Worship Preview 2.16.25 "Fill My Future with Vision."

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Six Stone Jars: Fill My Life with Vision” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26

 

We’ve been following the early stories of Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee and seeing how deeply connected he is to the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. We’ve also seen scenes of overflowing abundance. The best wine served last at Cana, Jesus, at the urging of his mother, using the jars meant for ritual cleansing to provide for others. Jesus proclaiming the visioin of Isaiah fulfilled. Jesus drawing great crowds – despite his rejection at his hometown. But we haven’t heard his teaching directly.

Last week, Jesus stepped into Simon’s boat to get some space – and after teaching, led the one we now know as Peter to an overwhelming catch and a new life “fishing for people.”

We heard about the image of the fishing hook in the prophetic texts – a critique of wealth and power and a call to discipleship. This is what Jesus has been proclaiming and what draws the fishermen into his circle. I noted that later in Luke 5, Jesus also calls a tax collector to follow – making no note of how deeply the fishermen and the tax collector would have dispised and mistrusted each other. Both are called to follow – even as those Jesus heals are sent to fulfill the normal practices of their faith. Different encounters and calls – we are not all the same, nor does Jesus intend us to be.

This week we will hear again from the Prophet Jeremiah and finally hear Jesus teaching directly. Luke 6 features the Sermon on the Plain – a counterpart of the better known, perhaps more comfortable “Sermon on the Mount.” In Matthew, Jesus speech goes on for 3 chapters, in Luke it is much more concise. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Luke’s account doesn’t spiritualize things. The poor here are those who lack basic resources, even food. I think it can also cover those who may think they have much but lack compassion and faith – the woes make that clear as well. Jesus speaks prophetically. Jesus calls us to follow – in all our differences and with all our hope.

This is a word that speaks to us today. As we worship we will celebrate several people taking the next step on their journey of faith with baptisms and welcoming new members. It will be a great day at First United Methodist and you are invited to be a part of it – considering and taking your own next step.

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, February 19th  – Feeding Families in His Name: A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. 

Fellowship Soup Luncheon Friday, February 28th. We will again have soups and chilli along with dessert for a freewill donation beginning at 11:30am. This month our proceeds will benefit Feeding Families in His Name. Mark your calendar and invite a friend for food and fellowship. Then join us again on March 14th for a Potato Bar to celebrate St. Patrick’s and benefit United Women in Faith’s programs and ministries.