Month: January 2021

Our Gospel this week is Mark 1:14-20, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus called a group of followers to teach them God’s love and will for us that they might share that blessing with the world after He returned to God. What a wonderful gift, what an awesome responsibility! Jesus expected them to carry on His ministry, a call which has come down to us through the years.

Are we the disciples of today? We may hear that call and say “Lord, we’re not qualified! We can’t do what the Apostles did and certainly not what You have done!” I’m sure Jesus shakes His head, a little sadly perhaps, and reminds us that this is God’s plan for us, that we tell the Good News to all the world and we have been given all we need to accomplish that task.

We must remember how Jesus worked simply and humbly, giving God the glory as He taught us. This is the pattern for sharing He gave us. Our call is to tell others what He has done for us, that they may accept His mercy and forgiveness for themselves.

Gracious God, we find it hard to believe that You would include us in Your plan for creation. Help us to see our gifts and use them to show others the joy of Your love for us. Amen.

Our epistle reading this week is 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.

This is what I’m saying, brothers and sisters: The time has drawn short. From now on, those who have wives should be like people who don’t have them. Those who are sad should be like people who aren’t crying. Those who are happy should be like people who aren’t happy. Those who buy something should be like people who don’t have possessions. Those who use the world should be like people who aren’t preoccupied with it, because this world in its present form is passing away.

This short passage brings us in at the middle of Paul’s instruction regarding relationships, possessions and the return of Christ. It’s a little difficult to understand his whole teaching from these few verses, which is a warning to us not to take the wrong meaning from a section lifted from scripture out of context. We need to know the whole story.

Paul is telling us that none of the things we encounter here on earth compare with joy we will know when Jesus comes in His glory. He is not recommending we shirk our responsibility in our relationships or dealings with one another, merely that these pale in comparison to our responsibility and relationship to Christ. We must put our lives here in perspective with the promise of eternity.

Paul wants us to focus on the gift of salvation we have received and not be distracted by earthly joy or sorrow. He reminds us that everything we know here is temporary and none of it will follow us to eternal life. We are called to live in expectation of His coming, ready to receive the everlasting blessing God has prepared for us.

Loving Lord, we are thankful for all the gifts we receive, none more precious than Your coming to save us. Help us to live in the truth of Your word, ready to accept the responsibility of a relationship with You. Amen.

Our Old Testament reading is Jonah 3:1-5.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord’s command. Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, a three-day walk. Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth—from the greatest of them to the least.

When we hear “Jonah” we often remember the story and add “and the whale”. Yes, God taught Jonah through that experience but there is much more to the story. It is a lesson of repentance and obedience.

God chose Jonah to go warn the city of Nineveh that they were not doing His will. Jonah initially refused and ran from God, but after his whale experience he repented and went. There he faithfully delivered God’s word and they also repented of their wrongdoing. Jonah was angered by this, expecting God would destroy the city of sinners.

This is a lesson about punishment and double standards. Jonah disobeyed, repented and was forgiven, yet he was unwilling to accept that the people of Nineveh had done the same thing. We often don’t merely want justice, we want to see others “get what’s coming to them”. God shows us that we have all fallen and as He forgives us, we must forgive each other.

Loving Lord, it is hard for us to let go of wrongs we have suffered and forgive those who hurt us. Let us see that Your mercy extends to all Your children in every circumstance and we must forgive them as well. Amen.

Our Call to Worship this week is Psalm 67.

May God be gracious to us and bless us. May He cause His face to shine upon us, so that Your way may be known on earth, and Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly, and guide the nations on the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its harvest— God, our God will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

Songs of praise are not just for Sunday service, they are intended to be part of our daily lives. Giving thanks to God for His blessings gives us the proper perspective – everything we see and know belongs to God. Anything we believe to be the work of our hands is actually His love at work through us.

God’s love for us is shown not only in His gifts to us, but through the teachings He gives. The psalm says “He will guide the nations on the earth” (v. 5). God didn’t just create and watch, He is an active part of what goes on in His creation.

God wants us to be active participants as well, sharing His love with others and showing the world what it means to be in relationship with Him. Offering Him our thanks and praise confirms our connection with Him, expressing our joy and gratitude. With glad hearts we sing “Let all the people praise You, O God!”

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all our many blessings. May we bring others to know Your eternal love for us. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is John 1:43-51, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Jesus didn’t perform miracles to impress people. There was always a purpose in everything He did – healing, providing, forgiving – all done in the name of the Father that those gathered might know His love. Jesus wanted everyone to share His joy through a relationship with God.

When Jesus tells Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, it isn’t to display His power, merely an answer to Nathanael’s question. Others would demand a sign but Jesus rebuked them saying “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39). Those who need proof in order to have faith still don’t understand the reason that Jesus came to us.

