Friday, February 5, 2016

"Called to Serve" 2 Corinthians 3: 12 - 4:7; Luke 9:28-37

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday the lectionary has the story about Jesus going up on the mountaintop with the disciples and then is transfigured before their eyes.  Because it is part of the lectionary, I have preached this text numerous times.  It is also the Sunday we ordain and install the church officers.  Finally, it is the last Sunday in the preaching mini-series on "Call."  The ordaining and installing of the elders and deacons is a visual illustration that can complement the sermon if done correctly!

I am focusing on the return of the disciples from the mountaintop to serving the people.  Perhaps the image of officers on their needs with the laying on of hands can be a complementary image of what it means to be called to serve.

The portion of Paul's letter has lots of great images, but I am leaning toward the reminder he offers that all we do, we do for Jesus Christ.  That should be a nice reminder that our call to serve begins with our call to follow Christ.

I am also reflecting on the Reformed tradition's understanding that there has to be an inner and an outer call for a call to be be real.  The person feels the call; the community confirms the call.

I am struck by the fact that when the disciples came off the mountain with Jesus, a great crowd waited for them.  Who is waiting for us in the world?


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