{"id":4478,"date":"2022-07-16T22:06:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-16T12:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=4478"},"modified":"2022-07-16T22:06:31","modified_gmt":"2022-07-16T12:06:31","slug":"faithful-listening-and-dedication-17-07-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=4478","title":{"rendered":"Faithful Listening and Dedication 17-07-2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

17th<\/sup>\u00a0July 2022 (Pentecost 6)<\/strong>
\nSermon Title: Faithful Listening and Dedication
\n(Colossians 1:24 – 29 & Luke 10:38 – 42)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>By Heeyoung Lim\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Today’s text focuses on Jesus\u2019 teaching about the importance of grounding our lives in faith. Martha and Mary are important to Jesus. Jesus and the disciples come to their village and are welcomed, invited into their home, and provided with food and fellowship. Mary places herself at the feet of Jesus rather than taking the culturally assigned role of providing the physical necessities of hospitality. It was a surprising turn of expectations in those times, because the spot was the traditional place for the male disciples of a teacher at that time. However, Jesus affirms Mary\u2019s choice to learn from him.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

To those who perceive God at work in Jesus, there is much more going on than normal observers. Jesus is the promised Messiah who will reign all over the world with God\u2019s never-ending love. Mary\u2019s insight into Jesus\u2019 mission shows one thing that is needful for a disciple of Jesus – hearing and responding to the word of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are called to listen to God\u2019s word, and then let it shape our lives each day. In God\u2019s reign, Christ is our centre and holds all together. Which customs and traditions are blocking us from faithfully listening and responding to God\u2019s word? In what ways are our faithful listening and dedication demonstrated and conveyed in our faith journey? May we place Jesus in the centre of our life by reflection on Christ and the way of God\u2019s reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, her speech was centred on herself rather than Jesus. Though she refers to Jesus as \u2018Lord\u2019, she was concerned to engage his assistance in her plans rather than Jesus’ words or Maria’s needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes people’s needs can be out of focus and misplaced. Even Christians are dedicated to fulfilling the world\u2019s expectations rather than Jesus’. At the crossroads of decision making, Martha had chosen necessary hospitality and social obligation, but Mary made the choice to hear Christ\u2019s Word. Jesus would not take away from Mary the blessing and opportunity. Life has one essential need to hear and obey the Word of God.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Martha needed to change her priorities or at least had to admit that Mary’s choice was a better part to Mary’s faith status and her life. In today’s text, Jesus’ commendation and his approval of Mary who did \u201cthe one thing needful\u201d are heard. On the other hand, Jesus called Martha’s name twice and said, \u201cyou are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed.\u201d Jesus did not point out that Martha’s service was wrong, because faithful dedication and hospitality are also significant. While Jesus is still honouring the choice she makes, He calls Martha to come closer to His word and reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Love for God is shown by devotion to his Word in the midst of life\u2019s demands. Christ changes all priorities, cutting through our distracting customs. May we focus our life on God\u2019s Word in any circumstance rather than social obligations.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus referred to Himself as \u201cone who serves\u201d, and Martha’s services were themselves manifestations of discipleship. In this instance, her problem lied in forgetting the fact that Jesus is Lord and guest, and her hospitality was distracted.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When anxiety in well-doing becomes the measure of our hospitality, then the church might forget Jesus who needs to be centre in our all gatherings. When Christ is proclaimed as instrumental or decoration to the church\u2019s worships and events, then the community might cease to attend to the Word that first called it into being. Focusing on Jesus and listening to the word of God need to be priority in our precious services and all events.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Martha represents the ministry of diakonia, and Mary represents the ministry of the word. Faithful listening from Mary and faithful dedication from Martha help us understand the development of the ministry of diakonia and the ministry of the word. The ministry of service and the ministry of the word require each other.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In our busy lives, we can perhaps easily relate to Martha, who seems to be working hard while her sister Mary is \u201cjust sitting\u201d and listening to Jesus. Many people will be coming to worship with a sense of being overwhelmed by busy situations. However, it will be important in worship to find ways to move through all circumstances, to stop sometimes, take a deep breath, and celebrate the presence of Jesus who seeks to enter our hearts and our lives each day. It is not about problem solving, it is about listening and dedication. May we focus on the presence of God rather than earthly busyness and glorify God by listening, praising, praying, and faithful dedication.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Colossians 1 puts Christ at the centre of everything. The universe came into being because of the action of God in Christ. The universe is being reconciled to God through Christ. When Paul says he is filling up what is still lacking regarding Christ\u2019s afflictions, he is not saying that Jesus\u2019 suffering on the cross was insufficient. Paul had encountered suffering. Yet Paul was able to rejoice in what he suffered. He was enduring suffering on behalf of Christ. The world hated Jesus Christ; and now they persecute His followers. Paul was willing to suffer on behalf of the church because he saw himself as the church\u2019s servant. God gave him a commission to proclaim the gospel, and suffering was included with the commission.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the dark and confused world, knowing the truth about the power of the gospel and the person of Christ is the believer\u2019s best protection against deception. Jesus Christ lives in all who trust him. Not only does Jesus live in us; he is our hope of glory. Christ is the centre of everything, and ministry is the hard work of bringing all believers to maturity in Christ. Paul’s aim in enduring the suffering and hard work is to present everyone mature in Christ. May we hear and respond to the word of God and become mature in Christ.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I believe that all your hard work and services are motivated and enabled by God\u2019s energy, which so powerfully works in us, our church, and all faith communities. The goal of spiritual experience is not to chase the spiritual trends, it is spiritual maturity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Lord calls us to focus on Him when we gather on Sunday, to move from our place of being worried and distracted by many things to one where we listen to and obey God’s word, the good part that will not be taken away. There we will connect with the source that brings both peace and energy to all our ministries and services.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Healing and recovery come from unexpected places, and hospitality is reciprocal in this wounded world. May we experience God’s healing and recovery in this broken and wounded world by faithful listening to Jesus and mutual hospitality. God\u2019s living word and mutual services provide us with transformative power. May we experience mutual respect and recognition in the love of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks be to God! Amen. <\/strong>
\n(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

17th\u00a0July 2022 (Pentecost 6) Sermon Title: Faithful Listening and Dedication (Colossians 1:24 – 29 & Luke 10:38 – 42) \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 By Heeyoung Lim\u00a0 Today’s text focuses on Jesus\u2019 teaching about the importance of grounding our lives in faith. Martha and Mary are important to Jesus. Jesus and the disciples come to their village and are welcomed, invited into their home, and provided with food and fellowship. Mary places herself at the feet of Jesus rather than taking the culturally assigned role of providing the physical necessities of hospitality. It was a surprising turn of expectations in those times, because the spot was the traditional place for the male disciples of a teacher at that time. However, Jesus affirms Mary\u2019s choice to learn from him.\u00a0 To those who perceive God at work in Jesus, there is much more going on than normal observers. Jesus is the promised Messiah who will reign all over the world with God\u2019s never-ending love. Mary\u2019s insight into Jesus\u2019 mission shows one thing that is needful for a disciple of Jesus – hearing and responding to the word of God. We are called to listen to God\u2019s word, and then let it shape our lives each day. In God\u2019s reign, Christ is our centre and holds all together. Which customs and traditions are blocking us from faithfully listening and responding to God\u2019s word? In what ways are our faithful listening and dedication demonstrated and conveyed in our faith journey? May we place Jesus in the centre of our life by reflection on Christ and the way of God\u2019s reign. When Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, her speech was centred on herself rather than Jesus. Though she refers to Jesus as \u2018Lord\u2019, she was concerned to engage his assistance in her plans rather than Jesus’ words or Maria’s needs.\u00a0 Sometimes people’s needs can be out of focus and misplaced. Even Christians are dedicated to fulfilling the world\u2019s expectations rather than Jesus’. At the crossroads of decision making, Martha had chosen necessary hospitality and social obligation, but Mary made the choice to hear Christ\u2019s Word. Jesus would not take away from Mary the blessing and opportunity. Life has one essential need to hear and obey the Word of God.\u00a0 Martha needed to change her priorities or at least had to admit that Mary’s choice was a better part to Mary’s faith status and her life. In today’s text, Jesus’ commendation and his approval of Mary who did \u201cthe one thing needful\u201d are heard. On the other hand, Jesus called Martha’s name twice and said, \u201cyou are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed.\u201d Jesus did not point out that Martha’s service was wrong, because faithful dedication and hospitality are also significant. While Jesus is still honouring the choice she makes, He calls Martha to come closer to His word and reign. Love for God is shown by devotion to his Word in the midst of life\u2019s demands. Christ changes all priorities, cutting through our distracting customs. May we focus our life on God\u2019s Word in any circumstance rather than social obligations.\u00a0 Jesus referred to Himself as \u201cone who serves\u201d, and Martha’s services were themselves manifestations of discipleship. In this instance, her problem lied in forgetting the fact that Jesus is Lord and guest, and her hospitality was distracted. When anxiety in well-doing becomes the measure of our hospitality, then the church might forget Jesus who needs to be centre in our all gatherings. When Christ is proclaimed as instrumental or decoration to the church\u2019s worships and events, then the community might cease to attend to the Word that first called it into being. Focusing on Jesus and listening to the word of God need to be priority in our precious services and all events. Martha represents the ministry of diakonia, and Mary represents the ministry of the word. Faithful listening from Mary and faithful dedication from Martha help us understand the development of the ministry of diakonia and the ministry of the word. The ministry of service and the ministry of the word require each other. In our busy lives, we can perhaps easily relate to Martha, who seems to be working hard while her sister Mary is \u201cjust sitting\u201d and listening to Jesus. Many people will be coming to worship with a sense of being overwhelmed by busy situations. However, it will be important in worship to find ways to move through all circumstances, to stop sometimes, take a deep breath, and celebrate the presence of Jesus who seeks to enter our hearts and our lives each day. It is not about problem solving, it is about listening and dedication. May we focus on the presence of God rather than earthly busyness and glorify God by listening, praising, praying, and faithful dedication. Colossians 1 puts Christ at the centre of everything. The universe came into being because of the action of God in Christ. The universe is being reconciled to God through Christ. When Paul says he is filling up what is still lacking regarding Christ\u2019s afflictions, he is not saying that Jesus\u2019 suffering on the cross was insufficient. Paul had encountered suffering. Yet Paul was able to rejoice in what he suffered. He was enduring suffering on behalf of Christ. The world hated Jesus Christ; and now they persecute His followers. Paul was willing to suffer on behalf of the church because he saw himself as the church\u2019s servant. God gave him a commission to proclaim the gospel, and suffering was included with the commission. In the dark and confused world, knowing the truth about the power of the gospel and the person of Christ is the believer\u2019s best protection against deception. Jesus Christ lives<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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