Tim Perlick

One in Christ: The Word, the Body, and the Mission

Dear Siblings in Christ,

The readings this Sunday offer a powerful vision of what it means to be "one in Christ." In Nehemiah, we see the community gathered together, hearing and responding to the Word of God. In Corinthians, Paul reminds us that we are all parts of one body, each with unique gifts to offer. And in Luke, we hear Jesus announce his mission, a mission that we are all called to share.

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10: The Word that Unites The scene in Nehemiah is one of great joy and renewal. The people have returned from exile, and they are eager to hear the Word of God. Ezra reads from the Law, and the people listen attentively. They are moved to tears, but they are also filled with joy. This is the power of the Law and Gospel: it convicts us of our sin, but it also offers us forgiveness and hope.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a: The Body that Serves Paul uses the image of the body to describe the church. Just as a body has many parts, each with its own function, so the church is made up of many people, each with their own gifts. We are all interconnected and interdependent. No one is more important than another. We all need each other.

Luke 4:14-21: The Mission that Calls Jesus begins his ministry by announcing his mission: to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, and to set the oppressed free. This is a mission that is rooted in the love of God. It is a mission that calls us to reach out to those who are marginalized and forgotten.

Call to Action:

● How can you be more intentional about reading and studying the Word of God?

● What are your unique gifts?

● How can you use them to serve others in the church and in the world?

● How can you participate in the mission of Christ this week?

As we go out into the world this week, let us remember that we are "one in Christ." Let us be people who are shaped by the Word of God, who serve one another with love, and who share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world