Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 06.21.2026

>> Good morning, [music] St. Luke's. Will >> Good morning, [music] St. Luke's. Will you please stand and worship with us? I [music] confess. I [music] confess. Bowing here, Bowing here, Bowing here, I find my rest. I find my rest. I find my rest. And without [music and singing] you, And without [music and singing] you, And without [music and singing] you, I fall apart. You're the one You're the one that [music] guides my heart. Lord, I Lord, I need you. need you. need you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I need Every [music] Every [music] hour hour hour I need you. My one My one defense, my righteousness. Oh God, how Oh God, how >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I need you.

Where sin runs deep, Where sin runs deep, your grace [music] is more. your grace [music] is more. your grace [music] is more. Where grace is found, Where grace is found, Where grace is found, is [music] where Holiness Holiness is Christ is Christ is Christ in me. Lord, [music] I need Lord, [music] I need you. Oh, I Every Every hour hour hour I need you. My one you. My one defense, defense, defense, my righteousness. my righteousness. my righteousness. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, how I need you. So, teach my soul you. So, teach my soul >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to rise to you. When temptation [music] When temptation [music] comes my way, comes my way, comes my way, when I cannot stand, I'll fall on you.

Jesus, you're my hope and stay. Jesus, you're my hope and stay. >> [music] >> Oh, how I need you. >> Oh, how I need you. Oh, how I need need you. need you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My one >> My one >> My one defense, defense, defense, my my my righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, how I need >> you. My >> you. My one defense, one defense, one defense, my righteousness. my righteousness. my righteousness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh God, >> Oh God, >> Oh God, how how how I need you. you. My one defense, My one defense, My one defense, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my righteousness. >> my righteousness. >> my righteousness. Oh God, how I [music] need Oh God, how I [music] need Oh God, how I [music] need you. >> Alone [music] in my sorrow >> Alone [music] in my sorrow and dead in my sin, lost without hope, lost without hope, with no place to begin.

Your love made a way to let mercy come Your love made a way to let mercy come in. in. in. When death was arrested, When death was arrested, When death was arrested, my my my life [music] began. Ashes redeemed, [music] Ashes redeemed, [music] only beauty only beauty only beauty made. made. made. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My orphan heart >> My orphan heart >> My orphan heart was given a name. My mourning grew quiet, my feet My mourning grew quiet, my feet rose to dance. rose to dance. rose to dance. When death was arrested, my When death was arrested, my When death was arrested, my life began. life began. life began. >> [music] >> Oh, your grace >> Oh, your grace so free You have made me You have made me new. Now new. Now new. Now life begins [music] It's your reckless It's your reckless love pouring down pouring down on us.

You have made us new. You have made us new. Now life Now life Now life begins begins begins with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> Released from my chains, >> Released from my chains, >> Released from my chains, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I'm a prisoner >> I'm a prisoner >> I'm a prisoner no more. no more. no more. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My shame was erased >> My shame was erased >> My shame was erased when you faithfully bore it. He canceled [music] my debt it. He canceled [music] my debt and he called me his friend. and he called me his friend. and he called me his friend. When death was arrested, When death was arrested, When death was arrested, my life began. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, your grace >> Oh, your grace >> Oh, your grace so free washes over washes over >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me. You have made me You have made me new. Now life new. Now life new. Now life >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> begins with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> It's your >> It's your >> It's your reckless on us.

on us. You have made us new. Now life You have made us new. Now life You have made us new. Now life night, night, night, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> begins you. Our savior was laid [music] Our savior was laid [music] on a criminal's cross. >> [music] >> [music] >> Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had >> Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had >> Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost. >> [music] >> [music] >> But then Jesus >> But then Jesus >> But then Jesus rose, brought freedom in him. That's [music] when death was arrested That's [music] when death was arrested and my and my and my life began. You have made me You have made me new. Now new. Now new. Now life life life begins with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> It's your >> It's your >> It's your endless love endless love endless love pouring [singing] down on us.

You [music] have made us new. You [music] have made us new. Now life begins with you. Oh, we're Oh, we're free. free. free. Forever we're free. Forever we're free. Forever we're free. Come join the song Come join the song Come join the song >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of all >> of all >> of all the redeemed. the redeemed. the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Yes, we're free. Yes, we're free. Free. Free. Free. Forever, amen. Forever, amen. Forever, amen. When death When death When death >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> was arrested >> was arrested >> was arrested and my and my and my life began. Oh, we're free. life began. Oh, we're free. life began. Oh, we're free. Free. Free. Free. Forever we're free. Forever we're free. Forever we're free. Come join the song Come join the song Come join the song >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of all >> of all >> of all the redeemed. Yes, we're free. the redeemed. Yes, we're free. the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free. Free. Free. Forever, amen. Forever, amen. Forever, amen. When death When death When death >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> was arrested >> was arrested >> was arrested and my life began. and my life began. and my life began. When death When death When death was arrested [music] was arrested [music] was arrested [music] and my life began. and my life began. and my life began. >> [music] >> Good morning St. Luke's.

>> Good morning St. Luke's. Good morning and good morning to those Good morning and good morning to those Good morning and good morning to those of you who are worshipping with us of you who are worshipping with us of you who are worshipping with us online. I do like to imagine those who online. I do like to imagine those who online. I do like to imagine those who are joining us online actually singing are joining us online actually singing are joining us online actually singing in their living rooms in their pajamas in their living rooms in their pajamas in their living rooms in their pajamas or if it's a Tuesday on [music] holiday or if it's a Tuesday on [music] holiday or if it's a Tuesday on [music] holiday in your hotel room. in your hotel room. in your hotel room. Um, Um, Um, I love that we all get to worship I love that we all get to worship I love that we all get to worship together wherever we are. together wherever we are. together wherever we are. So today continuing on this um series So today continuing on this um series So today continuing on this um series Holiday with Jesus, we are going to talk Holiday with Jesus, we are going to talk Holiday with Jesus, we are going to talk about Jesus' return to his hometown about Jesus' return to his hometown about Jesus' return to his hometown >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of Nazareth and how going home is an >> of Nazareth and how going home is an >> of Nazareth and how going home is an interesting experience sometimes. interesting experience sometimes. interesting experience sometimes. Um, home whether or not that's a place Um, home whether or not that's a place Um, home whether or not that's a place or if you moved around a lot growing up, or if you moved around a lot growing up, or if you moved around a lot growing up, that could [music] just be going to see that could [music] just be going to see that could [music] just be going to see your parents, right? Um, but my parents your parents, right? Um, but my parents your parents, right? Um, but my parents still live in the same house that I grew still live in the same house that I grew still live in the same house that I grew up in and I can [music] just when I walk up in and I can [music] just when I walk up in and I can [music] just when I walk through the doors, I feel like I almost through the doors, I feel like I almost through the doors, I feel like I almost instantly become an obstinate teenager instantly become an obstinate teenager instantly become an obstinate teenager who doesn't want to help with the who doesn't want to help with the who doesn't want to help with the dishes. It's the weirdest thing. dishes. It's the weirdest thing. dishes. It's the weirdest thing. Home is an interesting place because Home is an interesting place because Home is an interesting place because it's not only people who hold an it's not only people who hold an it's not only people who hold an >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a past identity of you and they >> a past identity of you and they >> a past identity of you and they sometimes have a hard time seeing who sometimes have a hard time seeing who sometimes have a hard time seeing who you are now, but I think there's you are now, but I think there's you are now, but I think there's something about like for me I [music] something about like for me I [music] something about like for me I [music] hold a past identity of me there. So hold a past identity of me there. So hold a past identity of me there. So I look forward to hearing from Reverend I look forward to hearing from Reverend I look forward to hearing from Reverend Katie Montgomery [music] Mears about Katie Montgomery [music] Mears about Katie Montgomery [music] Mears about that a little bit later.

that a little bit later. that a little bit later. With that, will you continue worshipping With that, will you continue worshipping With that, will you continue worshipping with us? >> Where you go, I'll go. And where you >> Where you go, I'll go. And where you stay, I'll stay. [singing] stay, I'll stay. [singing] stay, I'll stay. [singing] And when you move, I'll move. And when you move, I'll move. And when you move, I'll move. I will follow. >> [music] >> [music] >> All your >> All your >> All your ways are good. ways are good. ways are good. All your ways are sure. And I will trust in you. And I will trust in you. Higher than my sight. Higher than my sight. Higher than my sight. Higher above my life. I will trust I will trust in you. >> [music] >> [music] >> So where you go, >> So where you go, >> So where you go, I'll go. I'll go. I'll go. And where you stay, And where you stay, And where you stay, I'll stay. I'll stay. I'll stay. And when And when And when you move, I'll move. you move, I'll move. you move, I'll move. I will follow I will follow I will follow you.

you. you. When you When you When you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> love, I'll love. >> love, I'll love. >> love, I'll love. And how you serve, And how you serve, And how you serve, I'll serve. I'll serve. I'll serve. And if this life And if this life And if this life I lose, I lose, I lose, I will I will I will follow you. I will follow I will follow you. you. you. >> [music] >> Light onto >> Light onto the world. the world. the world. Light onto Light onto Light onto my life. my life. my life. I will I will I will live for you. You're the [music] You're the [music] one I see. one I see. one I see. Knowing I will All I need [singing] All I need [singing] in you. So where you [music] go, So where you [music] go, I'll go. I'll go. I'll go. And where you stay, And where you stay, And where you stay, I'll stay. I'll stay. I'll stay. And when you And when you And when you move, I'll move. move, I'll move. move, I'll move. I will follow I will follow I will follow you. you. you. When you When you When you love, I'll love. love, I'll love. love, I'll love. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And how you serve, >> And how you serve, >> And how you serve, I'll serve.

