s grace is always present, even if we don’t see it. God’s grace is what gives us hope for the future. Our lesson today from Hebrew Scripture was from the book of Job. In the reading we are reminded that, while God is more powerful than humans that doesn’t mean that God will not listen to us. God will listen and hear, even when we complain, and connect with us. The Psalmist provided the question that was offered by Jesus as he called out to know if God had forsaken him. But the Psalmist follows up with the assurance that God’s power is more than we can imagine and God’s grace is limitless. Our reading from Hebrews urges us to be living and active because God’s word is living and active. It also assures us that our testing by the world is no worse than what was inflicted on Jesus.
The sermon today was based on the reading from Mark’s Gospel. In it we heard the story of the rich man who wanted to know what he had to do to obtain eternal life. Jesus reminded him that what he has isn’t what saves him, rather he is saved by loving God and neighbor. The man was reminded that his power was not sufficient for salvation but God’s grace is. No matter what we “give up” in the name of God, we will receive what we need in return.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
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