Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-4a; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
In our texts today we consider the challenge of Jesus call to discipleship. When he challenges us to follow him, we have to do so without being weighted down by our pasts. How is that possible? We have to let go of the past.
Additional Notes and Scripture References for the sermon. (These notes will not make much sense by themselves. They are meant as references to check while listen to the sermon - or after having listened to the sermon).
I recently went back to Pennsylvania and it was an experience that was quite unique for me. It was the first time I had been back since my grandfather had died. For the first time I would see my grandparent’s home since it has been sold to another family. This house that was built in 1945 and served as a childhood home for my father’s generation and my generation would no longer be home. There would be no going back.
The tie to the past — the tie to land.
Abraham’s call to leave his home — his land: “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘;Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1 (NRSV)
Forgetting what lies behind...
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14 (English Standard Version)
“Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:62 (ESV)
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night because he doesn’t want to jeopardize his ties to his past.
Letting go of the past can be healing.
“Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”. Hebrews 3:6 (NASB)
Jesus warns that a life of discipleship will not be easy...
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 (ESV)
2 comments:
Hi Pastor Alan,
I hope all is well with you and your family. Good stuff this Sunday (17th) as always. My famimly certainly related to the individual topic especially and the overall topic as well.
Both Cindy and I grew up with access to Grandfather's farms and share the emotional attachment that builds with that childhood access. In fact, I now am reponsible for mananaging what was my Great Grandfathers farm. I can honestly say for me that farm is the place where my best comunication with Lord takes place. When I'm there, he seems to talk non stop!
If you ever need a place like that to replace your grandfather's farm, just let me know and I will give you a key to the gate.
In relation to your broader message, I saw this report today on America's Faith:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/02/25/religion.survey.ap/index.html
The Methodist church I grew up in is one that has not changed a lot over the years and the membership roster seems to get smaller every year. It was/is a great church with a great membership, but the folks filling the pews are the same ones that were in the pews when I was a child. What's left of them anyway. In the old days, the new membership roster was grown by new births and marriage.
That just doesn't work these days.
So kudos to you for leading the multi-attractive enviornment and diverse offerings of Horne UMC. And kudos to you for rocognizing the need and the opportunity.
Johnny Hill
I know exactly what you mean! There is a strong attachment that comes with the land. That is precisely why I feel so cut off with my family's sale of the family farm that has been part of me for so long!
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