Sermon Notes for June 18th

+ FIRST THOUGHTS +

This Sunday is Father's Day in the United States, and for whatever reason, I can't stop hearing a song I sang when I was in college and Audio Adrenaline was the big Christian band.  Their song, "Big House" came out then and it was instantly contagious. It's  a bit silly - all about going to the house where there are lots of rooms, a big table with lots of food and a big yard where we can play football. Sounds like it was written by a Dad, right? The invitation in the song is "Come, and go with me to my Father's house."

In the Gospel lesson appointed for this Sunday, the ministry of Jesus shifts in the Gospel according to Matthew. In chapter 4, Jesus begins to go about into the towns and villages to proclaim that the Kingdom has come near. At the end of chapter 9, He has deep compassion for those who are like a sheep without a shepherd. So, in chapter 10, his Twelve disciples hear that they will be "the ones sent" (Apostles) to those lost sheep. 

What will they take with them? Only what they need, plus the message of the Kingdom. How will people know that the Kingdom is near? By the words, actions and attitudes of the ones who are sent. When did the mission end? It didn't end. It is still the mission of the church until our Lord comes again. And when He comes, He is taking us to His Father's house. Can that future joy inspire us for our present work? I think so, and I think that the song I can't get out of my head, this week, may provide a framework for this conversation. 

            There may even be a football.

                                                           Because Father's Day.