Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, August 6, 2023

Love Without Expectation Today, Pastor Michael is talking about priorities and our number one priority in our faith:  People + Jesus.  We try to be that + sign (in the middle) as the core of who we are.  Our second priority is serving people.  How are you serving people in your family, extended family, or even school?  How are you serving in the community and the marketplace? After talking about priorities, Michael is looking at where Jesus was in Capernaum, his base of ministry, visiting for the last time.  The disciples don’t really catch that He will be killed soon, and they didn’t want to believe it.  He took a little child in His arms and said (in Mark 9:37 CSB), “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but him who sent me.”  Realize that in those days, children weren’t prioritized like they are today, so for Jesus to use this as an example is very important. He shows that we should prioritize even those that seemingly are not important. This brings us to priority number three: love without expectation.  It’s only when the person doesn’t deserve to be shown love that the love can truly be unconditional.  If someone is being hurtful, mean, or just plain unfriendly: that’s the time to show unconditional love!  Jesus set the priority for us to love without expectation.  This is the life He has called us to.  To do right by people who may not do right by you. Priority Four: Unity with the brethren.  We can cooperate, even with those with whom we are not exactly on the same page.  We can do this because we believe in people plus Jesus, is our highest priority. Michael leaves us with four challenges, one for each priority. Challenge One for Priority One (People +Jesus) is being open about your faith in Jesus in a humble way. Challenge Two for Serving People is to look for ways to serve. Challenge Three for Love Without Expectation is to do right by people, even when they don’t deserve it. Challenge Four for Unity With The Brethren is to put the message of faith in Jesus above the things that divide believers. Verses can be found in Mark 9: 36-41. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.