Proper 7 (12) Shortcuts can be Painful

Remember way back when…preparing for an important exam at school. Remember all that material to cover and limited time available. Instead of studying all the concepts thoroughly, I think we all at one time decided to take a shortcut by relying solely on a set of summarized notes or online summaries. Then came exam day. The sudden realization that the shortcuts taken resulted in a limited understanding of the subject matter. The exam questions are more nuanced and require a deeper comprehension of the concepts, which left us totally unprepared. As a result, we make mistakes while answering questions or fail to provide accurate and detailed responses. Our performance is likely to be lower than expected, and they may not achieve the desired grade. This example illustrates how taking shortcuts, such as relying on summaries instead of studying comprehensively, can lead to mistakes and poor outcomes. It highlights the importance of investing time and effort into gaining a thorough understanding of a subject, rather than opting for quick fixes that compromise learning and preparedness.

As parents we tend to take the easy way out sometimes. Instead of involving our children in chores around the house: cooking, cleaning, deciding on family events, we tend to simply put the pot on the stove, fill the dishpan and clean the dishes, or plan family outings on our own. It’s faster, more efficient we tell ourselves. However, as our children mature, these short cuts can lead to us “older” folk still doing all the chores, and the “younger” generation is left not knowing how to fend for themselves. What seemed like innocent little short cuts can certainly backfire later in life. And our families can certainly suffer.

All is not lost though, mistakes are what makes us grow and mature. And it’s through our corrective behaviours that we pass on our unwavering love to our children. And in turn, they respond in love towards us.

As we reflect upon the faithfulness of our God, who has shown Himself faithful even in the midst of suffering. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we see a vivid illustration of God's unwavering love and care for His people. Through this narrative, we are reminded that our mistakes and impatience do not hinder God's ability to redeem and bring about something new. As we delve into the story, we first recognize the fallen state of humanity, evident in the circumstances surrounding Hagar and Ishmael. Ishmael's birth was a result of Abram's and Sarai's desire for a child, which stemmed from their brokenness and impatience. Their attempt to fulfill God's promise in their own way led to suffering and complications. However, in the midst of this situation, God's faithfulness shines forth. He does not abandon Hagar and Ishmael in their distress but provides for them and protects them. God sends an angel to speak to Hagar, comforting her and assuring her of His care. He opens her eyes to a well of water, quenching their thirst and sustaining them in the wilderness. Hagar, recognizing God's provision, names Him as "the God who sees." My friends, this reveals to us that no matter how dire our circumstances may appear, God sees us, and He is always with us. Even in our suffering and in the consequences of our own mistakes, God remains faithful and provides for our needs. He is our protector and provider, sustaining us with His unfailing love and grace. Moreover, God's faithfulness goes beyond immediate provision. He promises Hagar that Ishmael will become a great nation, despite his origins as a slave-son. This promise reflects God's redemptive nature. He can take our shortcuts and mistakes and bring forth something new and extraordinary. God's plans and purposes are not limited by our errors but are ultimately fulfilled by His divine power and sovereignty. To quote the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, "To confess you were wrong yesterday is only to acknowledge that you are a little wiser today." Our mistakes, when humbly acknowledged and surrendered to God, become stepping stones toward greater wisdom and understanding. God can transform our failures into testimonies of His faithfulness and redemption. This is a message of hope and encouragement. It is a reminder that our God is a God of second chances, a God who can take our shortcuts and mistakes and bring about something new. Following Jesus requires courage and commitment, even if it means going against the wishes of family and friends. Let us delve into the biblical context found in Matthew 10:24-39 and discover the transformative power of God in our lives.

