Pentecost: June 8, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3

This book is not one of those happy books. Many of us love the Psalms, because they can be so reassuring times of trial and hurt. Ecclesiastes is not like that. It continually beats the drum that the things of this life that we think are so important are in the end meaningless. We spend so much time in life work and striving for things that have no eternal value, while the things that actually do matter (family, church, friends) these thing are easily ignored.

We must take our eyes off of living like the world, but instead must focus on the things that really, really matter. Why do we strive after that which will not satisfy? Why do we chase those things that will destroy? While do we spend our time seeking that which is meaningless? Let us focus on that which will last, which will not fade, and which will fill us. Let us focus our lives around God, around our family, around our church, around God's Word, around these things that will truly let us live.

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 3:1-14

Abraham believed, and that belief was credited to him as righteousness. It must start with belief. True, life changing, life transforming belief. We can't merely want to be good people, we must believe in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will then be about the work of transforming us. We can't say, I'll clean up my life and then get right with God. We can't clean up lives. We don't have that ability. God must do it for us. We must place ourselves under His authority and let Him do the work.

Does that mean that we don't have to do anything? Quite the opposite. We must place ourselves in a position to be used by God. That means we must be in His Word. We must be with His people. We must be serving Him. Abraham believed and that was his righteousness. But, look what that belief caused him to do. It caused him to listen God and follow where he led. True belief causes changes. It is not enough to say that you believe, that belief will be seen you life, in your actions, in how you are. Do you believe? What does your life say about your belief?

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 14:13-21

Jesus told the disciples to get the people something to eat. They brought to Him all that they had, and He did a great work. He tells us go forth and be a witness. He tells us to do good, to do good works, to change the world. He tells us to help the lost come to salvation, to helped the sick, the needy, the prisoner, all those that are in need. We say, we don't have much to give. But, if we take what we have and give it to Him, he can do great things. He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. What can He do with me and you?