Sermon: Unwavering Commitment to Our Calling

Sermon: Unwavering Commitment to Our Calling

Dear Esteemed Graduate, Faculty, Families, and Friends,

Today, as you don your white coat, you are not only stepping into a new phase of your academic and professional journey but also into a deeper commitment to serve, lead, and inspire. This momentous occasion signifies your readiness to take on greater responsibilities and to walk a path that demands dedication, integrity, and resilience.

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:57-62

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus illustrates the cost of following Him through a series of encounters with potential disciples:

"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:57-62)

Background of Luke 9:57-62

The Context of Jesus’s Ministry: Jesus was actively ministering and traveling with His disciples, teaching them and performing miracles. His call to follow Him was urgent and immediate, emphasizing the importance of the Kingdom of God over all other concerns.

There are three interactions in this scripture that I want to highlight and detail. We will see that there are three distinct lessons to apply to our lives.

Interactions in Luke 9:57-62

Verses Luke 9:57-58 Interaction: "A man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'" (Luke 9:57-58)

Application:

• Expressing Desire to Follow: Just like the man, we often express a strong desire to pursue our goals or calling. It’s natural to feel inspired and passionate about our dreams.

• Cost of Discipleship: However, Jesus’s response reminds us that achieving our goals often requires sacrifices and dealing with uncertainty. We might need to give up comfort and security to follow our path. Are we ready to embrace the sacrifices necessary to fulfill our calling?

Interpretation and Application

Firstly, the Distraction: Interaction: Jesus encountered those who wished to follow Him but were distracted by other obligations.

Application: In our lives, distractions are inevitable. The demands of daily life, the allure of comfort, or the fear of the unknown can divert our focus. As you step into your role, remember to keep your eyes fixed on your ultimate goals and values. Let your dedication to your calling guide you through the noise and distractions.

Verses Luke 9:59-60 Interaction: "He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:59-60)

Application:

• Request to Bury Father: The man’s request reflects our tendency to delay pursuing our goals because of traditional or societal obligations. We often wait for the "right time," which may never come.

• Priority of Proclaiming the Kingdom: Jesus’s response teaches us to prioritize our mission over these obligations. Sometimes, we need to focus on our main goals despite societal expectations. Are we willing to put our mission first, even when it challenges traditional norms?

Jewish Burial Customs: In Jewish tradition, burying the deceased within 24 hours was an act of respect and religious duty, highlighting the tension between traditional obligations and following one’s calling. This cultural context deepens our understanding of the man’s request and Jesus’s radical call to prioritize the Kingdom.

Secondly, the Disgrace: Interaction: Those who looked back, longing for what they left behind, found themselves struggling. Lot's wife looked back, and the Children of Israel, once set free, asked, "Were there not enough graves for us back in Egypt?" There are things in all of our pasts that may bring shame, but the word lets us know that you can't judge my future by my past. I am on the potter's wheel; He is still molding me, and He is not through with me yet. So when they come at you with your past, let them know that you are a new creature; old things have passed away, and all things have become new.

Application: In your path, there may be moments where challenges seem insurmountable, and the road behind appears easier than the road ahead. It is in these moments that your resolve will be tested. Stand firm in your commitment. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to reaffirm your dedication, and to demonstrate the strength of your character.

Verses Luke 9:61-62 Interaction: "Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:61-62)

Application:

• Saying Goodbye: The man’s request shows our tendency to hold onto the past when embarking on new journeys. It’s difficult to move forward when we’re constantly looking back.

• Undivided Commitment: Jesus’s response emphasizes that achieving our goals requires full dedication and focus, without looking back. Are we ready to commit fully to our purpose, leaving behind past comforts and relationships that hold us back?

Thirdly, the Stop: Interaction: When one allows distractions and the fear of disgrace to take hold, progress halts.

Application: Your journey requires continuous forward momentum. Embrace each step, no matter how small, as progress toward your goal. Keep moving forward with faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your purpose.

Conclusion

As we reflect on these teachings, let us apply them to our own lives. Just as Jesus called for complete dedication and unwavering focus, we too must stay committed to our calling.

As you wear your white coat, may it symbolize not only your academic achievements but also your readiness to serve with compassion, lead with integrity, and inspire with your dedication. Let it remind you of the focus required to overcome distractions, the courage to face and move beyond disgrace, and the perseverance to never stop moving forward.

Anchoring in Jesus’s Ministry and Our Preparation for His Return Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for their future roles, He also prepares us for His return. We live in times marked by significant challenges: a great falling away, the trials of the COVID pandemic, the presence of wolves in sheep's clothing, and services that prioritize entertainment over true worship. These distractions and trials test our faith and commitment.

Here at Dr. Ann's Biblical Exploration, Inc. (DABEI), we strive to right this ship. This institution reminds us of the core of our faith, grounding us in biblical truth, encouraging us to stay focused on the mission, and preparing us for Jesus's return. Your role as a leader in theology is crucial in this endeavor. You are called to uphold the truth, guide others with wisdom, and stand firm in your faith amidst the trials of our times.

To the families, friends, and supporters who have been by the side of this graduate, your encouragement, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in their potential have been instrumental in their journey. Your support has not gone unnoticed, and today, you share in this moment of accomplishment. I invite you to continue traveling this path with them, offering your guidance, your faith, and your love. Together, let us all strive to embody the principles of service, leadership, and inspiration in our own lives, supporting one another as we follow the path set before us.

As we reflect on these teachings, let us apply them to our own lives. Just as Jesus called for complete dedication and unwavering focus, we too must stay committed to our calling.

As you wear your white coat, may it symbolize not only your academic achievements but also your readiness to serve with compassion, lead with integrity, and inspire with your dedication. Let it remind you of the focus required to overcome distractions, the courage to face and move beyond disgrace, and the perseverance to never stop moving forward.