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Called To Do More

Called To Do More

by The Reverend Beth Anne Nelson on May 11, 2022

This morning, I walked into church and saw the outline of a human along with the phrase, “I died for Jesus.” This was a jest. Sometimes when we laugh it is to shy away from difficult truths.

For me, the most difficult promise we make as Christians is to give even our own life up for our faith in Christ.

We are fortunate to live in a country where Christian martyrdom is unnecessary, however, that does not mean we are not called to serve Christ in different ways.

As parents, David and I have chosen to give this choice to our children. Faith would like to be everything from dancer to softball player to veterinarian.

This sounds as though it is a joke, but in reality it is not unique. Each of us would like to have every opportunity. We hope that we can fit more into a day even when it becomes unhealthy.

In the scripture readings on Sunday,¹ I wanted to tell you all the things about all of the scripture passages - when in fact the message was simple. As our faith progresses, we will be called to do more, such as Peter was called to be a healer of Tabitha.

The Gospel passage emphasized the first step was to recognize Jesus. Understand, that in John’s Gospel, the temple leaders, people of Jesus’ faith, are beginning to wonder who Jesus is - some are saying he is demon-possessed, others are saying he is the Messiah. We are called to a relationship of following and allowing ourselves to be cared for; this can be hard, however, it can also be fulfilling.²

The shortening of this scripture passage means that we do not see the reaction of the temple leaders. Friends, it is important to hear Jesus reassuring the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the one we have been waiting to follow, the one we hope is calling us to the ultimate feast. This invitation calls us to travel and do the work of Jesus. There is no other reaction we can have - we, like Jesus, want to leave church, and return to our baptismal covenant. The season of Easter, is a season of renewing, the new person we were made to be at our baptism. We are beloved.³

May you feel this message of being beloved in our daily lives.

For His Sake,

Beth Anne +


1 The readings are: Acts 9:26-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23
2 Johnson, E. (2022). Commentary on John 10:22-30.
https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fourth-sunday-of-easter-3/commentaryon-john-1022-30-5
3 Lewis, K.M. (2014). Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentary: John. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.

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