I'll serve. I'll serve. And if this life I lose, And if this life I lose, And if this life I lose, I will follow I will follow I will follow you. I will follow I will follow you. you. you. >> [music] >> There is life everlasting >> There is life everlasting [music and singing] in you. in you. There's freedom for my soul. for my soul. >> [music] I was so into the song, I forgot what I

I was so into the song, I forgot what I was doing. was doing. was doing. Let's pray. Journeying God, Journeying God, we thank you so much for the gift of we thank you so much for the gift of we thank you so much for the gift of today and for the gift of waking us up today and for the gift of waking us up today and for the gift of waking us up this morning and starting us on another this morning and starting us on another this morning and starting us on another day's journey. God, we thank you for today. God, we thank you for today. We thank you for We thank you for We thank you for all of the dads. all of the dads. all of the dads. God, we pray today for God, we pray today for God, we pray today for all of the young dads today, the dads all of the young dads today, the dads all of the young dads today, the dads who are parenting babies and littles who who are parenting babies and littles who who are parenting babies and littles who don't know how to sit still or don't don't know how to sit still or don't don't know how to sit still or don't know how to sit yet. know how to sit yet. know how to sit yet. We pray God that you would continue to We pray God that you would continue to We pray God that you would continue to fill them with grace and energy, fill them with grace and energy, fill them with grace and energy, patience, and purpose. patience, and purpose. patience, and purpose. We pray for the dads who are in the We pray for the dads who are in the We pray for the dads who are in the elementary school phase. elementary school phase. elementary school phase. The ones who are on high adventure The ones who are on high adventure The ones who are on high adventure opportunities. God, that you would opportunities. God, that you would opportunities. God, that you would continue to give them creativity continue to give them creativity continue to give them creativity and strength.

and strength. and strength. We pray for the dads who are in the We pray for the dads who are in the We pray for the dads who are in the middle [music] school and high school middle [music] school and high school middle [music] school and high school years, the big transition years. years, the big transition years. years, the big transition years. God, give them patience and grace and God, give them patience and grace and God, give them patience and grace and courage and wisdom to know how to courage and wisdom to know how to courage and wisdom to know how to respond to all the questions and all the respond to all the questions and all the respond to all the questions and all the changes with a steadiness that comes changes with a steadiness that comes changes with a steadiness that comes from you. from you. from you. God, we pray for the dads who are God, we pray for the dads who are God, we pray for the dads who are parenting people who are in college and parenting people who are in college and parenting people who are in college and in young adult life in young adult life in young adult life or older adult life. God, we pray that or older adult life. God, we pray that or older adult life. God, we pray that you would give them a new sense of what you would give them a new sense of what you would give them a new sense of what relationship looks like in this phase. relationship looks like in this phase. relationship looks like in this phase. Give them wisdom and strength and Give them wisdom and strength and Give them wisdom and strength and discernment for cultivating this new discernment for cultivating this new discernment for cultivating this new level of relationship with adult level of relationship with adult level of relationship with adult children. God, for the dads today who feel God, for the dads today who feel appreciated, who have felt the cuddles appreciated, who have felt the cuddles appreciated, who have felt the cuddles or the [music] text of encouragement or or the [music] text of encouragement or or the [music] text of encouragement or the gift or the love, the gift or the love, the gift or the love, God, help them soak that in today and God, help them soak that in today and God, help them soak that in today and and um and um and um >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> let it encourage them. >> let it encourage them. >> let it encourage them. And for the dads today who have not And for the dads today who have not And for the dads today who have not gotten encouragement today, whether gotten encouragement today, whether gotten encouragement today, whether because it's been temporarily forgotten because it's been temporarily forgotten because it's been temporarily forgotten or completely forgotten [music] or completely forgotten [music] or completely forgotten [music] or because there is a strained or because there is a strained or because there is a strained relationship there relationship there relationship there or a loss.

God, I ask that you would encourage God, I ask that you would encourage those dads today, that you would that those dads today, that you would that those dads today, that you would that you would find ways and people or you would find ways and people or you would find ways and people or experiences [music] experiences [music] experiences [music] or just a moment of sunlight, or just a moment of sunlight, or just a moment of sunlight, or a smile to encourage them. God, for those today who are struggling God, for those today who are struggling because their relationship [music] because their relationship [music] because their relationship [music] with their dad is not what they would with their dad is not what they would with their dad is not what they would want it to be, want it to be, want it to be, for any number of reasons, for any number of reasons, for any number of reasons, God, we pray that you would bring the God, we pray that you would bring the God, we pray that you would bring the [music] healing that only you can. [music] healing that only you can. [music] healing that only you can. And that where there's continued hurt, And that where there's continued hurt, And that where there's continued hurt, where harm, God, that you would comfort, where harm, God, that you would comfort, where harm, God, that you would comfort, that you would protect, that you would that you would protect, that you would that you would protect, that you would guide, guide, guide, that you would make a way for that you would make a way for that you would make a way for reconciliation, and even if not, reconciliation, and even if not, reconciliation, and even if not, God, that your steadiness and God, that your steadiness and God, that your steadiness and faithfulness would hold us above all. faithfulness would hold us above all. faithfulness would hold us above all. For all the men who longed to be dads, For all the men who longed to be dads, For all the men who longed to be dads, but haven't, haven't been biologically, but haven't, haven't been biologically, but haven't, haven't been biologically, or haven't yet, or haven't yet, or haven't yet, God, may you fill them with God, may you fill them with God, may you fill them with opportunities to pour into people around opportunities to pour into people around opportunities to pour into people around them in meaningful, purposeful ways.

them in meaningful, purposeful ways. them in meaningful, purposeful ways. And if, or when, or as they feel that And if, or when, or as they feel that And if, or when, or as they feel that squeeze of longing, God, comfort them squeeze of longing, God, comfort them squeeze of longing, God, comfort them as only you can. as only you can. as only you can. For the fostering dads, the adopting For the fostering dads, the adopting For the fostering dads, the adopting dads, the coaches, [music] the teachers, dads, the coaches, [music] the teachers, dads, the coaches, [music] the teachers, the Sunday school leaders, the small the Sunday school leaders, the small the Sunday school leaders, the small group leaders, the group leaders, the group leaders, the the the men in our lives who come around the the men in our lives who come around the the men in our lives who come around us in ways [music] that are so far us in ways [music] that are so far us in ways [music] that are so far outside of the realm of family, and yet outside of the realm of family, and yet outside of the realm of family, and yet they choose to nurture us, they choose they choose to nurture us, they choose they choose to nurture us, they choose to encourage us, they choose to invest to encourage us, they choose to invest to encourage us, they choose to invest in our lives. God, [music] we give you in our lives. God, [music] we give you in our lives. God, [music] we give you thanks for those men now. God, in all seasons [music] of our life, God, in all seasons [music] of our life, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> in the grief, the loss, the longing, the >> in the grief, the loss, the longing, the >> in the grief, the loss, the longing, the hope, the messy middle, the exhausted hope, the messy middle, the exhausted hope, the messy middle, the exhausted nights, the high adventures, the simple nights, the high adventures, the simple nights, the high adventures, the simple routines, routines, routines, the tiny little moments.

the tiny little moments. the tiny little moments. You are in the midst of all of it, God, You are in the midst of all of it, God, You are in the midst of all of it, God, and we are so and we are so and we are so >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> thankful. Journeying God, continue to show us how Journeying God, continue to show us how you are with us in every way. [music] I'll encourage you now to take this time I'll encourage you now to take this time to continue to be in a spirit of prayer, to continue to be in a spirit of prayer, to continue to be in a spirit of prayer, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to light a candle if you'd like for your >> to light a candle if you'd like for your >> to light a candle if you'd like for your dad or for a father figure in your life dad or for a father figure in your life dad or for a father figure in your life who has poured into you, who you want to who has poured into you, who you want to who has poured into you, who you want to honor today, and spend a [music] moment honor today, and spend a [music] moment honor today, and spend a [music] moment thanking God for that person or those thanking God for that person or those thanking God for that person or those people who come to your mind.

>> Our Father in heaven >> Our Father in heaven hallowed be thy name. hallowed be thy name. hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy kingdom come. Thy kingdom come. Thy [music] will be done on Earth as it Thy [music] will be done on Earth as it Thy [music] will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. is in heaven. is in heaven. Give us [music] this day our daily bread Give us [music] this day our daily bread Give us [music] this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses and forgive us our trespasses and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against [music] us. [music] us. [music] us. And lead us not into temptation but And lead us not into temptation but And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. deliver us from evil. deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power [music] [music] [music] and the glory forever. and the glory forever. and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. I'd like to invite Ms. Gloria and all of I'd like to invite Ms. Gloria and all of I'd like to invite Ms. Gloria and all of our kids to come up for children's time our kids to come up for children's time our kids to come up for children's time now. >> Hi friends, I have a great spot right >> Hi friends, I have a great spot right here. Anybody want this one? here. Anybody want this one? here. Anybody want this one? You can wave up. You can wave up. You can wave up. Awesome. I like your [music] dump truck Awesome. I like your [music] dump truck Awesome. I like your [music] dump truck shirt. Yeah, I'm eating a donut. How shirt. Yeah, I'm eating a donut. How shirt. Yeah, I'm eating a donut. How delicious. delicious. delicious. All right. Good morning. All right, All right. Good morning. All right, All right. Good morning. All right, everyone. What's the question?

everyone. What's the question? everyone. What's the question? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> Excellent job. Let's see what I have in >> Excellent job. Let's see what I have in >> Excellent job. Let's see what I have in here. Let's see if you know what this here. Let's see if you know what this here. Let's see if you know what this is. is. is. >> tractor >> tractor >> tractor >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That's right. This is a tractor. So, I >> That's right. This is a tractor. So, I >> That's right. This is a tractor. So, I brought this tractor today because it brought this tractor today because it brought this tractor today because it reminds me of my hometown that I grew up reminds me of my hometown that I grew up reminds me of my hometown that I grew up in. And guess what? It wasn't here. It in. And guess what? It wasn't here. It in. And guess what? It wasn't here. It wasn't a big city. It wasn't even a wasn't a big city. It wasn't even a wasn't a big city. It wasn't even a town. Do you know where I grew up? town. Do you know where I grew up? town. Do you know where I grew up? >> Where? >> Where? >> Where? >> Somewhere where you might use this. >> Somewhere where you might use this. >> Somewhere where you might use this. >> On a farm. That is so right. And do you >> On a farm. That is so right. And do you >> On a farm. That is so right. And do you know what I loved about my hometown, my know what I loved about my hometown, my know what I loved about my hometown, my home, the thing I loved most? home, the thing I loved most? home, the thing I loved most? >> What? >> What? >> What? >> My family. My parents were there and my >> My family. My parents were there and my >> My family. My parents were there and my siblings. And that reminds me, today is siblings. And that reminds me, today is siblings. And that reminds me, today is a very important day where we are a very important day where we are a very important day where we are celebrating people. Who are we celebrating people. Who are we celebrating people. Who are we celebrating today? celebrating today? celebrating today? >> our dad >> our dad >> our dad >> That's right. Our dads and all the >> That's right. Our dads and all the >> That's right. Our dads and all the father figures in our life. Our dads, father figures in our life. Our dads, father figures in our life. Our dads, our grandpa, our uncles. So, will you be our grandpa, our uncles. So, will you be our grandpa, our uncles. So, will you be sure to tell all those special people sure to tell all those special people sure to tell all those special people Happy Father's Day today? Yeah? Happy Father's Day today? Yeah? Happy Father's Day today? Yeah? Everybody going to do that? That's Everybody going to do that? That's Everybody going to do that? That's great. Okay. Now, let's get back to the great. Okay. Now, let's get back to the great. Okay. Now, let's get back to the farm. So, another important thing about farm. So, another important thing about farm. So, another important thing about hometowns, that's where we grow up. So, hometowns, that's where we grow up. So, hometowns, that's where we grow up. So, that's where we learn lots of lessons.