Jesus wants us to believe because we admit our wrongdoing and accept God’s forgiveness to reconnect with Him. His miracles aren’t intended to “wow” us with what He can do, but to show us what God is willing to do in order to save us from sin. Bringing us back to a full relationship with our Creator is the purpose of His ministry and His sacrifice for us.

Loving Lord, we fail to see the love You offer, wanting signs and miracles instead. Help us to learn the lesson Christ taught, that nothing is more wonderful than our connection with You. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is John 1:43-51, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

The next day He decided to go to Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses wrote in the Law, and the prophets also wrote: Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good be from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Nathanael is amazed that Jesus has seen him before he came with Philip, and calls Jesus the Son of God and King of Israel. He had been unsure when Philip said “we have found Him” but now he knows that Jesus is in fact the Messiah. While we don’t hear of Nathanael again or find his name in other lists of the disciples, it is not important who he is but rather who he says Jesus is – our Lord and savior.

We may encounter those who are unsure who Christ is, wanting to know more to support our claim of faith in Him. This is what Jesus calls us to do, to share His story and our connection to Him. We don’t need to use scholarly terms or deep theological ideas, merely a statement of our belief and what He has done in our lives.

God sent us Jesus to show His love and to ask for ours in return. Once we are in that relationship we are called to tell others about the joy we find being part of God’s work. Ask Him how you can reach out to our brothers and sisters to share that love.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of Jesus and Your mercy to us. As Your forgiven children may our lives be dedicated to Your plan and Your love. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is John 1:43-51, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets ): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered. Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Nathanael is a little sceptical about Jesus’ identity and background initially. Hearing the invitation from his friend Philip to “come and see” interests him enough that he goes to Jesus, who welcomes him with an acceptance of this scepticism. Jesus isn’t upset when we ask honest questions to know more.

His experience is very human, wanting some reassurance that Jesus is who Philip claims Him to be. He wants to believe for the sake of their friendship and the anticipation of the Messiah. While Nathanael may not have come enthusiastically, Jesus removes his doubts and Nathanael becomes one of the first to proclaim Him as the Son of God.

When we share our faith with those around us, there may be scepticism and resistance. We must follow Jesus’ example of welcoming them and gently answering their questions about the God we worship. The best invitation we can offer is the one Philip gave Nathanael, “come and see”.

Loving Lord, we are glad to be able to share the joy of our connection with You. Help us to tell others the Good News in ways that encourage them to come to You. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson this week is John 1:43-51, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote —Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

In this passage Jesus begins to call the group of closest followers who will be His disciples. Nathaniel is invited by Philip, and while he comes along, he is sceptical. Like many of that time and place it is hard for him to believe the Messiah is the son of a carpenter from a tiny town.

Most thought the coming of the Messiah would be recognized by everyone, that He would be a mighty king to lead them to glory. People saying that Jesus was the one to come didn’t fit their expectations. What we think we want or need is often not what God has planned for us.

Jesus taught His followers that connecting with God and each other was how His kingdom would come, not by force but by love. It was hard for them to understand and we still have difficulty learning and practicing His lessons. As with His disciples, Jesus is patient and guides us to see God’s plan for us and His call on our lives.

Loving Lord, we are often slow to hear Your word and accept Your will for us. Help us to be the people You intend, led by Your love. Amen.

Our epistle this week is 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Paul warns the church at Corinth about the dangers of immorality, that by focusing on our desire we are led away from God’s desire for us. He reminds them that we were created to be connected with God and that sins of the flesh diminish our relationship. This may seem outdated in our society today where everything from news stories to product advertising are provocative, intended to make us react.

However, God’s intent since our creation has never changed and Paul’s warning for us is still as important as ever. It teaches that we are selfish to put our gratification above the needs of others and God’s call on our lives. In this vain attempt to be happy and fulfilled, we miss the joy God made us to experience.

Look for what will bring eternal happiness, not the temporary and unsatisfying human things we are offered. God wants to give us the most wonderful gifts but we must be willing to accept them. We waste our time and energy searching for anything else.

Gracious God, we are sorry when worldly things and issues distract us from following You. Forgive us and help us to see Your love is more important than all the things earth can provide. Amen.

Our Old Testament scripture reading for this week is 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am. ”And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Hearing God’s call in our lives is a wonderful thing. God calls each of us to a relationship with Him and assigns us responsibility accordingly. However, we must listen for His voice and be ready to respond, taking our place in His plan for creation.

Samuel was responding to the priest Eli, believing the call came from him, when in fact God Himself spoke. After he was instructed, he answered the Lord “Speak, for your servant is listening”. Sometimes we need instruction as well to be able to hear and answer appropriately.

People say “I wish God would speak directly to me” but make no effort to go to Him or listen patiently. If we expect a text message with a list of instructions, we are liable to be disappointed. While God has given us specific guidance through His chosen servants and His word in scripture, it is up to us to hear the message and accept the task.

Loving Lord, help us to seek Your word and do Your will. May we listen and respond enthusiastically when You call. Amen.