We gathered in worship to celebrate the love and care provided by God in our lives, us in Chuckatuck and us across time. We listen to the promises and reassurances that God never fails those who have their minds set on God. Our Hebrew Scripture was from Genesis and related the story of Abraham having to send Hagar and Ishmael away at Sarah’s request. We heard the fears of Abraham and Hagar and God’s assurance that God had a plan if they would let God’s plan play out. The Psalmist offered a response which could be summarized by, “God is great and has done wonderous things [for us] and will continue doing wonderous things into the future.” The New Testament reading was from Paul’s letter to the Romans and affirmed that we have died to sin and that the life we live must trust that God has a plan. The reading from Matthew’s gospel served a couple themes: we will suffer, not for a capricious reason, but because Jesus suffered for us; there will be division in families and among friends, but not permanent division; and those who trust in God will benefit from that trust.

The message for today: we are called by God to a relationship. Our call is not one where we can simply hear God’s call, then sit and wait for life to happen. Our being called requires a response and action to make God’s call real in our community. Even when we are troubled in the call, God is with us to carry us and walk with us as we work to be God’s witnesses in the world. Hearing is not enough; listening and acting is what makes us whole.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39

Listen at: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-1/song/4th-sunday-after-pentecost-sermon