August 21, 2016 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary time
Isaiah 66:18-21, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13, Gospel of Luke 13:22-30
How do we become strong in the Lord and arrive at the end of the race in eternal life? It is clear that God is biased toward the powerless.He does not pick the strongest individuals that have everything figured out. Consider Mary and David.He chooses those who are willing and say yes to his request.Eternal life is about a new type of power where the people who appear the most weak are perhaps the most strong because they said yes to the Lord and rely on God’s strength instead of their own.
Surrendering is not seen as a sign of strength in this life.It appears to mean that we have lost the fight. But in just such times, God asks that we surrender our powerlessness to him and he will turn it into strength. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” How do we become strong in the Lord? In Hebrews the word “discipline” comes up. “Endure your trials as “discipline”. . . At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” Say yes to the Lord and follow his training schedule.Keep him on your team.When you are feeling at your lowest, know that this is the point in which God can step in and work with you, because you see your need of him. You know you cannot make it on your own.
Say “yes” to being on God’s team.Follow God’s training schedule that always includes time spent with God in prayer, acknowledging your need of him. Allow him to direct your life. When trials come as they most certainly will, ask for God’s strength or you may find yourself standing outside of the door of eternal life and knocking and say “Lord open the door for us” and you will hear, “I do not know where you are from.”
Reflection Questions:
Are you fully committed to being on God’s team? What does this look like?
If you consider your current situation what does God’s training schedule include for you today?
Have you found God in your weakness or in your strength? Discuss with your small group.
How do we become strong in the Lord?