that's where we learn lots of lessons. that's where we learn lots of lessons. So, how many of you have been to a farm So, how many of you have been to a farm So, how many of you have been to a farm before? Raise your hand. Anybody? before? Raise your hand. Anybody? before? Raise your hand. Anybody? Okay, a few people. Awesome. Okay, so if Okay, a few people. Awesome. Okay, so if Okay, a few people. Awesome. Okay, so if you haven't, you're going to pretend you haven't, you're going to pretend you haven't, you're going to pretend with me that we're going back to a farm with me that we're going back to a farm with me that we're going back to a farm right now. And we're going to talk about right now. And we're going to talk about right now. And we're going to talk about some lessons that I learned there, okay? some lessons that I learned there, okay? some lessons that I learned there, okay? The first lesson I learned was how to be The first lesson I learned was how to be The first lesson I learned was how to be patient. So, on the farm I grew up on, patient. So, on the farm I grew up on, patient. So, on the farm I grew up on, we grew crops, which is another word for we grew crops, which is another word for we grew crops, which is another word for plants, okay? And what do all plants how plants, okay? And what do all plants how plants, okay? And what do all plants how do they start? do they start? do they start? >> Like a seed. >> Like a seed. >> Like a seed. >> With a seed. >> With a seed. >> With a seed. >> A seed, of course. So, if I plant the >> A seed, of course. So, if I plant the >> A seed, of course. So, if I plant the seed today and I go back tomorrow, what seed today and I go back tomorrow, what seed today and I go back tomorrow, what am I going to see? am I going to see? am I going to see? >> Um nothing. >> Um nothing. >> Um nothing. >> Probably just the dirt, right? And why >> Probably just the dirt, right? And why >> Probably just the dirt, right? And why is that? is that? is that? >> Cuz you haven't watered it and given it >> Cuz you haven't watered it and given it >> Cuz you haven't watered it and given it >> That's right. It takes time, right? And >> That's right. It takes time, right? And >> That's right. It takes time, right? And so, I learned patience. I learned that so, I learned patience. I learned that so, I learned patience. I learned that good things can sometimes take time. You good things can sometimes take time. You good things can sometimes take time. You are onto my next one. The second thing are onto my next one. The second thing are onto my next one. The second thing that I learned growing up on a farm, I that I learned growing up on a farm, I that I learned growing up on a farm, I can't control everything. What do crops can't control everything. What do crops can't control everything. What do crops and plants need in order to grow? and plants need in order to grow? and plants need in order to grow? >> Water and sunlight and >> Water and sunlight and >> Water and sunlight and >> Water, but you know what? They need >> Water, but you know what? They need >> Water, but you know what? They need water, but not too much water, right?

water, but not too much water, right? water, but not too much water, right? They need Yeah, because what? They need Yeah, because what? They need Yeah, because what? >> they'll die. >> they'll die. >> they'll die. >> That's exactly right. They need >> That's exactly right. They need >> That's exactly right. They need sunlight, but guess what? sunlight, but guess what? sunlight, but guess what? >> Not too much sunlight. >> Not too much sunlight. >> Not too much sunlight. >> Not too much sunlight, right? That's >> Not too much sunlight, right? That's >> Not too much sunlight, right? That's right. They need wind, but not too much right. They need wind, but not too much right. They need wind, but not too much wind, right? wind, right? wind, right? >> down. >> down. >> down. >> That's exactly right. So, I learned on >> That's exactly right. So, I learned on >> That's exactly right. So, I learned on the farm that very important lesson, the farm that very important lesson, the farm that very important lesson, that we plant the crops, but then we that we plant the crops, but then we that we plant the crops, but then we just have to let them rest and let God just have to let them rest and let God just have to let them rest and let God take care of it and do the rest. Isn't take care of it and do the rest. Isn't take care of it and do the rest. Isn't that right? Okay, so that's kind of what that right? Okay, so that's kind of what that right? Okay, so that's kind of what I learned on the farm. What I want to I learned on the farm. What I want to I learned on the farm. What I want to talk to you a little bit today is about talk to you a little bit today is about talk to you a little bit today is about somebody else's hometown. So, all during somebody else's hometown. So, all during somebody else's hometown. So, all during the summer, we are going to be going on the summer, we are going to be going on the summer, we are going to be going on a holiday with Jesus. Who remembers what a holiday with Jesus. Who remembers what a holiday with Jesus. Who remembers what the word holiday means? the word holiday means? the word holiday means? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> It's a trip. >> It's a trip. >> It's a trip. >> What was that? >> What was that? >> What was that? >> It's where you're on a trip. >> It's where you're on a trip. >> It's where you're on a trip. >> It's where you're on a trip. That's >> It's where you're on a trip. That's >> It's where you're on a trip. That's right. I like to say it's a fancy word right. I like to say it's a fancy word right. I like to say it's a fancy word for a vacation or a trip. That's for a vacation or a trip. That's for a vacation or a trip. That's absolutely right. So, today we are going absolutely right. So, today we are going absolutely right. So, today we are going to journey back to Jesus' hometown. Does to journey back to Jesus' hometown. Does to journey back to Jesus' hometown. Does anybody know where his hometown was? anybody know where his hometown was? anybody know where his hometown was? What the name was? What the name was? What the name was? Very good guess.

Very good guess. Very good guess. Anybody know? Okay, Nazareth. Can you Anybody know? Okay, Nazareth. Can you Anybody know? Okay, Nazareth. Can you say Nazareth? say Nazareth? say Nazareth? >> Nazareth. >> Nazareth. >> Nazareth. >> Okay, so something Jesus Jesus and I had >> Okay, so something Jesus Jesus and I had >> Okay, so something Jesus Jesus and I had in common was we both didn't live in big in common was we both didn't live in big in common was we both didn't live in big cities. Nazareth was also a really small cities. Nazareth was also a really small cities. Nazareth was also a really small place. Now, the Bible doesn't say a lot place. Now, the Bible doesn't say a lot place. Now, the Bible doesn't say a lot about Jesus growing up, but we know that about Jesus growing up, but we know that about Jesus growing up, but we know that he did, right? Because we learn about he did, right? Because we learn about he did, right? Because we learn about him as a grown-up. So, I like to think him as a grown-up. So, I like to think him as a grown-up. So, I like to think about Nazareth as a is the place where about Nazareth as a is the place where about Nazareth as a is the place where Jesus learned and grew just like all of Jesus learned and grew just like all of Jesus learned and grew just like all of you are doing. So, I am going to picture you are doing. So, I am going to picture you are doing. So, I am going to picture right now. I want you to picture it with right now. I want you to picture it with right now. I want you to picture it with me. Jesus is learning about patience. me. Jesus is learning about patience. me. Jesus is learning about patience. He's sitting at his table and he is He's sitting at his table and he is He's sitting at his table and he is waiting for his most favorite breakfast. waiting for his most favorite breakfast. waiting for his most favorite breakfast. What do you think it was? What do you think it was? What do you think it was? Hm. Hm. Hm. What's yours? What's yours? What's yours? Anybody have a favorite breakfast? Anybody have a favorite breakfast? Anybody have a favorite breakfast? Pancakes, that's right. I don't know if Pancakes, that's right. I don't know if Pancakes, that's right. I don't know if he had pancakes. Do you have a different he had pancakes. Do you have a different he had pancakes. Do you have a different one? one? one? >> Uh waffles. >> Uh waffles. >> Uh waffles. >> Waffles, all delicious. Eggs, oh my >> Waffles, all delicious. Eggs, oh my >> Waffles, all delicious. Eggs, oh my goodness, you guys making me hungry. goodness, you guys making me hungry. goodness, you guys making me hungry. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. >> blueberry >> blueberry >> blueberry >> What was that? >> What was that? >> What was that? Oh, yum. Those are all great. And toast, Oh, yum. Those are all great. And toast, Oh, yum. Those are all great. And toast, so many great options. But he had to so many great options. But he had to so many great options. But he had to wait, right? Everybody, you've all had wait, right? Everybody, you've all had wait, right? Everybody, you've all had to wait for food before, right? And to wait for food before, right? And to wait for food before, right? And maybe your tummy's hungry. I also think maybe your tummy's hungry. I also think maybe your tummy's hungry. I also think that that's where Jesus learned lessons that that's where Jesus learned lessons that that's where Jesus learned lessons about trusting God. And we all are about trusting God. And we all are about trusting God. And we all are learning that every single day, even the learning that every single day, even the learning that every single day, even the grown-ups. And we learn about it by grown-ups. And we learn about it by grown-ups. And we learn about it by praying and by talking to God and having praying and by talking to God and having praying and by talking to God and having a relationship. Okay, so we're going to a relationship. Okay, so we're going to a relationship. Okay, so we're going to think about Jesus being just like us, think about Jesus being just like us, think about Jesus being just like us, being from a town and having to learn being from a town and having to learn being from a town and having to learn and grow. Okay, I have one more thing in and grow. Okay, I have one more thing in and grow. Okay, I have one more thing in my bag for you today. Everybody, check

