Finding Nemo Devo

August 14th, 2016  

Devotional

“The Gospel in Pixar: Finding Nemo” - Mark 3: 21-35, Romans 9:4

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “They Went to Restrain Him” - Mark 3: 21

In ancient societies, family were responsible for one another. Not just responsible in terms of protection and provision, but also keeping safe the family honor. Just as our families today are not perfect, so were ancient families far from perfect. But family members were to protect the family unit as a whole more than individuals.

This is the particular context in which we find today’s scripture verse: Jesus’s family thinks that he is acting and speaking in such a way that it will bring dishonor to their family unit, so they were going to try to stop him, for others were saying that he was losing his mind. 

Sometimes when we live out our faith, others will accuse us of losing our minds, sometimes even our own family members. We need to weigh their words very cautiously against the enormity of what Christ is calling us to be a part of in his family. 

Who is part of the family of God? How is this different than a traditional understanding of family?

Tell of a time your family thought you were “crazy” for pursing God’s will. What did you do?

Prayer: Jesus, we desire to be part of your family, but we know that there are sometimes things and people that are trying to restrain us. Free us to follow you boldly, no matter what other’s may think. Amen. 

Tuesday: “A House Divided” - Mark 3: 22-27

The scribes have just made a pretty harsh judgment against Jesus, calling him Beelzebub (or the Devil). But Jesus speaks right to the heart of their argument by telling them that the ruler of demons would not cast out demons, which he has already done to give glory to God. If Satan cast out his own army, he would lose his power and his house would fall.

This argument can apply to the church today as well. How often do we argue about things that do not matter eternally or even let important arguments get in the way of our mission and call? Our house of worship can become divided to the point where it no longer truly stands to glorify God. Let us not be tied up, by our own doing, so that we are rendered ineffective for the Kingdom. 

How can we respond when the church becomes divided in order to bring unity?

How can we discern what is truly worth pursing and what is simply a distracting argument amongst us?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes we let ourselves become distracted to the point where we are no longer able to work effectively for you. Forgive us, Lord. Bring us back to one accord, under your lordship, so we can go about the task of spreading the Good News. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ An Unclean Spirit” - Mark 3: 28-30

For centuries Christians have debated about what the unforgivable sin is. Does it exist? If so, what sin could be so heinous that Christ’s blood does not cover it on the cross?

In today’s scripture Jesus seems to be pointing out that whatever we do or say can be forgiven, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. But what exactly is this sin? And how do we avoid it? I once had a professor say that if we are afraid of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit then we will never do it, because what makes it unforgivable is the arrogance that prevents us from asking for forgiveness. I must confess, even that explanation is unclear to me. 

What is clear is that Jesus is trying to point out to the scribes and pharisees that there is a sin in distracting people from the work of the Holy Spirit to bring them to him, and going as far as to accuse him of being the Devil. Whatever this sin may exactly be, let us ask God to expose any and all sin in our lives so we can earnestly repent. 

What do you believe blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means? How do you avoid this sin and others in your life? 

Prayer: Lord, we are afraid of committing the unforgivable sin. We confess that we dislike that any of our sin deeply hurts you, O Lord. Expose in us, even now, any unconfessed sin, so that we can be restored to right relationship with you. Amen. 

Thursday: “Who are my Mother and My Brothers?” - Mark 3: 31-35

There are certain pieces of scripture that we struggle with. Some may be similar for us an some may be different, but this piece of scripture is one that I have struggled with since my early Sunday School years when I first heard it. I’ve heard several pastors preach on it, but it doesn’t necessarily become any less troublesome for me. 

I have grown up with a wonderful family. We aren’t perfect, but we love one another. It was hard for me to imagine Jesus no longer identifying with his biological family, but instead looking to those around him - strangers and disciples alike - and saying that his family was now those goes about the will of God.

What I now realize is that this is Jesus giving us permission to call each other family in the church. We are family, not by blood and bone, but by a common mission in Christ. Is you church truly your church family?

What elements of family do you relate to best? How are these characteristics part of your church family? 

Prayer: Lord, sometimes scripture troubles us because we cannot fully understand it. Illuminate this scripture Lord. Let us see how it expands our view of family and how it relates to our church home. Amen. 

Friday: “Adopted by God” - Romans 9:4, 1 John 3: 1-2

We are part of the family of God because we have been adopted by God. Stop and consider that for a moment. God chose you well before you accepted God. God calls you a beloved child. 

Even when we did not know God, God knew us. God welcomes us into the family of God! We may not know everyone in this family, but we can find Christians no matter where we go, and we can be untied by our faith. We may not look alike or speak the same language, but those things are not as important as following one Lord and Savior. 

What makes us a Christian family? How should we approach challenges and trials was the family of God? 

What’s your impression of the term child in your relationship with God? 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling us your children. Help us look to you as our Heavenly Parent. Let us follow you and claim our adoption as your sons and daughters. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Gospel in Pixar: The Incredibles ” - Deut 31: 6, Psalm 31:24

Family Activity: Pull out the family photo albums. Look for pictures of your family. Who do you consider family? Does it include friends and people from church? Thank God for all that you consider family.