We began worship with the reminder that, on our own, we are unable to please God. But by focusing on God and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will be able to get closer to pleasing God, and that effort actually pleases God. Our reading from Hebrew scripture was taken from Proverbs and was a picture of wisdom calling out to society. Yet, even when the wise point toward wisdom, many in society reject wisdom because they find the “constraints” of wisdom hard. Our Psalmist recounted the blessing that is found in God’s law and teaching (Torah). If we focus on doing the right things we will find our contentment, but it won’t be without work. Our New Testament reading was taken from James and reminds us that those who teach are held to a higher standard. But that our actions, while a form of teaching, if focused on pleasing God and finding God’s guidance will provide witness to God in our lives and in our community.
Our sermon was focused on the gospel reading from Mark. Jesus asked his disciples challenging questions, who do they say I am? Who do you say I am? (Implied) Are you willing to deny yourself to serve as my witness in the world? God asks us to be God’s witness and to tell how we sense God’s presence, more than telling others about God. What does God say about you?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
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