Inclusive, Redemptive, Resolute: The Heart of Following Christ

In our passage this week (Luke 9:51-62), Jesus challenged His disciples to embrace a radical, truly inclusive (i.e. without a focus on a specific demographic), and an unwavering commitment to His mission. This can be a difficult passage for us to read because it challenges our tendencies (conscious or otherwise) toward exclusivity, retaliation, and apathetic devotion, a form of discipleship unworthy of the perfect, Almighty and Loving God of scripture.

I’m writing this after asking our Session Clerk Karen Mitchell to step in for me as our Duty Elder Henner Bättenhaussen leads. Unfortunately, a bad winter flu has gone through our household and as much as I am loathe to be away on Sunday, I don’t want to risk any who might be vulnerable or compromised. You know, I don’t get ill like this often but it does remind me of the Covid period and what the church was forced to grapple with. Now whether the responses were right or wrong, it forced many churches into difficult decisions and unfortunately there were some who even questioned another Christians faithfulness because of their stance or position.

Our lectionary passage touches on this in a way as Jesus corrects John’s narrow exclusivity. It’s a rebuke that we might consider in our ministry today because as disciples of Jesus, He reminds us that we are to reject divisiveness, being open to all who seek Christ’s mission of salvation (insofar as their mission does not depart from Jesus’ teachings). That being said, I don’t expect Karen or Henner to bear the burden of what I might present, so rather than a sermon, I think it more appropriate for a shorter reflection that gives you space to consider the questions Jesus poses in this passage. For instance, do we live our faith in a way that excludes others? Can we embrace others who serve Christ differently? When required, can we lay down judgement and elevate mercy to align with Jesus’ redemptive mission? And which of our priorities or commitments contend with our devotion to Jesus?

These are some of the challenges and questions that you might consider and reflect on together this Sunday, again, hard and challenging stuff, but necessary for us to think about because Jesus gives us no quarter, He demands radical commitment. I’m sorry not to be with you, it grieved me not to have been able to attend Graeme Leamings funeral, but although Carolynn and I might be isolated only a few metres away, we will be praying for you and considering these very same questions. Hoping to see you soon.

Many Blessings

Josh