Theme of the Day: The Least Qualified Are The First Sent
Imagine you need heart bypass surgery. When meeting with the surgeon, you ask, “How many of these have you done?” He responds, “You get the honor of being my very first patient!” You probably feel more anxious than honored. With important jobs, we understand it is crucial that the person doing that job is well-qualified.
There is no more important job that sharing the good news of salvation with others. So, you would expect Jesus would only give that job to those most qualified, like the angels. Nope. The least qualified are the first sent. In love, Jesus prepares and equips us to speak on his behalf. How? He draws unworthy sinners into his presence to provide us with the free gift of holiness that we lack. Once cleansed, we jump at the opportunity to be the ones through whom God does the same for others. Here is this week’s epiphany moment. Let this be a crucial epiphany moment! You might think you are unqualified to share the gospel with those Christ brings into your sphere of influence. But the least qualified are the first sent.
Luke 5:1-11
Isaiah 6:1-8
Romans 10:12-17
Psalm 67B
483 – Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
745 – Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying
742 – On Galilee’s High Mountain
907 – How Shall They Hear, Who Have Not Heard
716 – O Christ, Who Called the Twelve
Prayer of the Day: Gracious Lord, you call and appoint us to proclaim the good news of your Son despite our sins and weaknesses. Purify us by your grace, remove our uncertainties, and work through us to fill the nets of your kingdom with those lost in the darkness of death; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long. Alleluia.