July 9th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Mathew 11:25-30 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Gracious Will |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Gracious Will
At that time Jesus said, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
[Reading above - Mathew 11:25-30]
This prayer of Jesus is in response to his frustration that many who have received his powerful acts of healing have failed to “repent” (Mathew 11:20), that is, turn to God for reconciliation and transformation. This repentance, this turning to God in order to be transformed into God’s loved and loving children was Jesus’ purpose (Mathew 4:17), so no wonder Jesus is frustrated. What does Jesus do when frustrated? Jesus prays with a grateful and trusting heart, Jesus reaffirms who and whose he is, and Jesus gets back to the work of transformation as he invites us into a partnership where he sets the example and does the heavy lifting.
Questions for Reflection:
Wisdom is not prerequisite for discipleship. It is a gift of discipleship! Jesus loves to work with those who are like “infants”, that is, people who are open, trusting, and aware of their need for help. Identify a time when you came to Jesus with a humble and open heart of need. What was the result of that experience? Did you grow in wisdom?
In the ancient Hebrew tradition, a “yoke” was a symbol for instruction in Divine wisdom. In this context, following the way of Jesus might be like taking on a yoke of instruction. Jesus says “his yoke is easy and his burden is light”. How do you understand this promise of discipleship? How does Jeus make your burden easy and light?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Few of us get enough sleep. As a result, we are weary, distracted, grouchy, and less productive. Could it be that we are taking on too much ourselves and failing to allow Jesus to carry some of our burden? If you answer this question in the affirmative, then try asking Christ for the help he promises. You can do that by: acknowledging your need, asking Christ to reset your priorities, focusing more on what really maters, applying your strengths and gifts to the work at hand, and asking others to fill the gaps with their strengths and gifts. You might just find that you feel less stressed and overwhelmed and more peaceful and restful. Isn’t it worth a try?
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
