Sermon: Jan 22, 2023

Readings: Matthew 4:12-23

Scholar and theologian N.T. Wright points out that the repentance Jesus called for was twofold. "First, it meant turning away from the social and political agendas which were driving Israel into a crazy, ruinous war," where Zealots and extremists were clamoring for violence and war with Rome. "Second, it meant calling Israel to turn back to a true loyalty to God."

The original disciples had to break with social and political expectations in order to give their complete loyalty to God, and we are to do the same. That doesn’t mean we’re not concerned about what goes on in the world. But we view the issues of the world through the lens of God’s love.

A perspective that only comes by answering Jesus’ call for repentance. It is an invitation to follow where Jesus leads with love, mercy, and peace. We should be concerned with how the Roman, Samaritan, and tax collectors of our times are treated. Every human being is created in the image of God’s love. And Jesus’ call is an invitation to fully live into the image in which we were created by treating all people as beloved children of God.

How will you respond to Jesus’ invitation to repent and follow him? Because we have one of two choices. We can try to hold on to the demands of this world, which will never truly satisfy us. Or we can accept Jesus’ invitation and walk in the footsteps of his love, mercy, and peace, fishing for people by shining the light of God’s kingdom for those in darkness, drawing all people into the radiance of God’s loving embrace.

May God grant us the strength and courage to place our hope, trust, and belief in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, making God our stronghold from which we cannot be shaken, transforming our lives into lanterns of hope that shine the great light of God’s love into the world.