Are Ye Able?

February 22, 2013

Opening Hymns:
530 Are Ye Able http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh530.sht

Scripture Reading:
Luke 13: 31-35

³¹ At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
³² He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ ³³ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
³⁴ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁵ Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Message:

In this scripture we see Jesus’ compassion for Jerusalem. We see Him following His calling even though some try to dissuade Him. His life is being threated, but He recognizes what God is calling Him to do. Through His death He will gather Jerusalem’s children together. Even though the cost is high He is following through with God’s plan.

Sometimes following God can be taxing for us as well. We are called to help the poor and needy and to forgive those who sin against us. Sometimes it can seem as though the help we provide to the poor is misused. Money given may be spent on drugs or alcohol instead of food and shelter. The people we forgive may end up hurting us time and time again. How can we show His love? How do we stand strong and follow through with His plan?

Back in 1999 there was a school shooting in Columbine Colorado. Cassie Bernall was said to have been asked “are you a Christian.” Her answer was “yes.” How did she go from troubled teen to someone who would be willing to die for her belief in God? Other people reached out to her, hoped for her, and loved her while she was still causing trouble. Her life was transformed by God, and because of her faith many more lives were transformed as well.

Forgiveness can be a hard. But don’t forget, we ourselves need to be forgiven as well. If we forgive others we invite them to share in the beauty of being transformed into children of God. Alcoholics can stop drinking, drug addicts can put their addictions behind them, liars can learn to speak the truth, and adulterers can be washed clean. God re-defines who we are and what is possible. Treating others with kindness in an open and non-judgmental way may be just what is needed to spark in them a transforming spirit… and even if it doesn’t change them right away, the kindness and respect will surly do no harm.

Let us be compassionate for God’s people. Even though others may tried to dissuade us, and the challenge of forgiving others may be overwhelming… let us stand firm. Caring for others is always worth it, and God will give us strength through each and every challenge. The opening hymn says it better than I ever could… are we able to be crucified with God, are we able to forgive others, are we able to forgive ourselves? Let our answer be “Lord we are able.”

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving us. Help us forgive others as You have forgiven us. Let us not judge others, and let us not be a judge of what is and isn’t possible. Help us remember that with You all things are possible. Thank You for creating this world and for creating all these people in it. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
548 In Christ There is No East or West http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh548.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God