This Sunday, as we embark on a new worship series, “Created to Be,” we are invited to dive deep into the heart of God’s design for us. This journey mirrors the vibrant theme of this summer’s ELCA National Youth Gathering, where thousands of young hearts explore the profound ways God has intricately woven God’s purpose into our very being.
We will kick things off by considering how we are Created to Be Brave. In a world often riddled with fear and uncertainty, God calls us to step out in faith, embracing courage not as the absence of fear, but as the triumph over it through God’s strength.
Next, we’ll explore how we are Created to Be Authentic. In an age of curated images and filtered realities, God invites us to embrace our true selves, recognizing that we are wonderfully and fearfully made. Our authenticity not only honors God but also encourages others to live truthfully.
Freedom is another cornerstone of our creation. We are Created to Be Free, not bound by the chains of sin or societal expectations, but liberated through Jesus’ sacrificial love. This freedom empowers us to live fully and generously, reflecting God’s grace.
We are also Created to Be Disruptive. This might seem counterintuitive, but Jesus himself was a divine disruptor, challenging norms and ushering in God’s kingdom. We are called to question injustices and work towards a world that mirrors God’s love and justice.
Finally, we are Created to Be Disciples. Our journey of faith is ongoing, marked by learning, growing, and leading others to know God’s love firsthand. Discipleship is our daily commitment to follow Jesus, shaping our lives around God’s vision for the world.
I hope you’ll follow along each week as we uncover and celebrate the divine blueprint of our existence, embracing who we are created to be in God’s magnificent design. And, pay extra attention to the Wednesday devotions for the coming five weeks. These reflections will be authored by the young people of our congregation who are making the journey to the Gathering in New Orleans. Keep them in your prayers as they make their final preparations for this amazing experience.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Creator God, guide us to be brave, authentic, free, disruptive, and faithful disciples, living out your vision and experiencing your love in our lives. Amen.