Reflections on "Called to Serve" Luke 9: 28-37; 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

The sermon went ok.  It felt like I had preached the sermon before -- that is, the point I emphasized has been emphasized by me previously in either a teaching or preaching context.  I suppose one of the challenges of a long-term pastorate is preaching the same texts in the lectionary.  I have probably preached this exact text from this pulpit six times, and probably preached the parallel stories from the other gospels multiple times.  Maybe one of the issues I had with this sermon is that I have several other sermon approaches for this text that I remember, and I like them better than what I did today!

I never did figure out what to do with the 2 Corinthians passage.

In my original notes, I planned on talking about the inner call we feel and the outer call the community confirms. But as the sermon shifted to being called to serve,  that them got left behind. If I had not abbreviated the sermon because of communion and ordination/installation of officers, I might have added it back. 

“Called to Serve” February 7, 2015; Call Mini-series; Luke 9: 12-21; 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

(Luke 9:28-37) Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" --not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. (NRSV)

Introduction: The sermon title started out as “Called to Lead.”

Sort of the culmination of our reflections the past few weeks on God calling us.

Built in sermon illustration with the ordination and installation of Ruling Elders and Deacons. The image we will see later in the service of those being ordained kneeling and the laying on of hands which connects us back to the leadership of the early church

The Scripture lesson of this Transfiguration Sunday fits the theme of “called to lead:” the core leaders among the disciples, Peter, James, and John, called by Jesus to go up on the mountaintop with him.

The historic leaders of Israel, Elijah and Moses, make an appearance on the mountaintop.

The voice of God confirms that Jesus is the ultimate leader, the Son of God.

Called to lead. But then they came down off the mountain.

they came down off the mountain. Literally.

Jesus, and Peter, James, and John come down off the mountain and are met by a great crowd.

Just prior to going up on the mountaintop they have fed the 5000.

Soon, Jesus will be performing healings.

They came down off the mountain and “called to lead” became “called to serve.”

Move 1: Jesus called them (Jesus calls us) to serve.

a. the disciples 'initial reaction to seeing Jesus transfigured and finding Moses and Elijah with them on the mountaintop is to make the mountaintop their home.

1. Peter has an idea. Let's build dwelling places and stay awhile.

2. Hang out together.
3. Have sort of a Winan's moment – time together away from everyone else.

b. That initial reaction asks a fundamental question about God's call to follow Christ.

1. Is it a call to private time with Jesus?

2. A call to focus on me and Jesus?

3. should the focus of our discipleship be about finding time and place for us to be alone with Jesus?

100. Our relationship with Christ is critical.

1. That's one of the reasons why God sent Christ to live among us.

2. So that we can have a personal relationship with Christ.

3. Later when we ordain ruling elders and deacons the first question is: Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge Him Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

4. A relationship with Christ is fundamental to who we are.

5. But the relationship with Christ is not the final destination.

6. Joining with him leads us into the world to serve

Move 2: We are called to serve the crowds

a. We are told that a great crowd waited for Jesus and the disciples to come down off the mountaintop.

1. In a world with lots of needs, the crowds sought out Jesus and his disciples to help them.

2. Rodney Stark's The Rise of Christianity this week and came across his discussion of the plague of 156 A.D. which killed about a third of the Roman population (possibly smallpox's first arrival in Europe). Stark claims that the fact that Christians were obligated by their teachings to tend the sick and poor whereas pagan religion and philosophy had no such obligations made a difference. The provision of ordinary nursing care might, Stark claims, have reduced the mortality rate from 30% to 10%. Not just among Christians but among those pagans with whom they were in contact and to whom the injunction to serve would also apply.

3. think about our own world – fear of terrorism; war; some go hungry; natural disasters strike; struggles are real.
4. People are hurting.
5. Jesus calls us and sends us into that world to serve the crowds.

5. For years St. Anthony's Catholic Church in San Francisco has served meals to people in need. Over the church entrance is the Latin phrase “Caritate Dei.” One day a young mechanic, just released from prison, entered the door and sat down for a meal. A woman was busy cleaning the adjoining table. “when do we get down on our knees and do chores, lady?” he asked. “You don’t” she replied. “then when’s the sermon coming?” he inquired. “Aren’t Any,”She replied. “How about the lecture on how to life my life?” “not here.” she said. The man grew suspicious. “Then what’s the gimmick?” The woman pointed to the sign over the door. “What’s it mean lady?” “Out of love for God.”

b. Favorite question – Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?

1. The officers of the church, committed to serving Christ, turning outward to the people.

2. In the immediate context, the people of the congregation; in the broader context, the people of God in the world.
3. A questions designed for those called into leadership of this congregation to lead us into the world to serve God's people..

Conclusion: When you see the officers to be ordained on their knees and the laying on of hands, it is a reminder that calling leaders traces back to the the traditions of the early church.

But as you see them on their knees, notice that it is not just are on their knees.

Part of the tradition; laying on of hands; powerful to see that connection.

But notice also that as they are on their knees, it is a wonderful images of those called to leadership in a position of humble servanthood. Those called to lead, on their knees prepared to serve.