my bag for you today. Everybody, check my bag for you today. Everybody, check this out. Let me see if I can find it. this out. Let me see if I can find it. this out. Let me see if I can find it. It's always at the bottom. It's always at the bottom. It's always at the bottom. Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Okay, ta-da! Okay, ta-da! Okay, ta-da! All right, this says, "Welcome to All right, this says, "Welcome to All right, this says, "Welcome to Nazareth." It says, "Draw a picture of Nazareth." It says, "Draw a picture of Nazareth." It says, "Draw a picture of your house." Can you all do that? Draw a your house." Can you all do that? Draw a your house." Can you all do that? Draw a little picture of your house. And it little picture of your house. And it little picture of your house. And it says, "What's your favorite thing about says, "What's your favorite thing about says, "What's your favorite thing about it?" So, here in just a minute. Oh, do it?" So, here in just a minute. Oh, do it?" So, here in just a minute. Oh, do you have an idea? You have a favorite you have an idea? You have a favorite you have an idea? You have a favorite thing. What is it? thing. What is it? thing. What is it? >> Um my foxy stuffed animal. >> Um my foxy stuffed animal. >> Um my foxy stuffed animal. >> Oh, her stuffed animal. That Huh, homes >> Oh, her stuffed animal. That Huh, homes >> Oh, her stuffed animal. That Huh, homes are so great cuz that's where all our are so great cuz that's where all our are so great cuz that's where all our stuffies are, right? stuffies are, right? stuffies are, right? >> And your family, that's awesome. I'm >> And your family, that's awesome. I'm >> And your family, that's awesome. I'm sure you all have wonderful answers. So, sure you all have wonderful answers. So, sure you all have wonderful answers. So, I'm going to send this with you and I I'm going to send this with you and I I'm going to send this with you and I want you to fill it out. I want you to want you to fill it out. I want you to want you to fill it out. I want you to remember your home and all of the things remember your home and all of the things remember your home and all of the things that make it so special and you get to that make it so special and you get to that make it so special and you get to take this home with you today. And then take this home with you today. And then take this home with you today. And then most importantly what I want you to most importantly what I want you to most importantly what I want you to remember is that because Jesus loves us remember is that because Jesus loves us remember is that because Jesus loves us and Jesus is with us everywhere, our and Jesus is with us everywhere, our and Jesus is with us everywhere, our home is kind of everywhere we go because home is kind of everywhere we go because home is kind of everywhere we go because Jesus goes there with us. Every place we Jesus goes there with us. Every place we Jesus goes there with us. Every place we go is so special. Okay, let's go ahead go is so special. Okay, let's go ahead go is so special. Okay, let's go ahead and put our praying hands together. and put our praying hands together. and put our praying hands together. We're going to say a prayer. Repeat We're going to say a prayer. Repeat We're going to say a prayer. Repeat after me. Dear God, after me. Dear God, after me. Dear God, thank you for loving us, thank you for loving us, thank you for loving us, thank you for Jesus, thank you for Jesus, thank you for Jesus, help us help us help us be thankful be thankful be thankful for our homes for our homes for our homes and all the people in them.

and all the people in them. and all the people in them. We love you. We love you. We love you. Amen. Amen. Amen. All right, y'all. I'll see you next time All right, y'all. I'll see you next time All right, y'all. I'll see you next time on our next journey together. >> Thank you, Miss Lori, and our kids. >> Thank you, Miss Lori, and our kids. So, if you have not yet taken an So, if you have not yet taken an So, if you have not yet taken an opportunity to, I hope you will now opportunity to, I hope you will now opportunity to, I hope you will now check in, let us know that you are here check in, let us know that you are here check in, let us know that you are here in worship. You can do so using the QR in worship. You can do so using the QR in worship. You can do so using the QR QR code on your screen or by downloading QR code on your screen or by downloading QR code on your screen or by downloading or opening up the St. Luke's app. or opening up the St. Luke's app. or opening up the St. Luke's app. Um and sign in, let us know that you're Um and sign in, let us know that you're Um and sign in, let us know that you're here so we can make your experience more here so we can make your experience more here so we can make your experience more personalized. You can share a prayer personalized. You can share a prayer personalized. You can share a prayer request with us and check out other request with us and check out other request with us and check out other resources that we have going on. resources that we have going on. resources that we have going on. Um speaking of that, two quick things to Um speaking of that, two quick things to Um speaking of that, two quick things to lift up. First of all, our Mercy Closet lift up. First of all, our Mercy Closet lift up. First of all, our Mercy Closet on our Gethsemane campus, which gives on our Gethsemane campus, which gives on our Gethsemane campus, which gives out massive amounts of clothes to our out massive amounts of clothes to our out massive amounts of clothes to our community every single week. Some days community every single week. Some days community every single week. Some days we have up to 20 families that come in.

we have up to 20 families that come in. we have up to 20 families that come in. Um and so this week in particular, we Um and so this week in particular, we Um and so this week in particular, we are really getting low on men's clothing are really getting low on men's clothing are really getting low on men's clothing and teens teens boys clothing. So, if and teens teens boys clothing. So, if and teens teens boys clothing. So, if you have some time to do some cleaning you have some time to do some cleaning you have some time to do some cleaning out of closets and would be willing to out of closets and would be willing to out of closets and would be willing to donate some of your items. Um in the donate some of your items. Um in the donate some of your items. Um in the gathering room, there's a donation bin gathering room, there's a donation bin gathering room, there's a donation bin that you can put those things. Please um that you can put those things. Please um that you can put those things. Please um make sure they're clean and they're make sure they're clean and they're make sure they're clean and they're folded and they're as neat as possible folded and they're as neat as possible folded and they're as neat as possible to help our amazing volunteers there be to help our amazing volunteers there be to help our amazing volunteers there be able to get out the materials and get able to get out the materials and get able to get out the materials and get them into the closet and out to the them into the closet and out to the them into the closet and out to the community um as quickly and um community um as quickly and um community um as quickly and um efficiently as possible. efficiently as possible. efficiently as possible. Secondly, I want to remind you that next Secondly, I want to remind you that next Secondly, I want to remind you that next Sunday afternoon at 4:00, we are having Sunday afternoon at 4:00, we are having Sunday afternoon at 4:00, we are having coffee with the pastor, which is an coffee with the pastor, which is an coffee with the pastor, which is an awesome opportunity if you have been awesome opportunity if you have been awesome opportunity if you have been coming to St. Luke's for a little while coming to St. Luke's for a little while coming to St. Luke's for a little while and you're thinking about becoming a and you're thinking about becoming a and you're thinking about becoming a member here, making it official. We'd member here, making it official. We'd member here, making it official. We'd love to invite you to come to hear um love to invite you to come to hear um love to invite you to come to hear um from Tom. Um he shares a little bit from Tom. Um he shares a little bit from Tom. Um he shares a little bit about his personal journey of life and about his personal journey of life and about his personal journey of life and faith and also more about what um St.

faith and also more about what um St. faith and also more about what um St. Luke's is and how we are called to be in Luke's is and how we are called to be in Luke's is and how we are called to be in this community and how you can be a part this community and how you can be a part this community and how you can be a part of it and why that would matter. Um and of it and why that would matter. Um and of it and why that would matter. Um and so there's no um so there's no um so there's no um there there's no requirement at the end there there's no requirement at the end there there's no requirement at the end to join. Um but if you choose to at the to join. Um but if you choose to at the to join. Um but if you choose to at the end, you can um join right after that end, you can um join right after that end, you can um join right after that and become official here. So, just and become official here. So, just and become official here. So, just something to think about. Now, as we something to think about. Now, as we something to think about. Now, as we continue in our offering time this continue in our offering time this continue in our offering time this morning, our hearts and minds begin to morning, our hearts and minds begin to morning, our hearts and minds begin to think about how is God calling us not think about how is God calling us not think about how is God calling us not only to be fed in this place, but to only to be fed in this place, but to only to be fed in this place, but to respond. Not only to receive God's love, respond. Not only to receive God's love, respond. Not only to receive God's love, but how do we give it out in the world? but how do we give it out in the world? but how do we give it out in the world? So, during this time of offering, I So, during this time of offering, I So, during this time of offering, I encourage you to give not only encourage you to give not only encourage you to give not only financially, but also to ask God like, financially, but also to ask God like, financially, but also to ask God like, how can you open me up this week? how can you open me up this week? how can you open me up this week? Whether it's praying for somebody or Whether it's praying for somebody or Whether it's praying for somebody or it's showing up for somebody. Um God, it's showing up for somebody. Um God, it's showing up for somebody. Um God, how can you use me this week? How do you how can you use me this week? How do you how can you use me this week? How do you want to use me? How can I be available want to use me? How can I be available want to use me? How can I be available to you?

>> Your labor is not in vain. >> Your labor is not in vain. Though the ground underneath [singing] Though the ground underneath [singing] Though the ground underneath [singing] you you you cursed and stained, cursed and stained, cursed and stained, your planting and reaping your planting and reaping your planting and reaping are never the same. are never the same. are never the same. Your labor Your labor Your labor is not in vain. Your labor [singing] Your labor [singing] is not unknown. Though the rocks they cry out [singing] Though the rocks they cry out [singing] and the sea [music] and the sea [music] and the sea [music] it may groan, it may groan, it may groan, the place [singing] of your toil may not the place [singing] of your toil may not the place [singing] of your toil may not seem like a home, seem like a home, seem like a home, but your labor [singing] is not but your labor [singing] is not but your labor [singing] is not unknown. unknown. unknown. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> For >> For >> For I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. I am with you.

Oh, I Oh, I am with you. am with you. am with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> For I have called you, >> For I have called you, >> For I have called you, called you [music and singing] by name. Your labor is not Your labor is not in vain. The The vineyard you [music and singing] plant vineyard you [music and singing] plant vineyard you [music and singing] plant will bear fruit. The fields will sing out and rejoice The fields will sing out and rejoice [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] with the truth. with the truth. with the truth. For all that is old For all that is old For all that is old will at last be made will at last be made will at last be made new. new. new. The vineyard The vineyard The vineyard you plant will bear you plant will bear you plant will bear fruit. fruit. fruit. fruit. fruit. fruit. For I am with For I am with For I am with >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you. >> you. >> you. I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. Oh, [music and singing] I am with you.

