Sunday, July 30, 2006
Sunday's thoughts
The following are excerpts from my message this morning at Beaver Lake Lutheran Church in Maplewood, Minnesota. I was preaching on the Gospel text for today from John 6, which describes the feeding of the five thousand and Peter walking on water to Jesus.THE PETER PRINCIPLE
Jesus would have our vision be broad enough - wide enough to accept miracles - to believe in what he can do - even with a little boy's lunch. That was the lesson Jesus wanted Peter and us to learn - to be open to the challenge of vision.
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Sometimes Jesus tells us to do what we don't want to do. Sometimes he presents us with a vision - but we shut our eyes. It's easier to pretend it isn't there. Or maybe we just don't see a vision; maybe we would like to step our for Jesus, but just don't know how. Let me help you.
When Pastor Charlie gets back from vacation, go up to him. Ask him, "What can I do for our church - for our young people - for our seniors - for our community?" I promise you Pastor Charlie will have plenty of ideas. Let's be open to the challenge of vision.
When Pastor Charlie gets back from vacation, go up to him. Ask him, "What can I do for our church - for our young people - for our seniors - for our community?" I promise you Pastor Charlie will have plenty of ideas. Let's be open to the challenge of vision.
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Jesus' challenge to Peter this time was not about vision - Peter had the vision of walking on water. This time it was about Peter's faith.
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Do the waves of uncertainty about health or money keep us from stepping out in faith? Will our worry about our own well being cause us to sink?
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Are we afraid to participate in the work of Christ because we have taken our eyes off Jesus? What then are we looking at?
The wonderful and encouraging part of our Scripture today is that even when we doubt our faith - and all of us do at one time or another - even when we begin to sink, as Peter did - Jesus will be there for us also. He will hold out his hand and reassure us also with his words: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
The wonderful and encouraging part of our Scripture today is that even when we doubt our faith - and all of us do at one time or another - even when we begin to sink, as Peter did - Jesus will be there for us also. He will hold out his hand and reassure us also with his words: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
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As Jesus challenges our commitment - let's not flee like those who didn't want to accept Jesus' hard teachings. Instead, let us turn to Jesus, and say along with Peter, and without reservation, "Jesus - you have the words of eternal life. I believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
