Worship for the week beginning 14 August 2022

Time to Reflect

This summer one of the biggest international sporting events has taken place in the city of Birmingham: The Commonwealth Games. Athletes from 72 nations and territories have competed against each other in 19 sports and 280 medal events.

Competition in this context is seen in very positive terms as it encourages athletes to do their very best and sets new records in sporting achievement. Indeed, friendly competition is part of the human experience that so often is the catalyst for growth and development.

Yet the passage we have this morning is not about friendly competition. Instead, we have Jesus announcing that he comes as one who will bring with him division. Specifically, Jesus states that his presence will divide families and set them against one another.

Jesus knows that his ministry will be a challenge to the powers of the time, specifically the chief priests in Jerusalem. His teachings will not be welcomed by those in positions of power, who oppress the poor and the vulnerable. Jesus is making it clear that his presence will lead to people having to make a decision about their loyalties: To follow him and be part of God’s Kingdom or reject him and in doing so reject his liberating love. Jesus is preparing his disciples for the opposition that they will face as they seek to follow him.

The decision to follow Jesus always has personal consequences. In my previous appointment, in Hull, the Methodist Church ran a project called ‘Open Doors’ which supported refugees and asylum seekers. Many of the Christians who had fled their home countries had not only faced persecution from the state authorities because of their faith, but from their neighbours and even family members. In this example, there is very clear division and tension between following Jesus and conforming to other powers and pressures. Yet although this is an extreme case, we must acknowledge that every person who encounters the Word must make a decision on whether to follow Jesus as a disciple or reject the way he shows us.

To conform to the world or to be the salt and the light in it. We cannot do this through our own strength or will, but only by God’s grace.

In order to participate in the Commonwealth Games athletes first have to choose a sport, train and practice in it, and endeavour to be the best that they can be. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 Paul talks about the life of faith being like a race that you run to win the prize.

Our discipleship involves discipline, effort, and discomfort. It involves us being challenged and challenging others. It might even put us in opposition to our family and friends. Yet we are not alone in this endeavour as the Holy Spirit helps us as our counsellor and trainer. The Spirit, who enables us to grow in grace, holiness, and in understanding of God.

This Sunday I encourage you to not be afraid of the opposition and instead go with Jesus. Follow him in the way of God’s justice and righteousness and in so doing see his power of transforming love displayed. Let us commit ourselves to be his disciples, to becoming more like Jesus in his mission, to challenge injustice and share God’s love with the world.
Amen