For I have [singing] called For I have [singing] called called you [music] called you [music] called you [music] by name. Your labor Your labor >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> is not in vain. The houses [music] The houses [music] you labored to build will finally [singing] will finally [singing] with laughter with laughter with laughter and joy and joy and joy be [music and singing] filled. be [music and singing] filled. be [music and singing] filled. The servant that hurts and destroys The servant that hurts and destroys The servant that hurts and destroys [singing and music] will be killed [singing and music] will be killed [singing and music] will be killed and all that is [music] broken and all that is [music] broken and all that is [music] broken be healed. For I am with For I am with you. you. you. I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I am with you. >> I am with you. >> I am with you. Oh, Oh, Oh, I am with I am with I am with you. you. you. For I have [music] called For I have [music] called For I have [music] called called you called you called you by name.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Your labor >> Your labor >> Your labor is not in is not in is not in vain. vain. vain. Oh, Oh, Oh, I am with I am with I am with you. you. you. Oh, [music] I am with you. For I have called For I have called called you by name. Your labor Your labor >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is not in >> is not in >> is not in vain. my home. >> I'm from a cul-de-sac where we played >> I'm from a cul-de-sac where we played past dark. past dark. past dark. I am from I am from I am from a swing set that my dad built with my a swing set that my dad built with my a swing set that my dad built with my help on the post hole digger. help on the post hole digger. help on the post hole digger. I'm from a queen-size bed that my sister I'm from a queen-size bed that my sister I'm from a queen-size bed that my sister and I shared even though she had her own and I shared even though she had her own and I shared even though she had her own room.

room. room. I'm from grandparents around the corner I'm from grandparents around the corner I'm from grandparents around the corner and cousins behind my fence. and cousins behind my fence. and cousins behind my fence. I'm from gumbo and boudin and beignets I'm from gumbo and boudin and beignets I'm from gumbo and boudin and beignets and fried shrimp and boiled crawfish and and fried shrimp and boiled crawfish and and fried shrimp and boiled crawfish and I don't think we ever ate meat. I don't think we ever ate meat. I don't think we ever ate meat. I am from Saturdays in Death Valley and I am from Saturdays in Death Valley and I am from Saturdays in Death Valley and fishing on Bell River. fishing on Bell River. fishing on Bell River. I'm from Mark and Frieda, but I'm from Mark and Frieda, but I'm from Mark and Frieda, but they are from people too and we are all they are from people too and we are all they are from people too and we are all shaped by a clan in Scotland and kin in shaped by a clan in Scotland and kin in shaped by a clan in Scotland and kin in the piney woods of Louisiana. the piney woods of Louisiana. the piney woods of Louisiana. I'm from potlucks and lock-ins and piled I'm from potlucks and lock-ins and piled I'm from potlucks and lock-ins and piled on a bus for a UMYF youth group trip. on a bus for a UMYF youth group trip. on a bus for a UMYF youth group trip. I'm from Saturdays on Habitat for I'm from Saturdays on Habitat for I'm from Saturdays on Habitat for Humanity job sites. Humanity job sites. Humanity job sites. First as a lemonade deliverer when I was First as a lemonade deliverer when I was First as a lemonade deliverer when I was little, always looking at my dad on the little, always looking at my dad on the little, always looking at my dad on the roof and wishing I could be there roof and wishing I could be there roof and wishing I could be there until I was finally old enough and I until I was finally old enough and I until I was finally old enough and I learned the true weight of asphalt learned the true weight of asphalt learned the true weight of asphalt shingles shingles shingles and what it really means to put a roof and what it really means to put a roof and what it really means to put a roof over somebody's head.

over somebody's head. over somebody's head. George Ella Lyons wrote the first George Ella Lyons wrote the first George Ella Lyons wrote the first version of that poem called I'm from version of that poem called I'm from version of that poem called I'm from that it more than 30 years ago. It's that it more than 30 years ago. It's that it more than 30 years ago. It's been used around the globe as an been used around the globe as an been used around the globe as an exercise that teachers do with students exercise that teachers do with students exercise that teachers do with students that therapists do with clients that that therapists do with clients that that therapists do with clients that happens in refugee camps and prisons and happens in refugee camps and prisons and happens in refugee camps and prisons and at family reunions so that people might at family reunions so that people might at family reunions so that people might really explore what their roots are. really explore what their roots are. really explore what their roots are. I am a person, as you know, of a very I am a person, as you know, of a very I am a person, as you know, of a very specific sense of place. It has been specific sense of place. It has been specific sense of place. It has been pointed out to me by many of you over pointed out to me by many of you over pointed out to me by many of you over the years that the way that I say that the years that the way that I say that the years that the way that I say that and then in the Lord's Prayer is a dead and then in the Lord's Prayer is a dead and then in the Lord's Prayer is a dead giveaway that I'm from Baton Rouge, giveaway that I'm from Baton Rouge, giveaway that I'm from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Louisiana. Louisiana. And of course, when I go back there, And of course, when I go back there, And of course, when I go back there, there are a lot of things that uh have there are a lot of things that uh have there are a lot of things that uh have remained the same for me. remained the same for me. remained the same for me. That uh the grocery store near my That uh the grocery store near my That uh the grocery store near my parents' house with its chicken salad parents' house with its chicken salad parents' house with its chicken salad and the one street, Lee Drive, with all and the one street, Lee Drive, with all and the one street, Lee Drive, with all the potholes that just have never been the potholes that just have never been the potholes that just have never been fixed and the smell of my dad's office fixed and the smell of my dad's office fixed and the smell of my dad's office that is exactly the same.

that is exactly the same. that is exactly the same. But you've likely heard the phrase you But you've likely heard the phrase you But you've likely heard the phrase you can't go home again um before. That's can't go home again um before. That's can't go home again um before. That's from a book, a novel that was written in from a book, a novel that was written in from a book, a novel that was written in 1940 by Thomas Wolfe, and the main 1940 by Thomas Wolfe, and the main 1940 by Thomas Wolfe, and the main character in it is reflecting on what it character in it is reflecting on what it character in it is reflecting on what it means for a place to be the same or to means for a place to be the same or to means for a place to be the same or to change. And he says this, "You can't go change. And he says this, "You can't go change. And he says this, "You can't go back home to your family, back to your back home to your family, back to your back home to your family, back to your childhood, back home to a young man's childhood, back home to a young man's childhood, back home to a young man's dreams of glory and a fame, dreams of glory and a fame, dreams of glory and a fame, back home to the old forms and systems back home to the old forms and systems back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting. of things which once seemed everlasting. of things which once seemed everlasting. They are changing all the time. They are changing all the time. They are changing all the time. You can't go home again." You can't go home again." You can't go home again." I can attest that there are things that I can attest that there are things that I can attest that there are things that are just gone when I go home. are just gone when I go home. are just gone when I go home. It feels sometimes like you can't go It feels sometimes like you can't go It feels sometimes like you can't go home because things are so different home because things are so different home because things are so different that these places where I've made core that these places where I've made core that these places where I've made core memories are just wiped away without a memories are just wiped away without a memories are just wiped away without a trace. trace. trace. I remember one time 15 years ago or so, I remember one time 15 years ago or so, I remember one time 15 years ago or so, driving around Baton Rouge and turning driving around Baton Rouge and turning driving around Baton Rouge and turning right on Bluebonnet Boulevard, a place I right on Bluebonnet Boulevard, a place I right on Bluebonnet Boulevard, a place I turned right my whole life, and all of a turned right my whole life, and all of a turned right my whole life, and all of a sudden the road came to a dead end. They sudden the road came to a dead end. They sudden the road came to a dead end. They had changed the entire road without my had changed the entire road without my had changed the entire road without my knowledge or permission, while I was knowledge or permission, while I was knowledge or permission, while I was living here, a whole state away.

living here, a whole state away. living here, a whole state away. And it shocked me. You can't go home And it shocked me. You can't go home And it shocked me. You can't go home again. again. again. Our hometowns are the places where we Our hometowns are the places where we Our hometowns are the places where we were shaped and formed and made into the were shaped and formed and made into the were shaped and formed and made into the people that we are. It's people that we are. It's people that we are. It's made into understanding what our worth made into understanding what our worth made into understanding what our worth is. And I mean that both in like the is. And I mean that both in like the is. And I mean that both in like the literal hometown, but also the literal hometown, but also the literal hometown, but also the figurative sense of home. Of the people figurative sense of home. Of the people figurative sense of home. Of the people that make up your home. Whatever that that make up your home. Whatever that that make up your home. Whatever that family system is, whatever that family system is, whatever that family system is, whatever that community looks like. And on a day like community looks like. And on a day like community looks like. And on a day like today, on Father's Day, I think it's today, on Father's Day, I think it's today, on Father's Day, I think it's especially important that we recognize especially important that we recognize especially important that we recognize the impact of fathers, father figures, the impact of fathers, father figures, the impact of fathers, father figures, grandfathers, coaches, uncles, other grandfathers, coaches, uncles, other grandfathers, coaches, uncles, other people that showed us or failed to show people that showed us or failed to show people that showed us or failed to show us us us what it means to love and to work hard. It's It's important for us to evaluate It's It's important for us to evaluate the forces that have shaped us. the forces that have shaped us. the forces that have shaped us. And one of those forces is our hometown. And one of those forces is our hometown. And one of those forces is our hometown. What What do you think about when I say, What What do you think about when I say, What What do you think about when I say, "Tell me about your hometown." Is it "Tell me about your hometown." Is it "Tell me about your hometown." Is it warm? Is it the sense of joy because warm? Is it the sense of joy because warm? Is it the sense of joy because it's somewhere that um you could walk it's somewhere that um you could walk it's somewhere that um you could walk into a place and they knew your mama?

into a place and they knew your mama? into a place and they knew your mama? Or is it a place that has decades of Or is it a place that has decades of Or is it a place that has decades of pent-up anxieties and grief and trauma pent-up anxieties and grief and trauma pent-up anxieties and grief and trauma built in with it as well? built in with it as well? built in with it as well? I wonder if you have ever asked the I wonder if you have ever asked the I wonder if you have ever asked the question the other way as well and question the other way as well and question the other way as well and wondered what it is that you're shaping wondered what it is that you're shaping wondered what it is that you're shaping and how you're shaping. The home that and how you're shaping. The home that and how you're shaping. The home that you have created or are creating. you have created or are creating. you have created or are creating. How is that shaping the people in it? How is that shaping the people in it? How is that shaping the people in it? What will be your impact? It is What will be your impact? It is What will be your impact? It is important that just as we take inventory important that just as we take inventory important that just as we take inventory of how we were shaped, that we take of how we were shaped, that we take of how we were shaped, that we take inventory and responsibility for the way inventory and responsibility for the way inventory and responsibility for the way that we are shaping others. that we are shaping others. that we are shaping others. And if we have done it in a way that we And if we have done it in a way that we And if we have done it in a way that we aren't proud of, if we've done it in a aren't proud of, if we've done it in a aren't proud of, if we've done it in a way that we wish was different, it is way that we wish was different, it is way that we wish was different, it is not too late for us to make that change, not too late for us to make that change, not too late for us to make that change, for us to pull back the reins and do for us to pull back the reins and do for us to pull back the reins and do something different. Cuz God can work in something different. Cuz God can work in something different. Cuz God can work in the midst of difficult situations and the midst of difficult situations and the midst of difficult situations and difficult homes and difficult hometowns. difficult homes and difficult hometowns. difficult homes and difficult hometowns. That's what God did in Jesus. Because it That's what God did in Jesus. Because it That's what God did in Jesus. Because it was in Nazareth that Jesus was shaped was in Nazareth that Jesus was shaped was in Nazareth that Jesus was shaped and formed and made into who he was and and formed and made into who he was and and formed and made into who he was and it was in Nazareth that Jesus was it was in Nazareth that Jesus was it was in Nazareth that Jesus was rejected.

