November 1st Virtual Worship

November 1, 2020 Pastor Marc Hayden

The Order of Worship

Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

This passage begins the “travel narrative” in Luke’s gospel. Over the next ten chapters Jesus moves toward Jerusalem. If you follow the path on a map it becomes clear that the journey is more existential than geographical; Jesus’ physical movement is hardly a logical journey from Galilee to Judea. Written several decades following the events described, Luke is interested in providing the lessons disciples will need to go with Jesus to Jerusalem. Again, I would suggest this is less about going to Jerusalem in a literal way and more about going to the Jerusalems of our lives metaphorically. For Jesus and for us, Jerusalem represents the crucible of suffering where character is tested and that which really matters is revealed. Do we have the discipline and determination to follow Jesus?

Questions for Reflection:

The passage that follows (Luke 9:57-62) emphasizes the determination and discipline required by discipleship.

Jesus calls us to a way of life that uproots a settled and comfortable life in favor of a life free to move with the Spirit, relying on God to provide and the hospitality of others along the way. How might we respond to the Spirit’s call while maintaining roots in a community? Is the metaphor of a tree flexing in the winds while firmly rooted in the ground helpful? What symbol of discipleship guides you?
Jesus calls us to a way of life that is ordered by the first priority of devotion to God and the Divine values of grace and peace. We humans are masters of excuse and justification that delay or ignore Jesus’ call. What are the excuses and justifications we need to come clean about?
Jesus calls us to a way of life that is forward facing and community focused. This way does not negate other relationships and responsibilities but orders them as our Creator intends. What does the investment of your time and resources say about your top priorities? What readjustment is needed?