Invitation to a changed life Luke’s Gospel

Invitation to a changed life A purpose to live

Let’s think about change for a moment…

Take a closer look at the road…

Take a closer look at our life…

Has our routine become a rut? Change can bring new energy, focus, excitement… In this context Jesus’ invitation to ‘a changed life’ feels very welcome!

But change can also come unexpectedly or suddenly sickness, bereavement, loss of employment, a change in relationships, moving our home to a new locality…

…at these moments change can deeply unsettle us, bringing us to a point of personal crisis…

…it’s still change but we meet it with a totally different response…

…but even here can we see God at work?

For the next few minutes… How can we deal well with change when it comes? How does God, our Father, use change to shape our life? How does he forge a new purpose into our hearts?

Simon Peter’s experience can help us today…

Luke 5: One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding round him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ 5 Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

How can we deal well with change when it comes?

Remember the wider context of our life – all ‘the changes and chances of life’ are found in each ordinary day! v1 Take responsibility for each and every moment It’s up to us! We know neither the day nor the hour…v3 Be prepared for the unexpected! What starts as one thing can often end in another! ‘God’s moments’ are like this… v3

How does God, our Father, use change to shape our life?

He astonishes us with his generosity, mercy and faithfulness and brings us peace v6,7,9,

He gradually changes us – growing us through the spiritual disciplines. We find it hard to measure but others know…

…and yes, he may also allow us to be brought to a place of personal crisis where real choices have to be made. But he never leaves us with our fear v10. He loves us! He is looking for fruit! v8 (John 15).

How does God forge a new purpose into our hearts?

He deals with our heart with its sin, shame and deep sense of failure v8, 10 He jumps us out of the ruts of sin and death and onto a new track of life and grace v11 He includes us in Jesus’ continuing story! v10 (gathering people)

He ‘draws’ us but does not ‘drive’ us –a life filled with love, laughter and laziness in his presence! (Luke 10:38-42)

He ‘draws’ us but does not ‘drive’ us –a life filled with love, laughter and laziness (attentive) in his presence! (Luke 10:38-42)

Life in Jesus is a truly care-free life, without worry or anxiety about the future or what tomorrow will bring…we are his and he is ours!

Ministry thoughts… God is our FATHER… He is always at work, even in YOU this morning… Sometimes that can feel welcome at other times painfully uncomfortable… Some are waiting (v4 ‘Put out into the deep’)… We’re looking into the unknown for the trapeze to swing towards us before we leap but…!

Invitation to a changed life Next week: Touching the untouchables