rejected. rejected. Nazareth, Nazareth, Nazareth, um Jesus' hometown, is an interesting uh um Jesus' hometown, is an interesting uh um Jesus' hometown, is an interesting uh little place. It's never mentioned in little place. It's never mentioned in little place. It's never mentioned in the Old Testament. It's never mentioned the Old Testament. It's never mentioned the Old Testament. It's never mentioned by the Roman historians or in early by the Roman historians or in early by the Roman historians or in early Jewish writings. The um only place that Jewish writings. The um only place that Jewish writings. The um only place that the name of it shows up for us in the the name of it shows up for us in the the name of it shows up for us in the Bible is in the Gospels and in the Book Bible is in the Gospels and in the Book Bible is in the Gospels and in the Book of Acts. So, the majority of what we've of Acts. So, the majority of what we've of Acts. So, the majority of what we've learned from it about it has come from learned from it about it has come from learned from it about it has come from the past 150 years. It started being the past 150 years. It started being the past 150 years. It started being excavated in 1880. excavated in 1880. excavated in 1880. And over that time as archaeologists And over that time as archaeologists And over that time as archaeologists have dug, we've come to learn more about have dug, we've come to learn more about have dug, we've come to learn more about Jesus' hometown. But what we know from Jesus' hometown. But what we know from Jesus' hometown. But what we know from the Gospels, the Gospels, the Gospels, what we know from the Book of Acts, is what we know from the Book of Acts, is what we know from the Book of Acts, is that it was a nothing place that people that it was a nothing place that people that it was a nothing place that people didn't care about. It actually created didn't care about. It actually created didn't care about. It actually created sort of a public relations problem for sort of a public relations problem for sort of a public relations problem for Jesus to be from Nazareth. Because uh Jesus to be from Nazareth. Because uh Jesus to be from Nazareth. Because uh you'll remember at the beginning of the you'll remember at the beginning of the you'll remember at the beginning of the Gospel of John, Philip runs up to Gospel of John, Philip runs up to Gospel of John, Philip runs up to Nathaniel and says, "We found the Nathaniel and says, "We found the Nathaniel and says, "We found the Messiah." And Nathaniel's like, Messiah." And Nathaniel's like, Messiah." And Nathaniel's like, "Nazareth? Can anything good come from "Nazareth? Can anything good come from "Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?"

Nazareth?" Nazareth?" It was um you can see on your map here, It was um you can see on your map here, It was um you can see on your map here, it's at the lower part of the Galilee. it's at the lower part of the Galilee. it's at the lower part of the Galilee. Uh and it's actually, if you look very Uh and it's actually, if you look very Uh and it's actually, if you look very carefully, you can see a ridge printed carefully, you can see a ridge printed carefully, you can see a ridge printed there right under Nazareth. It was there right under Nazareth. It was there right under Nazareth. It was situated on a ridge that looked out over situated on a ridge that looked out over situated on a ridge that looked out over the Jezreel Valley. Um but what the map the Jezreel Valley. Um but what the map the Jezreel Valley. Um but what the map won't show you is that it actually was won't show you is that it actually was won't show you is that it actually was on that ridge but in a bowl on that on that ridge but in a bowl on that on that ridge but in a bowl on that ridge. So, So, didn't overlook anything. ridge. So, So, didn't overlook anything. ridge. So, So, didn't overlook anything. It sat down in this bowl up high on this It sat down in this bowl up high on this It sat down in this bowl up high on this ridge, and so it kept Nazareth pretty ridge, and so it kept Nazareth pretty ridge, and so it kept Nazareth pretty self-contained. self-contained. self-contained. Kind of what happens in Nazareth stays Kind of what happens in Nazareth stays Kind of what happens in Nazareth stays in Nazareth. It was a community of in Nazareth. It was a community of in Nazareth. It was a community of farmers, and they um this town could farmers, and they um this town could farmers, and they um this town could only grow about as big as they could only grow about as big as they could only grow about as big as they could farm and provide food. So, farm and provide food. So, farm and provide food. So, archaeologists have found cisterns and archaeologists have found cisterns and archaeologists have found cisterns and wine and olive presses and barrels for wine and olive presses and barrels for wine and olive presses and barrels for grain, and they think that maybe three grain, and they think that maybe three grain, and they think that maybe three or 400 people lived there. or 400 people lived there. or 400 people lived there. It was a small, out-of-the-way village It was a small, out-of-the-way village It was a small, out-of-the-way village that stayed pretty traditional because that stayed pretty traditional because that stayed pretty traditional because it didn't have a lot of outside it didn't have a lot of outside it didn't have a lot of outside influences, and it didn't influence a influences, and it didn't influence a influences, and it didn't influence a lot of people outside of it.

lot of people outside of it. lot of people outside of it. Now, Jesus' return to Nazareth came Now, Jesus' return to Nazareth came Now, Jesus' return to Nazareth came after he'd had some early ministry that after he'd had some early ministry that after he'd had some early ministry that he'd done, after some ministry he'd done, after some ministry he'd done, after some ministry successes. Uh before this, he had successes. Uh before this, he had successes. Uh before this, he had recruited his disciples. He had healed recruited his disciples. He had healed recruited his disciples. He had healed Jairus' daughter, he'd healed the Jairus' daughter, he'd healed the Jairus' daughter, he'd healed the bleeding woman, he'd cast demons out, he bleeding woman, he'd cast demons out, he bleeding woman, he'd cast demons out, he had done teaching, and then he returns had done teaching, and then he returns had done teaching, and then he returns home to Nazareth. home to Nazareth. home to Nazareth. Okay, this is the homecoming of this uh Okay, this is the homecoming of this uh Okay, this is the homecoming of this uh this hometown boy that everybody has this hometown boy that everybody has this hometown boy that everybody has been hearing a little bit about. been hearing a little bit about. been hearing a little bit about. Something's been going on, Jesus has Something's been going on, Jesus has Something's been going on, Jesus has been doing stuff, and it's the Sabbath, been doing stuff, and it's the Sabbath, been doing stuff, and it's the Sabbath, so he goes straight to the synagogue to so he goes straight to the synagogue to so he goes straight to the synagogue to teach. teach. teach. I remember the first time that I went I remember the first time that I went I remember the first time that I went home to preach in my home church um and home to preach in my home church um and home to preach in my home church um and after I became a pastor, and my mom was after I became a pastor, and my mom was after I became a pastor, and my mom was so excited. She had told everybody, so I so excited. She had told everybody, so I so excited. She had told everybody, so I looked out, and it was um everyone that looked out, and it was um everyone that looked out, and it was um everyone that I I mean every friend that I'd grown up I I mean every friend that I'd grown up I I mean every friend that I'd grown up with, extended family, even the bishop with, extended family, even the bishop with, extended family, even the bishop was there. She had told the bishop, and was there. She had told the bishop, and was there. She had told the bishop, and so it was like the you know, hometown so it was like the you know, hometown so it was like the you know, hometown girl has come back, and I imagine that girl has come back, and I imagine that girl has come back, and I imagine that same situation for Jesus as well, that same situation for Jesus as well, that same situation for Jesus as well, that it's it's it's uh like everyone's like, "Isn't this uh like everyone's like, "Isn't this uh like everyone's like, "Isn't this Mary's son coming back? We should go Mary's son coming back? We should go Mary's son coming back? We should go hear him." They might even like, you hear him." They might even like, you hear him." They might even like, you know, elbow each other and say, "If he's know, elbow each other and say, "If he's know, elbow each other and say, "If he's not great, we're still going to cheer not great, we're still going to cheer not great, we're still going to cheer for him. You know, he's ours."

for him. You know, he's ours." for him. You know, he's ours." But then he starts talking But then he starts talking But then he starts talking and he surprises them. and he surprises them. and he surprises them. What he said amazes them. What he said amazes them. What he said amazes them. And you can almost hear in their And you can almost hear in their And you can almost hear in their response as they say, "Is this not the response as they say, "Is this not the response as they say, "Is this not the son of Mary? Is this not the brother of son of Mary? Is this not the brother of son of Mary? Is this not the brother of James and Joses? Who is this guy?" It's James and Joses? Who is this guy?" It's James and Joses? Who is this guy?" It's like a mixture of belief as they like a mixture of belief as they like a mixture of belief as they recognize the weight of what he's saying recognize the weight of what he's saying recognize the weight of what he's saying and disbelief that he could be the one and disbelief that he could be the one and disbelief that he could be the one saying it. "Is this not Jesus who sat at saying it. "Is this not Jesus who sat at saying it. "Is this not Jesus who sat at our tables, who we watched grow up, who our tables, who we watched grow up, who our tables, who we watched grow up, who carved stone with us, carved stone with us, carved stone with us, who is one of us? who is one of us? who is one of us? How is he now so far beyond us?" How is he now so far beyond us?" How is he now so far beyond us?" They It scripture says they took offense They It scripture says they took offense They It scripture says they took offense at him, but it's even more than that. at him, but it's even more than that. at him, but it's even more than that. It's the Greek is scandalizo. They were It's the Greek is scandalizo. They were It's the Greek is scandalizo. They were scandalized by him. scandalized by him. scandalized by him. What could have caused them to be What could have caused them to be What could have caused them to be scandalized by Jesus, their hometown scandalized by Jesus, their hometown scandalized by Jesus, their hometown boy, and this message that he carried?

boy, and this message that he carried? boy, and this message that he carried? I think their familiarity blinded him. I think their familiarity blinded him. I think their familiarity blinded him. Blinded them to seeing him. I think they Blinded them to seeing him. I think they Blinded them to seeing him. I think they had the sense of familiarity that they had the sense of familiarity that they had the sense of familiarity that they were so sure that they knew who he was were so sure that they knew who he was were so sure that they knew who he was that they couldn't see who he had that they couldn't see who he had that they couldn't see who he had become, who God was calling him to be as become, who God was calling him to be as become, who God was calling him to be as he began this ministry. he began this ministry. he began this ministry. I wonder if when you um when you think I wonder if when you um when you think I wonder if when you um when you think about this passage, when it says this about this passage, when it says this about this passage, when it says this that that that um um um It's fun. That Jesus began to teach in the That Jesus began to teach in the synagogue and many who heard them were synagogue and many who heard them were synagogue and many who heard them were astounded and they said, "Where did he astounded and they said, "Where did he astounded and they said, "Where did he get all this? What is this wisdom that get all this? What is this wisdom that get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of has been given to him? What deeds of has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands?" If power are being done by his hands?" If power are being done by his hands?" If you have some sense of relating to that, you have some sense of relating to that, you have some sense of relating to that, this sense that this sense that this sense that maybe you are different and you surprise maybe you are different and you surprise maybe you are different and you surprise people with how different you are than people with how different you are than people with how different you are than how you grew up. Then what your hometown how you grew up. Then what your hometown how you grew up. Then what your hometown would think about you, then what your would think about you, then what your would think about you, then what your family of origin would think about you, family of origin would think about you, family of origin would think about you, then what the people that sort of make then what the people that sort of make then what the people that sort of make your home would think.

