Third Sunday after Epiphany: Friday, January 27, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 17:15-27

One of the things that so amazing about these scenes with Abraham is that he is never perfect. Today, God promises to give him a son, and he laughs at God. He believed God enough to leave his home town, but not enough to give him a son. Plus, he and Sarah didn't think God would come through, so they Abraham fathered Ishmael with Hagar. But, through this, God remains true to His promise to bless Abraham and raise up a mighty people from him. Aren't you glad that God's promises don't depend upon us. We are like Peter, sometimes faithful, sometimes not, but God is always faithful. God is always true to His word, God is always true to His promises. Now, we must not take that faithfulness for granted, we must not think, oh, I can do whatever I like because God doesn't care. Of course He does. And if we are really His child, then we will care too. It's hard to be a child of God and think lightly of sin. But, remember, God's promise is not dependant upon you, its dependant upon Him. And He is faithful and true; He merely asks us to be faithful to Him.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 10:11-25

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Boy, we preachers could talk about that one all day long. But, that is what the Word says. Some folks say, I can worship God at the Lake or a deer stand, and yes, you can. But is your purpose in going to the lake or deer stand to worship God, or is it something else. And as the Word says this morning, worship God is not the only reason for church. We come together to come together. There is something holy about gathering together with God's people. We need the fellowship with each other. We need the support, we need the encouragement. We are part of one body, and we need each other. The text say to encourage one another, even more as you see the day approaching. Now, I'm not saying if you aren't in church this Sunday you are a bad and evil person, but I am saying that church should be important to you. Even if you don't like the preacher. Even if you don't like the hymns.. Even if you don't like any of that. It should be important because as Christians, we need each other. We need each other's prayers and support. It is hard to walk the road of the Christian life alone. We need those brothers and sisters. Do not give up meeting together, that is what the Word says.

Gospel Lesson

John 6:1-15

I've always admired Andrew and the boy's role in this story. He didn't have much, but he offered it and Jesus used it for something amazing. He offered a few loaves and fish, and Jesus feed five thousand. We might not think that we have much, we might not think that what little we can give is worth anything, but if we give with a faithful and true heart, God will use it. The miracle here is not just that Jesus feed the 5000, but how he did it, by using some one's small gift. You are gifted by God in amazing ways. God has given you something awesome. It may not look like much to you, but imagine what it could in God's hands. 5 loaves and 2 fish is not much. But through the grace of Jesus Christ, it feed 5000. What could our gifts and talents be used for through God's grace. No gift, no talent is too small in God's hands. If you give it Him, He can use it in miraculous ways.