top of page
Preaching Roundtable.png

Green Blades Preaching Roundtable

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Year B
June 9, 2024
Pastor Jonathan Dodson

Genesis 3:8-15
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Mark 3:20-35

 

I must admit it makes me uncomfortable looking ahead in the lectionary.  God provides abundantly in every way including a weekly Word.  Peeking ahead feels a bit like stashing away manna that will spoil when you have been in the lectionary rhythm for many years.  But Pastor Kristin asked and it is a great honor to write for Green Blades.  I have found the Preaching Roundtable helpful for sermon prep and faith practices. Fortunately, I did not need to journey far into this weeks' readings to find a focus for this reflection. Not only that, it all lined up with a project that I just completed for a course I have been taking through Pacific Lutheran.  The link can be found at the end of this article.

 

In Genesis 3:8-15, we see Adam and Eve's first response to sin. Previously, they walked with God in the cool of the day, enjoying intimacy and communion with their Creator. However, sin fractured this relationship, leading them to hide from God. This separation from God serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin. It is painful and scary. Yet, even in this moment of sadness, God shows mercy and love. God seeks out Adam and Eve calling them out of hiding and inviting them to walk.

 

We are called to walk with God. It is a call into accountability and justice.  It is a walk of intimacy, trust, and communion with our Creator. It's about aligning our will with God's and finding our purpose. Just as Adam and Eve were created to care for the garden (Genesis 2:15), we are called to be stewards of God's creation, practicing responsible and sustainable living.

 

Jesus frames our purpose of caring for creation as loving our neighbors. In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus redefines the idea of family, expanding it beyond blood relations to include all who do the will of God.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual kinship, stating, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). This expands the concept of family to include all of creation, creating a community founded on love, mutual support, and shared purpose.

 

This concept of an expanding family challenges us to break down barriers and reach out to those in need, showing them the same love and compassion that Christ has shown us. It calls us to be inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of all, regardless of their background or circumstances.  As we love our neighbors and extend our family even beyond the human species, we reflect the love of Christ to the world and fulfill His commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35).

 

Ok, enough words... let's go for a walk.  God bless you, dear family in Christ

 

https://youtu.be/CAgy8MsNO7s?si=FQeIwsfPzLQ66rOR

 

Pastor Jonathan Dodson
Pastor Jonathan Dodson
Ebenezer, Minnesota

Pastor Jonathan Dodson is a child of God and a follower of Jesus. He serves in Northwestern Minnesota as pastor for Immanuel, Ebenezer and Bethany Lutheran. He is a first call pastor entering his twentieth year. Jonathan is part of the Care for Creation Task Force working in the NWMN synod. He completed, alongside friends, the Certificate for Climate Justice and Faith through Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He enjoys everything an open air life delivers.

EcoFaith Logo

The EcoFaith Network

NE-MN Synod ELCA with Saint Paul Area Synod Care of Creation

St Paul Area Synod Care of Creation Logo

Find us on 

  • Facebook
©2023 The EcoFaith Network 
bottom of page