Commitment
SERVING THE LORD - Sundays after Pentecost: June 30, 2019
For several decades now our culture has been beating the drum of "individual free choice." Largely, we've bought in, and that has come with broad ramifications. Have you noticed the movement away from loyalty and commitment? Trading cell phone carriers or cable providers is one thing. Trading in your spouse, swapping your gender, or exchanging religion is another.
Under the umbrella of our theme this Sunday, "Serving the Lord," is the undercurrent of commitment. First, the prophet Elijah recruits Elisha as his successor. Serving the Lord in public ministry requires both sacrifices and commitment. Since Elisha would probably not be making many more family reunions, he asks to say goodbye to his father.
Paul speaks about the toils and dangers of his service to God. His life and ministry was hard! Paul was a very talented man - it would have been very easy for him to reason, "Why should I have to endure this kind of abuse and suffering? I'll trade in God and ministry for another profession." Instead, Paul thanks God for the privilege to serve and boasts about his weaknesses. In other words, Paul praises God's commitment to him!
Finally, Jesus editorializes on the excuses so many offer as to why they can't/don't/won't commit to Christ and serve him. Our earthly ambitions, our personal opinions on what religion should look like, our crowded to-do lists and our busy schedules will always provide our consciences the cover it needs to avoid worshipping and serving God. Jesus "outs" those fakers. And with strident words says to you and me, "If you are going to be my follower, I expect total commitment. If you're in, then you should be ALL in."
Thank God Jesus' commitment to us was total. His complete forgiveness continues to inspire our complete commitment.
► Readings:
• First lesson: 1 Kings 19:19-21: Elijah recruits Elisha as his successor.
• 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30: Paul boasts only in his weaknesses.
• Luke 9:51-62: The cost of discipleship is commitment.
• Psalm: 62
► Sermon (Luke 9:51-62) Theme: "Commitment"