“Rejoice In The Lord”, Sermon on Luke 6:17-26
God didn’t give us a heart of sorrow, but a heart of joy. Jesus reminds us in our Scripture lesson today from Luke 6:17-26, that we are not to shrink away from tears of sorrow, but also remember to embrace the joys, the many joys, of life.
Luke 6:17-26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Teaches and Heals
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
Blessings and Woes
20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you[d] on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
24 “But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
25 “Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
*New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Next Steps:
- Instead of focusing on the darkness of the world, Put On Your Lens of Rejoicing! Look for things this week that shows God’s love breaking through.
- Share your stories with me at markroscoe@vaumc.org
See you next week, stay safe and may God’s blessings be upon each of you!
Pastor Mark