Christians must be prepared to face opposition when they follow Jesus. Jesus warns his disciples that they will face persecution (Matthew 10:24-25). Just as Jesus faced opposition during His earthly ministry, we too can expect resistance when we live out our faith boldly. Jesus tells them that they must be willing to break ties with family if it means following Him (Matthew 10:34-37). Our commitment to Christ should take precedence over any other relationship, including familial bonds. Though challenging, this commitment demonstrates our wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Jesus' followers will receive divine rewards if they are faithful. A. Jesus promises His disciples that God will provide for them (Matthew 10:29-31). When we step out in faith and follow Jesus, we can trust in God's faithful provision. He knows our needs and will care for us in miraculous ways. B. Jesus promises His disciples that they will be rewarded in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33). Our faithfulness to Christ, even in the face of opposition, will be rewarded in eternity. The trials we endure for His sake pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us. God's power is greater than any earthly power. Jesus tells His disciples that they should not fear earthly authorities (Matthew 10:26-28). When we face opposition or threats from the world, we must remember that God's power far surpasses any human authority. He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Jesus tells His disciples that they should be willing to stand up to family and friends if it means following Him (Matthew 10:38-39). Sometimes, our loved ones may not understand or support our decision to follow Christ. Nonetheless, our allegiance to Jesus should never waver, as He alone can offer us true life and salvation.

Let us take comfort in the truth that our mistakes and shortcuts can be transformed by God's redemptive power. As Charles Spurgeon once said, "To confess you were wrong yesterday is only to acknowledge that you are a little wiser today." God can take our past failures and turn them into stepping stones for growth and spiritual maturity. Courage and commitment to Jesus bring eternal rewards. When we face opposition, remember that God is on our side. His power is greater than any earthly power, and He will sustain us through every trial. Trust in His strength, and do not be swayed by the opinions of others. May we embrace the transformative power of God, allowing Him to use our mistakes and shortcomings to bring about something new. Let us walk in courage and commitment, even when it means going against the wishes of family and friends. For it is in following Jesus that we find true purpose, fulfillment, and eternal life. Let us take heart in the story of Hagar and Ishmael. Let us remember that God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His protection and provision, even in times of suffering. He sees us, sustains us, and redeems our mistakes. Let us trust in the Lord, for He can bring about something new and beautiful from the ashes of our shortcomings. May we draw closer to Him, relying on His faithfulness and surrendering our lives to His transformative power. Heavenly Father, We come before You today, humbled by Your infinite grace and mercy. As we reflect on the verses from Genesis, Psalm, Romans, and Matthew, we are reminded that Your redemptive power knows no bounds. You are the God who can transform our mistakes and impatience into opportunities for growth and renewal. In today’s readings, we witness Abraham's mistake in his relationship with Sarah and Hagar. Lord, we acknowledge that we too have made mistakes in our relationships, often allowing our impatience to cloud our judgment. But we find comfort in knowing that even in the midst of our flawed decisions, You remain steadfast in Your promises. Just as You protected Ishmael and blessed him, we pray that You would protect us from the consequences of our errors and bring blessings out of our brokenness. Psalm 86 reminds us that You are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love. We confess our impatience, the times when we have rushed into decisions without seeking Your guidance. Yet, Your loving nature assures us that You are ever ready to forgive and guide us on the path of righteousness. Help us to learn from our mistakes and to cultivate patience in all areas of our lives, trusting in Your perfect timing. Romans 6:1-11 assures us that through Christ's death and resurrection, we have been granted newness of life. Our past mistakes and impatience no longer define us. We have been crucified with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. Lord, we thank You for the power of redemption that flows from the cross. Grant us the strength to let go of our past failures and to embrace the new life You have given us, knowing that Your grace is greater than any mistake we have made. Matthew 10:24-39 reminds us that following You may lead us through trials and challenges. At times, our impatience may cause us to doubt Your presence in the midst of difficulties. But You assure us that even in the face of adversity, You are with us. You value us more than sparrows, and You know every hair on our heads. Give us the courage to trust in Your plans, even when they differ from our own. Help us surrender our desires and fears to You, knowing that Your ultimate plan is to bring about something new and beautiful in our lives. Gracious God, we thank You for Your faithfulness and unchanging love. We acknowledge our mistakes and impatience, yet we are filled with hope knowing that You can redeem and transform our brokenness. Teach us to rely on Your wisdom and guidance, and to trust in Your ability to bring about something new in our lives. May Your grace and mercy continually shape us into vessels of Your love and light. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.