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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

Taking risks and trusting

Mary promises obedience to God despite the risks involved (Luke 1:38)

 

Context

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

  • In Luke’s account of the Annunciation, Mary did not have long to assess the risks involved in accepting the challenge from God that the angel brought. It is easy to wonder whether she felt the same way later. One of the couples in the Strictly Come Dancing final, Vito and Ellie, took a huge risk with a difficult lift which did not quite come off. No doubt when the judges offered their opinions, thoughts were going on around regret, blame, should we have tried it or not? Ultimately, Vito and Ellie won the trophy. How do we know if the risk we feel drawn to will pay off or not?
  • Perhaps Mary regretted her swift acceptance of God’s calling as she settled down into labour, lying on straw in an outhouse – or even later when Jesus left home and began his preaching ministry. Yet how different the world would be if she had not taken the risk and trusted God. Is God calling you to take a risk about whose outcome you are unsure?
  • Risk means change. God does not just work through expected people. In a patriarchal society, God might be expected to give a major role to an important male rather than a young, apparently insignificant girl. The BBC have changed the heritage of a major character in a dramatization of an Agatha Christie novel from white to Nigerian. Christie’s grandson has emphasised the importance of looking at the story from where you are now. Changing the heritage will give greater impact and encourage deeper thinking. Can we find ways to present the gospel story which are faithful but relevant and challenging to the present generation?

 

Questions for discussion

  • What does it mean to be a servant of the Lord?
  • How do we know if God is calling us?
  • Do you think Mary ever regretted responding so positively to the angel?

 

Revd Stuart Wild is Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Risking everything for God

Life would be so much easier, if only… But I can’t do that because… Yes, I’ll come and do that for you God, but can I do this first please…

Sound familiar?

It would have been so much easier, so much more convenient, for Mary to have given a similar response when the angel came to tell her about her impending pregnancy. No public shame around being pregnant outside of wedlock. No need to have that awkward conversation with Joseph.

And yet, Mary risked everything for God knowing that it would potentially make her life a whole lot harder because she knew that God had it in hand.

As I look around the world, I think our world needs a few more people to risk everything for God – irrespective of the outcomes. A few more people to stand up against injustices when they see them, despite the comeback that may come their way.

It may not be as big an ask as giving birth to the Son of God, but standing up to the bully in the playground or the racist comment in the street can seem as terrifying. Or leaving a job without a new one to go to. Or simply saying, ‘I don’t know God what you want me to say yes to… but I’m willing to do so.’

Jonathan Buckley is Youth Coordinator for Sheffield Methodist Circuit.

 

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