Dear HBIC Family,

One thing about scripture that I have found to be a blessing is that its lessons can be boiled down to quotable phrases. We know about Joseph’s struggles, but remember his surrender. What his own brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. We know about Ruth’s deep grief, but remember her devotion and bravery in telling Naomi, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

These lessons and many more become parables for us – a way for God to reach us where we are while challenging and transforming us. We know and remember God’s promises through them. We also experience and hold on to God’s faithfulness in our own lives. In our struggles, we keep surrendering to the Holy Spirit, knowing that God works all things together for our good. With our devotion, each day affords us, anew, the chance to follow Jesus more wholeheartedly.

This week as we continue our Good News for the Lost sermon series through the book of Luke, we reach another one of those familiar lessons and phrases: “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” We often cite this as a refrain amid hardships or as a prayer in the times we call on God to intercede. But what if the impossible work here isn’t for God, but for us? What if our God can do all things, but we refuse to fully surrender and devote our lives to God?

As you prepare for this week’s service, I invite you to read and meditate on Luke 18:18-30. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

How do you define surrender to God, and how is God calling you to surrender now?

What does devotion to God look like for you, especially in this current season of life?

What is one thing that is currently holding you back in your relationship with God?

What is your “impossible” that you need God to make “possible?”

How have you tasted and seen God’s goodness this week?

I have always been intrigued by the audacity of the rich man in Luke 18. There is boldness in addressing Jesus directly about earning or inheriting eternal life. There is perhaps arrogance, even, in saying to Jesus, “I have kept every commandment since I was a boy.” Yet, no matter what we think we know or have done, Jesus always sees our heart. Jesus seems more interested in how we live, and not just what we profess. Jesus is Lord and He expects our surrender and devotion as we follow him more completely.

Sisters and brothers, the call of Jesus is here for all of us. May we hear Jesus and come home. May we let go of the things that don’t last, while holding on to Jesus more tightly.

God bless you all!