Luke 17:5-10 (NRSV)
Read Luke 17:5-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" Verse 6The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. Verse 7"Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Verse 8Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Verse 9Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? Verse 10So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"
Devotion
In July, I attended the Faithful Innovation Summit at St. Thomas University in downtown Minneapolis. Professor Terri Elton had everyone write a letter to their future self. The letter was to describe our current context as a vibrant community where the people cared deeply about each other and recognized God's presence in their midst. Where did we see our church or community as a beacon of hope, and how would we describe the things that hadn't yet happened as instrumental in making this a reality?
We wrote that letter, then sealed it in an envelope. I wrote about something miraculous. I believe our church can end chronic homelessness. I believe this can come true. It won't happen if we, as the church, do the bare minimum. Will we be open to the limitless possibilities that the Holy Spirit is calling us to do? Where is the Holy Spirit calling on you right now?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, stir up in us your wisdom and understanding to lead your church into a future where your dreams become our reality. Amen.