Sermon: “Get-up and Go!”
Scripture Psalm 62 read responsively and Mark
1:14-20
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ January 22, 2012
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, Indiana
Introduction to scripture
Psalm
62 read responsively
If
you have ever known the pain of slander or the vicious nature of gossip, you
will understand the Psalmist desire to trust God alone. God is our refuge from evil.
1For
God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2He alone is my rock and my
salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.3How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence. They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
5For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
9Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Mark
1:14-20
What
would make you drop everything and pursue an entirely new life? A great job
offer? A marriage proposal? The chance to make a huge difference in another
part of the world? What would it take for you leave everything you know for
something entirely different? What if it was a former carpenter and itinerant
preacher talking about the kingdom of God coming near? Today we will ordain and install new Ruling
Elders of the Session. They may not have
dropped everything to serve but in the midst of very demanding lives they have
chosen to follow the will of God in service with our church.
Now
after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of
God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of
Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for
they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you
fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he
went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who
were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left
their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
SERMON
Let’s
be honest that we all love the idea that romantic movies tell us; that the
couple running toward each other in love can give up jobs, other relationships,
family even dreams; to be with their “soul mate.” But we also know that after the slow motion
embrace there will come the fast pace of living and making choices together
that will not be easy or without suffering.
The
call to discipleship can be seen in the same romantic vein. Drop everything and follow Christ. Just get up and go. Do it!
It will all work out because Christ is with us. In Susan Garrett’s article “The Problem of
Evil” she writes:
Jesus’ lordship over
the powers, and our authority as his disciples, is not manifested in
supernatural protection of the saints as much as in the divine strength we are
given to persevere in the midst of this fallen world.[1]
If
our commitment to Jesus is truly just an emotional response it is less likely
to be sustained throughout life. Our
get-up and go, will have gotten- up and gone.
We know the original disciples that Jesus called into ministry with him were
ordinary people. They got jealous of
each other, wanted the best seats in the house, thought Jesus should tell other
people what to do, denied him and even betrayed him. Yet in spite of the difficulties and the
losses they were still together when he rose from the dead. They came when he called and went where he
told them and many died horrible deaths because of their witness to him. How can we become as responsive? First we do have to get-up and go. We have to say yes to Jesus’ call. No matter where we are in life, we can say,
“Here I am, Lord. Send Me!” Discipleship does not stop when we are
confined to a wheelchair or can no longer drive. Every day there is someone you encounter who
is waiting to hear good news. You have
His story; share his story with those you meet.
You may be planting a seed that others will water, or you may be blessed
to see that seed grow into a profound faith that will last a life time. Like Luann taking the first step in
leadership, you are a child of the living God, be all God created you to
be. Amen.
