From Morning Routines to True Discipleship: A Journey of Faith
Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-38
September 15, 2024 — We all have our morning and evening routines. Some of us check our phones, others stretch or read a book. But have you ever considered how these daily habits might connect to your spiritual life? In today’s sermon, Pastor Steve explores what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Historical Perspective: Martin Luther’s Practice
Interestingly, even historical figures had their routines. Martin Luther, the religious reformer who lived 500 years ago, had a simple yet meaningful practice. Every night before bed and every morning when he woke up, he would make the sign of the cross on his forehead. This act was a way to remind himself that he was a child of God and that God loved him through Jesus.
The Power of Reminders
This practice of Martin Luther’s highlights an essential aspect of routines – they can serve as powerful reminders of our values and beliefs. By incorporating a simple gesture into his daily routine, Luther could start and end each day with a reminder of his faith.
Jesus’s Journey and the Meaning of Discipleship
We’ve been exploring the Gospel of Mark in recent weeks, following Jesus’ journey and teachings. In one pivotal moment, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter excitedly declares Jesus as the Messiah they’ve been waiting for. But Jesus’s response is unexpected – he tells them to keep quiet.
Why? Because being the Messiah meant something different than what the disciples thought. Jesus explains that he will suffer, die, and rise again after three days. This news shocks the disciples, especially Peter, who tries to argue with Jesus. It’s a beautiful moment and the first time in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus is called the Messiah. But what happens next is unexpected.
The Call to Discipleship
Jesus then teaches an important lesson about what it means to follow him: “If any want to be one of my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This self-denial isn’t about giving up small pleasures. In Greek, it means to “disown” oneself – to hand over everything we are to God. It’s about letting go of our plans and desires and allowing God to guide us. This isn’t easy, but it’s at the heart of being a disciple.
Being the Abiding Presence of God
As a congregation called “Abiding Presence,” we’re reminded to be God’s presence in the world, and this means:
- Extending God’s grace to all – It’s an undeserved gift, abundantly poured out on everyone.
- Welcoming all – This is the challenging part. It means welcoming those in power, those of different beliefs, those from various backgrounds, and even those we might disagree politically.
- Serving others – Just as Jesus did, we’re called to heal, feed, and show compassion to all.
Our Mission: Seek God and Serve Others
Our mission is clear: to seek God in everything we do and to serve others – everywhere, every day, and with everyone. This can be challenging, especially when dealing with those who are different from us or those with whom we disagree. But by turning our lives over to God and following Jesus’ example, we can truly become the abiding presence of God in our world.
Remember, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you believe, you are welcome to find God dwelling here. Let’s strive to create a community where everyone can experience God’s love and grace and work together to be God’s abiding presence in the world.