For the disciple there is no such thing as secular work. All work is sacred work in the disciple's hands. So Jesus asks us, "Will you be My disciple in sales? Will you be My disciple working with your hands? Will you be My disciple in the classroom? Will you be My disciple in the bank, in your business, in management? Come, follow Me."

Second, living a life possessed by Jesus' call means praying a certain prayer. Do not pray this prayer unless you're serious about discipleship. God will answer it. "O Lord, I pray I would be where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do."

God's answer to your prayer may be subtle. Perhaps the church's nominating committee will call on you. He may present new opportunities where you work. God's answer may be less subtle. God may completely re-arrange your career and life. If you don't want God to disturb your life, don't pray that prayer! If you want to serve Him and live for Him; if you want to be a disciple; pray it with all your heart!

Jesus calls you to live a life possessed by discipleship. If you are serious at out being a disciple, pray that prayer: "O Lord, I pray I would be where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do. I pray this in the name of Jesus my Savior, Amen." (Tim McQuade)

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (B)

February 2, 2003

The Firm Foundation

Mark 1:21-28

I was recently on a plane returning home, and sitting next to me was a young college student. We struck up a conversation revolving around his major area of study. As the conversation progressed it became evident that this young man was not a Christian.

He spoke of his desire to be hired by a non-profit organization after college that would allow him the opportunity to provide help to those in need. He hopes to do this by getting involved in public policy.

I asked him what it was that sparked this flame of interest in bettering the world through politics. "I don't know" he said, "I guess I just feel like it s the right thing to do, and helping others makes me feel good."

As we continued in conversation, I asked him how he knew what the "right thing to do" was. I asked him what authority he used to determine right and wrong.

"That's a good question" he responded. "I've never really thought about it. I guess whatever's best for the whole community determines what's right."

His authority structure was basically non-existent. This young man attempted to build a moral structure on a sandy foundation. Determining morality on the basis of what's best for the whole assumes a couple of things. First, it assumes that the whole is in a position to choose rightly. Second, it assumes they will. However, because of man's depravity, people's beliefs concerning morality shift like sand, and that is no way to determine right and wrong.

The only firm foundation, the only true authority on which to base decisions of morality is the Word of God. John tells us in his Gospel that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And in our text today, we may observe the authority of Jesus in both His teaching and His power over the spiritual realm.