your home would think. your home would think. That you have That you have That you have done the work. done the work. done the work. You have gone to therapy. You have been You have gone to therapy. You have been You have gone to therapy. You have been intentional about your spiritual growth, intentional about your spiritual growth, intentional about your spiritual growth, whatever it looks like for you, you are whatever it looks like for you, you are whatever it looks like for you, you are different than the person that left. And different than the person that left. And different than the person that left. And it is hard for people to see you as it is hard for people to see you as it is hard for people to see you as different. different. different. These rejections by the people that know These rejections by the people that know These rejections by the people that know us the best, I think are the hardest us the best, I think are the hardest us the best, I think are the hardest ones for us to take. Because people keep ones for us to take. Because people keep ones for us to take. Because people keep a static image in their head of who we a static image in their head of who we a static image in their head of who we were and then they judge us against were and then they judge us against were and then they judge us against that. And these are the people that we that. And these are the people that we that. And these are the people that we want to know everything about us and want to know everything about us and want to know everything about us and love us most deeply, but they have love us most deeply, but they have love us most deeply, but they have somehow missed some change in us and somehow missed some change in us and somehow missed some change in us and they can't see who we are. And so when they can't see who we are. And so when they can't see who we are. And so when we go back to our hometown or when we we go back to our hometown or when we we go back to our hometown or when we are with our family, are with our family, are with our family, it feels like we revert right back to it feels like we revert right back to it feels like we revert right back to who we were because of what they expect who we were because of what they expect who we were because of what they expect for of us. for of us. for of us. And if you've ever experienced that, And if you've ever experienced that, And if you've ever experienced that, hear me now when I say that Jesus hear me now when I say that Jesus hear me now when I say that Jesus relates to you, he understands that pain relates to you, he understands that pain relates to you, he understands that pain because he experienced that as well.

because he experienced that as well. because he experienced that as well. He experienced going home and being He experienced going home and being He experienced going home and being rejected by the people that were rejected by the people that were rejected by the people that were supposed to love him the most. But it's not always about what other But it's not always about what other people think of you. Sometimes you're people think of you. Sometimes you're people think of you. Sometimes you're the one that has to get a new picture in the one that has to get a new picture in the one that has to get a new picture in your head of who you have become. your head of who you have become. your head of who you have become. Sometimes you are so stuck. Sometimes Sometimes you are so stuck. Sometimes Sometimes you are so stuck. Sometimes you think, "Gosh, I you think, "Gosh, I you think, "Gosh, I I treated my kids badly. I chose work I treated my kids badly. I chose work I treated my kids badly. I chose work over my family. I was addicted. I was um over my family. I was addicted. I was um over my family. I was addicted. I was um I was not the person that I want to be I was not the person that I want to be I was not the person that I want to be and even though I'm now sober and I have and even though I'm now sober and I have and even though I'm now sober and I have changed my work patterns and then I've changed my work patterns and then I've changed my work patterns and then I've tried to make amends, I still can't see tried to make amends, I still can't see tried to make amends, I still can't see myself as worthy. I still can't see myself as worthy. I still can't see myself as worthy. I still can't see myself as a fully changed person who is myself as a fully changed person who is myself as a fully changed person who is worthwhile because all I think about worthwhile because all I think about worthwhile because all I think about when I look at myself is the person that when I look at myself is the person that when I look at myself is the person that I used to be, the person I spent so many I used to be, the person I spent so many I used to be, the person I spent so many years being, and it's hard for me to years being, and it's hard for me to years being, and it's hard for me to really see that there's actually value really see that there's actually value really see that there's actually value in who I am now. in who I am now. in who I am now. We're [snorts] missing, I think, We're [snorts] missing, I think, We're [snorts] missing, I think, sometimes this idea that it is God's sometimes this idea that it is God's sometimes this idea that it is God's presence that's living in us.

presence that's living in us. presence that's living in us. That God, look, in the way that God That God, look, in the way that God That God, look, in the way that God chose to inhabit Nazareth, this small chose to inhabit Nazareth, this small chose to inhabit Nazareth, this small and overlooked town, God inhabits us and overlooked town, God inhabits us and overlooked town, God inhabits us in the small and overlooked places where in the small and overlooked places where in the small and overlooked places where we feel like there is no worth. we feel like there is no worth. we feel like there is no worth. And God gives us worth. And God gives us worth. And God gives us worth. And God does this for other people as And God does this for other people as And God does this for other people as well. well. well. God gives them worth because maybe God gives them worth because maybe God gives them worth because maybe you look at this passage, you think you look at this passage, you think you look at this passage, you think about what it is that was happening about what it is that was happening about what it is that was happening there, and you relate a little more to there, and you relate a little more to there, and you relate a little more to the crowd. the crowd. the crowd. Maybe you actually know there's this Maybe you actually know there's this Maybe you actually know there's this kind of kind of kind of tickling inside of you that you tickling inside of you that you tickling inside of you that you recognize that there are people that you recognize that there are people that you recognize that there are people that you have put up some wall between you and have put up some wall between you and have put up some wall between you and them because of how they used to be, them because of how they used to be, them because of how they used to be, what you have always known about them. what you have always known about them. what you have always known about them. And you don't want to break that wall And you don't want to break that wall And you don't want to break that wall down because you don't want to chance down because you don't want to chance down because you don't want to chance being affected by their bad habits or being affected by their bad habits or being affected by their bad habits or the way that they have hurt you or the way that they have hurt you or the way that they have hurt you or whatever it is that caused you to put up whatever it is that caused you to put up whatever it is that caused you to put up that wall.

that wall. that wall. And maybe the work that's in front of And maybe the work that's in front of And maybe the work that's in front of you you you today, at this point, is really to today, at this point, is really to today, at this point, is really to wonder wonder wonder how God is transforming them right in how God is transforming them right in how God is transforming them right in front of your eyes that you might be front of your eyes that you might be front of your eyes that you might be missing. missing. missing. To wonder what it is that is happening To wonder what it is that is happening To wonder what it is that is happening in them that is different that you you in them that is different that you you in them that is different that you you might not see might not see might not see because you are still so convinced that because you are still so convinced that because you are still so convinced that they are who they used to be. they are who they used to be. they are who they used to be. I think familiarity can blind us because I think familiarity can blind us because I think familiarity can blind us because sometimes it comes across it masquerades sometimes it comes across it masquerades sometimes it comes across it masquerades as knowledge. The sense that it's like, as knowledge. The sense that it's like, as knowledge. The sense that it's like, I already know who this is. I already I already know who this is. I already I already know who this is. I already know what they're capable of. know what they're capable of. know what they're capable of. And so we miss that there are people And so we miss that there are people And so we miss that there are people that are changing that are changing that are changing that have done the work or are doing the that have done the work or are doing the that have done the work or are doing the work in front of us work in front of us work in front of us and we are not able to have a and we are not able to have a and we are not able to have a relationship with them because we're relationship with them because we're relationship with them because we're stuck like the crowd in Nazareth saying, stuck like the crowd in Nazareth saying, stuck like the crowd in Nazareth saying, "How could this person be someone beyond "How could this person be someone beyond "How could this person be someone beyond us, someone different than us when we us, someone different than us when we us, someone different than us when we know exactly who he was?

know exactly who he was? know exactly who he was? We saw him grow up." We saw him grow up." We saw him grow up." This hometown disadvantage happens when This hometown disadvantage happens when This hometown disadvantage happens when we're more comfortable with the status we're more comfortable with the status we're more comfortable with the status quo than with the willingness to be quo than with the willingness to be quo than with the willingness to be challenged by growth. challenged by growth. challenged by growth. And so I wonder now that we're thinking And so I wonder now that we're thinking And so I wonder now that we're thinking about this, this idea that like maybe we about this, this idea that like maybe we about this, this idea that like maybe we have changed and we have got to give have changed and we have got to give have changed and we have got to give some of our grief about how people have some of our grief about how people have some of our grief about how people have treated us to Jesus or maybe we have treated us to Jesus or maybe we have treated us to Jesus or maybe we have people in our lives that have changed people in our lives that have changed people in our lives that have changed and we have to give some grace to those and we have to give some grace to those and we have to give some grace to those people. I wonder what it is that we do people. I wonder what it is that we do people. I wonder what it is that we do with this. I think Jesus gives us a with this. I think Jesus gives us a with this. I think Jesus gives us a model here first by showing us what not model here first by showing us what not model here first by showing us what not to do. to do. to do. Jesus did not abandon his ministry. Jesus did not abandon his ministry. Jesus did not abandon his ministry. Jesus did not collapse in the synagogue Jesus did not collapse in the synagogue Jesus did not collapse in the synagogue in front of them. He also did not stand in front of them. He also did not stand in front of them. He also did not stand in front of them and read his resume and in front of them and read his resume and in front of them and read his resume and try to be to prove to them who he was. try to be to prove to them who he was. try to be to prove to them who he was. He just was continuing to be faithful in He just was continuing to be faithful in He just was continuing to be faithful in his ministry. his ministry. his ministry. And sometimes that faithfulness, And sometimes that faithfulness, And sometimes that faithfulness, sometimes many of you have experienced sometimes many of you have experienced sometimes many of you have experienced this, that faithfulness looks like this, that faithfulness looks like this, that faithfulness looks like staying.

