SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, February 4, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I often speak of the narrative sweep of the Bible as God’s love song to God’s people. And so this Sunday I’ll reference the 40th chapter of Isaiah known as the beginning of Consolation. A fresh voice speaks of comfort, of promise, of restoration by the cosmic God who is “everlasting, the creator of the ends of the earth."

We focus on Mark, continuing in the first chapter, as Jesus has returned from the desert, taught in the synagogue, and exorcised a demon. He leaves the synagogue. He and his disciples stop by Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon (soon to be renamed as Peter) discovers his mother-in-law feverish and in bed. Jesus restores her.

“He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. […]

"That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons… And the whole city was gathered around the door. […]

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”

The cosmic God, the comforting God, the flesh and blood Incarnate God in need of renewal and refreshment are all one.

From across the centuries, we are given hope, inspiration and evidence of the one who creates, who does not abandon, who meets us at our point of need and lifts us up.

Aren’t we in need of a little lift? Come worship our never-failing God of the ages.

In anticipation –