February 2nd (4th Sunday after Epiphany): “To Those Who Are Called”

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12)

Over these last weeks in the season of Epiphany we have focused on our calling as grounded and defined by Christ’s calling and by the grace of God. We heard God affirm Jesus Christ as the embodiment of the new creation we are called to emulate. We were invited to leave behind our pursuit of our own vision and instead seek to dwell with Christ. We heard Jesus preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is not far away and in fact was embodied in him and now dwells in us. In the readings this week, we hear more of what this should look like in our lives and in our community. Micah tells us that it is not found in religious observance, but rather in doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with our God. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of how different the experience (signs) and wisdom of the world are from the experience and wisdom of God. Spiritual can discern all things, but the flesh can only see what is. We are not called because of who we are. We are called to witness and reflect not the experience and wisdom of the world, but the power and wisdom of God in and through our lives. The sermon on the mount in Matthew reveals the great reversal of who is blessed. It sounds like foolishness to the world. But to those who are called, it is the vision we are called to witness to. Consider your call brothers and sisters.