staying. staying. That you recognize you're like, "I'm That you recognize you're like, "I'm That you recognize you're like, "I'm still in the place where people can't still in the place where people can't still in the place where people can't see how much I've changed. I'm still in see how much I've changed. I'm still in see how much I've changed. I'm still in the place where the place where the place where I have done all this work and I I feel I have done all this work and I I feel I have done all this work and I I feel like I'm stretching and nobody really like I'm stretching and nobody really like I'm stretching and nobody really sees that." Sometimes that faithfulness sees that." Sometimes that faithfulness sees that." Sometimes that faithfulness that God calls us to is about staying that God calls us to is about staying that God calls us to is about staying not as a product of the place, but not as a product of the place, but not as a product of the place, but possibly as an agent of transformation possibly as an agent of transformation possibly as an agent of transformation of it. of it. of it. Maybe there's work that you are being Maybe there's work that you are being Maybe there's work that you are being called to in that place that you called to in that place that you called to in that place that you couldn't have done as the old person couldn't have done as the old person couldn't have done as the old person that you were, but you can do now. that you were, but you can do now. that you were, but you can do now. And you can be an agent of And you can be an agent of And you can be an agent of transformation. transformation. transformation. But sometimes that faithfulness looks But sometimes that faithfulness looks But sometimes that faithfulness looks like dusting your shoes off and like dusting your shoes off and like dusting your shoes off and continuing on. continuing on. continuing on. Just five verses after this passage, Just five verses after this passage, Just five verses after this passage, Jesus sends the disciples out and he Jesus sends the disciples out and he Jesus sends the disciples out and he tells them to go town to town, village tells them to go town to town, village tells them to go town to town, village to village and preach the good news. And to village and preach the good news. And to village and preach the good news. And if they are rejected in any town, he if they are rejected in any town, he if they are rejected in any town, he says, "Just kick the dust off of your says, "Just kick the dust off of your says, "Just kick the dust off of your shoes and keep going." shoes and keep going." shoes and keep going." And so sometimes that is our call as And so sometimes that is our call as And so sometimes that is our call as well. Uh look, have you ever had the well. Uh look, have you ever had the well. Uh look, have you ever had the experience of standing in front of a experience of standing in front of a experience of standing in front of a vending machine, putting your money in, vending machine, putting your money in, vending machine, putting your money in, typing the numbers, and it doesn't typing the numbers, and it doesn't typing the numbers, and it doesn't nothing comes out? And you're like, "I nothing comes out? And you're like, "I nothing comes out? And you're like, "I guess that's me. I guess I didn't type guess that's me. I guess I didn't type guess that's me. I guess I didn't type them well. Let me do this again." You them well. Let me do this again." You them well. Let me do this again." You know, so you give it another dollar 50, know, so you give it another dollar 50, know, so you give it another dollar 50, and you type the numbers again, and and you type the numbers again, and and you type the numbers again, and something still doesn't come out. At something still doesn't come out. At something still doesn't come out. At that point, you're like, that point, you're like, that point, you're like, "I I'm not going to get anything out of "I I'm not going to get anything out of "I I'm not going to get anything out of this." And you walk away because it's this." And you walk away because it's this." And you walk away because it's doesn't make sense to keep standing doesn't make sense to keep standing doesn't make sense to keep standing there and spending your money. There are

there and spending your money. There are there and spending your money. There are times when God says to us like, "Don't times when God says to us like, "Don't times when God says to us like, "Don't stay here." Cuz kicking the dust off stay here." Cuz kicking the dust off stay here." Cuz kicking the dust off your shoes isn't about abandonment, it's your shoes isn't about abandonment, it's your shoes isn't about abandonment, it's about um it's rooted in a boundary that about um it's rooted in a boundary that about um it's rooted in a boundary that says you God doesn't call you to stay says you God doesn't call you to stay says you God doesn't call you to stay day after day and year after year in a day after day and year after year in a day after day and year after year in a place where there is no fertile ground. place where there is no fertile ground. place where there is no fertile ground. Uh even the end of the scripture, it Uh even the end of the scripture, it Uh even the end of the scripture, it says that um he could do no deed of says that um he could do no deed of says that um he could do no deed of power there except that he laid his power there except that he laid his power there except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured hands on a few sick people and cured hands on a few sick people and cured them. Right? Because there was no them. Right? Because there was no them. Right? Because there was no fertile ground for them to see what fertile ground for them to see what fertile ground for them to see what Jesus could do. Jesus could do. Jesus could do. The line though between The line though between The line though between staying and dusting your shoes off is a staying and dusting your shoes off is a staying and dusting your shoes off is a fine one. And the only way that you can fine one. And the only way that you can fine one. And the only way that you can really figure out where you should fall really figure out where you should fall really figure out where you should fall on either side of the line is through on either side of the line is through on either side of the line is through prayer and discernment. It is through prayer and discernment. It is through prayer and discernment. It is through asking yourself the question, am I asking yourself the question, am I asking yourself the question, am I staying out of faithfulness staying out of faithfulness staying out of faithfulness or am I staying out of fear of moving or am I staying out of fear of moving or am I staying out of fear of moving on? on? on? Am I leaving because it is my calling to Am I leaving because it is my calling to Am I leaving because it is my calling to leave leave leave or am I leaving because I don't lack I or am I leaving because I don't lack I or am I leaving because I don't lack I lack the courage to stay here? And lack the courage to stay here? And lack the courage to stay here? And that's something that only you and God that's something that only you and God that's something that only you and God can work out. That is between you, but can work out. That is between you, but can work out. That is between you, but you have to ask that question. You have you have to ask that question. You have you have to ask that question. You have to examine to examine to examine how your faithfulness will continue to how your faithfulness will continue to how your faithfulness will continue to play out.

play out. play out. Just like Jesus did, just like he called Just like Jesus did, just like he called Just like Jesus did, just like he called the disciples to do as well. God chose the small, nothing, God chose the small, nothing, unremarkable village to inhabit with his unremarkable village to inhabit with his unremarkable village to inhabit with his presence for 30 years. presence for 30 years. presence for 30 years. And God chooses every single one of us, And God chooses every single one of us, And God chooses every single one of us, the small, unremarkable parts of us to the small, unremarkable parts of us to the small, unremarkable parts of us to inhabit with his presence as well. inhabit with his presence as well. inhabit with his presence as well. And God calls us to be generous enough And God calls us to be generous enough And God calls us to be generous enough to look, to ask, where is God inhabiting to look, to ask, where is God inhabiting to look, to ask, where is God inhabiting others? others? others? Who else is small and unremarkable and Who else is small and unremarkable and Who else is small and unremarkable and God is in them as well? God is in them as well? God is in them as well? I wonder sometimes if I had been there I wonder sometimes if I had been there I wonder sometimes if I had been there that Sabbath morning, how I would have that Sabbath morning, how I would have that Sabbath morning, how I would have responded. I like to think that I would responded. I like to think that I would responded. I like to think that I would have been a person that heard what Jesus have been a person that heard what Jesus have been a person that heard what Jesus said and changed my ways and followed said and changed my ways and followed said and changed my ways and followed him and I wasn't part of the rejection him and I wasn't part of the rejection him and I wasn't part of the rejection crowd. crowd. crowd. I'll I'll never know. I will never know I'll I'll never know. I will never know I'll I'll never know. I will never know what I would have done. what I would have done. what I would have done. But I do know what I will do.

But I do know what I will do. But I do know what I will do. I know what I can do. I do know the I know what I can do. I do know the I know what I can do. I do know the commitment that I will make every single commitment that I will make every single commitment that I will make every single day for the rest of my life day for the rest of my life day for the rest of my life to look for the presence of God in the to look for the presence of God in the to look for the presence of God in the people where I don't expect it, to give people where I don't expect it, to give people where I don't expect it, to give myself that grace myself that grace myself that grace so that we might all be agents of so that we might all be agents of so that we might all be agents of transformation. transformation. transformation. God, we are on an uphill climb when we God, we are on an uphill climb when we God, we are on an uphill climb when we think about seeing ourselves think about seeing ourselves think about seeing ourselves differently, seeing others differently differently, seeing others differently differently, seeing others differently because it's so easy to get locked into because it's so easy to get locked into because it's so easy to get locked into what we know what we know what we know >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and what you think of us >> and what you think of us >> and what you think of us and what others think of us. But help us and what others think of us. But help us and what others think of us. But help us to really hold tight to what you think to really hold tight to what you think to really hold tight to what you think of us, that you think we are worthy. of us, that you think we are worthy. of us, that you think we are worthy. That you know that we are more than what That you know that we are more than what That you know that we are more than what other people can see. other people can see. other people can see. God help us to to root in that when God help us to to root in that when God help us to to root in that when things are hard things are hard things are hard and then give [music] us the grace to and then give [music] us the grace to and then give [music] us the grace to see that in other people. see that in other people. see that in other people. Amen.

I'm going to invite Katie to come back I'm going to invite Katie to come back up for our benediction. I thought we had a closing song. I thought we had a closing song. I was so excited for you all to stand I was so excited for you all to stand I was so excited for you all to stand and sing. Let's do it anyway. Stand and and sing. Let's do it anyway. Stand and and sing. Let's do it anyway. Stand and sing. We're going to continue in our sermon We're going to continue in our sermon series about a holiday with Jesus series about a holiday with Jesus series about a holiday with Jesus following him along the way. So I hope following him along the way. So I hope following him along the way. So I hope you will grab a tiny Jesus on your way you will grab a tiny Jesus on your way you will grab a tiny Jesus on your way out this morning. Take it with you to out this morning. Take it with you to out this morning. Take it with you to remind you that Jesus is everywhere that remind you that Jesus is everywhere that remind you that Jesus is everywhere that you go and invite somebody to join you you go and invite somebody to join you you go and invite somebody to join you next week for worship. Go knowing that next week for worship. Go knowing that next week for worship. Go knowing that God goes before you every step of the God goes before you every step of the God goes before you every step of the way. So go with peace. May the grace of way. So go with peace. May the grace of way. So go with peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. Let's with you now and forever. Amen. Let's with you now and forever. Amen. Let's close with We Will Worship. >> We will worship the lamb >> We will worship the lamb >> [music] We will worship the lamb of We will worship the lamb of >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> We will worship the king. And with our >> We will worship the king. And with our >> We will worship the king. And with our hands lifted [music] high, we will hands lifted [music] high, we will hands lifted [music] high, we will worship and sing. And with our hands worship and sing. And with our hands worship and sing. And with our hands lifted [singing] high, we come before lifted [singing] high, we come before lifted [singing] high, we come before you rejoicing. With our hands lifted you rejoicing. With our hands lifted you rejoicing. With our hands lifted high to the sky, when the world wonders high to the sky, when the world wonders high to the sky, when the world wonders why, why, why, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we'll just tell them we're loving our >> we'll just tell them we're loving our >> we'll just tell them we're loving our king.

king. king. We'll just tell [music] them we're We'll just tell [music] them we're We'll just tell [music] them we're loving our loving our loving our king. >> Amen. Everyone have such an amazing >> Amen. Everyone have such an amazing week, and we will see you back here next week, and we will see you back here next week, and we will see you back here next Sunday.