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Sunday 19, Time after Pentecost Mark 6:1-13 July 9, 2006 Introduction. Writers block. For a time in Highschool and College, I had a lot of trouble with writers block…I used to get stuck writing the introduction. You know, something about this Gospel reading got me thinking about this today. I think sometimes our Christian callings can be like this…like the stubborn creatures that we are…sometimes (some of us) can wind up figuratively banging our heads against the wall…rather than going on with the rest of the paper. So today I would like you to consider something. What is your Christian Calling? I know at first this might sound a little boring or abstract boring, but just think about it…, what do you think God wants you to be doing with your life • Jesus himself…taught and healed people. • So, what has Christ called you to do? • He sent his first twelve disciples out to do the same. • So, what demand/s has God made on your life? • I don’t think that everyone then or now has been called to go out door to door like the original 12 disciples, but I do think that God calls us to do something. • How would you describe your ministry? In this little story from Mark today, we see something that we aren’t used to seeing. Jesus was “Amazed.” “He couldn’t get over their stubbornness.” • In a way, ironically, this story gives me hope…”Wow, Jesus here, because he was a person, had trouble with his ministry…in fact, it seems to me that he couldn’t get through…the people knew him too well I suppose…they had preconceived notions about him and it prevented him from being much help to them. • So, how is this also true in your life. • So, is your calling different than what you once hoped or expected it to be? What disappointments have there been? The Next Step? • What happened to Jesus in the sixth chapter of Mark? • What special instructions did Jesus give to his disciples for times when they were not welcomed in a place? So, what does this all mean? • I think it means that we are to avoid getting stuck on the introduction... • In Matthew and in Luke, Jesus is quoted as saying, “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” • Here there are a few things that this teaches us: • First, there is plenty of work to do—there are plenty of people and places where you can do God’s work. Finding work to do for God is not the problem. • Secondly, and most importantly, it reminds us that this is God’s work…God’s harvest… • What do you need to shrug off-- shake from your feet--in order to move forward with your ministry? A Prayer Dear Lord, Thank you for forgiving us for our weaknesses. Help us to forgive ourselves also, to let go of our own plans, so that we might re-discover what you want us to do and be. Help us to pray for those whom we find ourselves unable to help on our own. And thank you, Lord, for our own Christian callings—our share in your ministry to the whole world.
Amen. Joshua W. Magyar, Pella Lutheran Church 418 W. Main Street Sidney, MT 59270
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