In worship today we began with the reminder that God’s love is grafted into our hearts, not something that just happens to be there but is part and parcel of who we are. We also remember that our good works are the fruits of our relationship with God. Our Psalmist sang a song that tells of God’s deliverance from Egypt and how God has carried Israel through its life. The foes perceived will be overcome by God’s grace. Our lesson from the letter to the Hebrews focuses on the promises of God – “I will never leave you or forsake you” and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Those are the things we hang our hats on. Our reading from Luke’s gospel is our reminder to hold ourselves in proper esteem and to not think too much of ourselves. We are encouraged to offer to others who cannot repay us – then we will receive a true reward.
Our sermon was loosely based on the Hebrew Scripture reading from Jeremiah. The reading focused on the oppression Israel felt and what the source of their oppression was. Israel forgot what God had done for them and turned to their own strength to survive. Yet, they didn’t communicate their dissatisfaction to God – they simply got stuck in what they thought was best. Our way forward is one that returns to the promises given by God as we move into our future.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
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