Every Friday afternoon in my late teens, the local newspaper would print a religion section, and in it, there was an article published by a specific religious group in town. In this document, the writer would engage in an argumentative discourse detailing the spiritually fatal doctrinal mistakes of other groups, including Baptist churches like mine. I was in a spiritually intense period of life, which I now realize was a prelude to my becoming aware of my call to ministry. My response back then was to become highly engaged in analyzing the errors of this religious group, and in cementing my view that my own church had it right. It took many years before I realized that spiritual growth meant more than discovering “accurate” truths about God. It included, among other things, developing a deep understanding of the value, gifts and graces, and strengths of other people, those who were “neighbors” we are called to love.
Jesus’ disciples were called to make this same discovery. Once on a preaching mission, they encountered someone who was “casting our demons” in Jesus’ name. The disciples were disconcerted by this, because the exorcist did not identify as one of the disciples. They then demanded that this upstart cease and desist his spiritual ministry. When Jesus heard this, he urged his disciples to know that those who were not against them, were in fact not to be feared. In fact, Jesus concluded, “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose their reward.” Sometimes, in their hard journey of discipleship, Jesus was saying, these very disciples would need a kindness, an act of hospitality, a cup of cold water. And quite often, they would be surprised who it was who offered them that grace.
We’ll talk about all of this as we discuss our own calls to discipleship in the Sunday worship at St. Mark’s. The sermon is titled, “Surprising Sources of Refreshing Water,” and arises from Psalm 19:7-14, which will be read by Avery Shackleford, and Mark 9:38-41, which will be read by Gwyn Richards. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We’ll have a moment for mission, a time for children, prayers and congregational singing.
If this Sunday will be your first time at St. Mark’s, or if you have been a part of our community for a long time, we’ll look forward to seeing you in the sanctuary at 10:30. If you are connecting online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner.