 In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus has some hard words to say to the large crowds who have flocked to see him. Words that perhaps we too may sometimes need to be reminded of. “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27 His words may seem to be harsh but that is only because he is looking for disciples and not fans. Jesus is recruiting workers for the kingdom and the invitation comes at a cost. “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27 His requirement to hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself shocks us. Yet that is only because even the greatest love that we may have for our loved ones and our life, falls so far short of the love that he has given us and requires of us. It is only in our willingness to give up everything that we can truly be all that he has called us to be. Nothing must get in the way if we are truly to be as salt and light in the world around us. Only then are we truly worshipping him.
People often talk to me about what they think is the best way to worship Jesus. But these conversations are usually more about style than they are about worship. Jesus calls us to worship him in Spirit and in truth, to give him our all and hold nothing back. St Paul puts it this way, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 Till next time. Andrew DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S SERMON DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S PEW SHEET PDF Comments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew SmithVicar of Light in the Hills |