2021-07-11 – Year B – Proper 10 – The Rev. Canon Christopher M. Klukas
Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:1-14 (15-23); Mark 6:7-13

• How long is a long time? When your parents were born? The Civil War? The Declaration of Independence? Martin Luther? The formation of the Grand Canyon?

Chosen

• Ephesians 1:4 – Chosen before the foundation of the world. For what?
  • The Chosen series – largely told from the perspective of the apostles. Most of them can’t figure out why they were chosen.
  • Why me? “In love” (Ephesians 1:4)
    • “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” (The Message)
• Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3)
  • He has prepared a place for us in his Father’s house (John 14:2-3).
• Adoption as sons [and daughters] (Ephesians 1:5)
  • His Father becomes our Father. Adoption involves choosing.
• Redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
• Jesus chooses you saying “come and follow me” will you choose to follow?

Called

• General Calling vs. Unique Calling
  • Vehicle image – wheels, body, and engine – towing, commuting, passengers
• General Calling of the Christian
  • Christian life – Holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4). Made holy and becoming holy. The point is not to keep us from fun but to save us from heartache!
  • Kingdom work – Blessed to be a blessing – Missio Dei
• Unique Calling – Vocation, Spiritual Gifts
  • Amos 7:14-15 – God called Amos to the unique ministry of being a prophet.
  • Moses was called to lead God’s people to freedom. Aaron was called to be the priest in the tabernacle. David was called to be king.
  • Unique callings aren’t just for biblical heroes. Every person chosen by God has a unique calling.
• S.H.A.P.E. – Spiritual Gifts | Heart | Abilities | Personality | Experiences

Sent

• When we realize the unique way that God has shaped us, it makes it easier to discern what he might be sending us to do.
  • For some of you, your job might be your vocation or calling. For others, their job pays the bills and allows them to fulfill their calling on the side. If God has blessed you with the opportunity to retire, you have been freed up to serve the kingdom.
• In the Gospel today, Jesus sends the twelve, another time he sent 72. Ultimately, in the great commission he sent all of us.
  • Two by two (Mark 6:7). The work of ministry is not a solo sport.
  • Take nothing so they could be received (vv. 8-9).
    • Mark 6:11”If any place will not receive you…”
      • The Gospel will offend some and they will not respond. Don’t worry if this happens. It is not you they are rejecting but God.
    • Make sure that if they are offended it is because of the Gospel and not because of you. Don’t go out of your way to offend!
    • Archbishop Foley Beach wrote a Christian Code of Ethics for Using Social Media. It includes 5 questions to ask before posting:
      • 1. Is it the truth?
      • 2. Have I talked to the person before I talked about the person?
      • 3. Will it benefit all concerned?
      • 4. Do my words reflect well on Jesus Christ?
      • 5. Will I have to confess what I have written as a sin?
  • Mark 6:12-13 – They Preached repentance, cast out demons, and healed the sick. They were given authority (v. 7). We can still do this kind of ministry today!
• Chosen, called, sent
• “The final habit is to begin identifying yourself as a missionary—a sent one—…recall how you’ve either announced or demonstrated God’s universal reign, even if it’s in the smallest of ways.”