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Reflecting Love
Sermon Summary
Sandy Hart (Minister emeritus) emphasizes that as new creations in Christ, we are called to be "angled mirrors," reflecting God's love to the world and bringing the world's praises back to God, embodying our role as a royal priesthood and treasured possession.
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In this service, we continue our series called "Reflecting Love," focusing on what it means to be human in the world. We can't achieve this without becoming new creations in Christ and partnering together to fulfill God's desire for this world. The central idea is that we are called to be mirrors, reflecting God's love to the world and back to Him. When you look in a mirror, what do you see? More importantly, what does Jesus see when He looks at you? He sees a unique creation, loved and cherished.
Sandy discussed the concept of being angled mirrors, a term introduced by N.T. Wright. An angled mirror allows us to see in two directions, reflecting God's love to the world and the world's praise back to God. This idea is rooted in Genesis 1:26-28, where God created humans in His image to have dominion over the earth. We are called to be stewards of the world, reflecting God's love and care.
We also explored the idea of being a royal priesthood, a chosen people, as described in both Exodus and 1 Peter. This means we are God's treasured possession, standing between heaven and earth, interceding for the world, and bringing God's love to others. Our role is to be representatives of God on earth, reflecting His love and grace.
In practical terms, this means living out our faith in a way that others can see God's love through us. It means being patient, compassionate, and loving, even when it's difficult. We are called to be a community that supports each other, reflecting God's love together. Remember, we are angled mirrors, and our one job is to be human, reflecting God's love in all we do
Key Takeaways
1. Being an Angled Mirror: We are called to be angled mirrors, reflecting God's love to the world and the world's praise back to God. This dual reflection helps us see what we can't see on our own, allowing us to be more aware of God's presence in our lives and the lives of others.
2. Created in God's Image: Genesis 1:26-28 reminds us that we are created in God's image, meant to have dominion over the earth. This means we are stewards of God's creation, reflecting His love and care in how we interact with the world and each other.
3. Royal Priesthood: As described in Exodus and 1 Peter, we are a royal priesthood, a chosen people. This special status means we stand between heaven and earth, interceding for the world and bringing God's love to others. We are God's treasured possession, called to reflect His glory.
4. Living Out Our Faith: Our role as God's representatives on earth means living out our faith in practical ways. This includes being patient, compassionate, and loving, even when it's difficult. Our actions should reflect God's love, making a difference in the lives of those around us.
5. Community and Togetherness: We are not alone in this journey. Together, as a community, we can support each other and reflect God's love more effectively. Our collective efforts as a royal priesthood help bring heaven to earth and earth to God, fulfilling our calling to be human in God's big picture.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Being an Angled Mirror
Scripture:
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
We are called to be angled mirrors, reflecting God's love to the world and the world's praise back to God. This dual reflection helps us see what we can't see on our own, allowing us to be more aware of God's presence in our lives and the lives of others. An angled mirror allows us to see in two directions, reflecting God's love to the world and the world's praise back to God. This idea is rooted in Genesis 1:26-28, where God created humans in His image to have dominion over the earth. We are called to be stewards of the world, reflecting God's love and care.
Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to reflect God's love but found it challenging. How can you approach a similar situation differently this week to better reflect His love?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be an angled mirror, reflecting Your love to the world and bringing the world's praise back to You. Show me the areas in my life where I can better reflect Your presence. Amen
Day 2: Created in God's Image for Stewardship
Scripture:
'Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Genesis 1:26-28 reminds us that we are created in God's image, meant to have dominion over the earth. This means we are stewards of God's creation, reflecting His love and care in how we interact with the world and each other. Being created in God's image is not just a status but a responsibility. We are to mirror His attributes—love, justice, mercy—in our daily lives. This stewardship extends to how we treat the environment, animals, and our fellow human beings.
Reflection:
Identify one way you can better steward God's creation this week, whether through recycling, conserving energy, or showing kindness to others. How will you implement this change?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me to steward Your creation with love and care, reflecting Your image in all my interactions with the world and others. Amen
Day 3: Embracing Our Role as a Royal Priesthood
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:9
'But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
As described in Exodus and 1 Peter, we are a royal priesthood, a chosen people. This special status means we stand between heaven and earth, interceding for the world and bringing God's love to others. We are God's treasured possession, called to reflect His glory. This role involves both privilege and responsibility. We are to be mediators, bringing the needs of the world before God and bringing God's love and truth to the world. [38:16]
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who needs intercession. How can you stand in the gap for them this week, both in prayer and in action?
Prayer:
God, I am humbled to be part of Your royal priesthood. Empower me to stand between heaven and earth, interceding for the world and bringing Your love to those around me. Help me to live out my calling as Your treasured possession.
Day 4: Living Out Our Faith in Practical Ways
Scripture:
Matthew 5:16
'In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Our role as God's representatives on earth means living out our faith in practical ways. This includes being patient, compassionate, and loving, even when it's difficult. Our actions should reflect God's love, making a difference in the lives of those around us. Living out our faith is not just about grand gestures but also about small, everyday acts of kindness and love. It means being consistent in our walk with God, even when no one is watching.
Reflection:
Identify one practical way you can show God's love to someone today. What specific action will you take to make this happen?
Prayer:
Jesus, guide me to live out my faith in practical ways. Give me the strength to be patient, compassionate, and loving, even when it's difficult. Let my actions reflect Your love and make a difference in the lives of those around me. Amen
Day 5: The Power of Community and Togetherness
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24-25
'Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
We are not alone in this journey. Together, as a community, we can support each other and reflect God's love more effectively. Our collective efforts as a royal priesthood help bring heaven to earth and earth to God, fulfilling our calling to be human in God's big picture. Community is essential for spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission. When we come together, we can achieve more and support each other in ways that would be impossible alone.
Reflection:
Think of a way you can contribute to your community this week. How can you support someone in your church or local community in a meaningful way?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help us to support each other and reflect Your love more effectively together. May our collective efforts as Your royal priesthood bring heaven to earth and fulfill our calling to be human in Your big picture. Amen
Day 6: Embracing Our Unique Reflection
Scripture:
Genesis 5:1
'This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Often, we focus on our flaws, the imperfections that we wish we could change. But have you ever paused to consider that the body you see is a unique creation of God? As Sandy shared, "God, this is the body you have given me. It's unique. It's mine". This body, with all its perceived imperfections, is a vessel through which we can glorify God.
Reflection:
Today, take a moment to look in the mirror and thank God for the unique body He has given you. Commit to using it to glorify Him in all that you do.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Teach me to embrace my uniqueness and use it to reflect Your love to the world. Amen.
Day 7: Being God's Treasured Possession
Exodus 19:4-6
'‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
In these verses, God speaks to the Israelites, reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance and His desire for them to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. This passage is a beautiful reminder of our identity and calling as God's people.
God calls the Israelites His treasured possession, a term that signifies a special, cherished relationship. In the same way, we are God's treasured possession. He values us and has set us apart for His purposes. When you look in the mirror, remember that you are chosen, loved, and treasured by God. This identity should shape how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. [46:12]
Reflection:
Reflect on your identity as God's treasured possession and your calling as a priest.
Engage in a meaningful conversation with someone you don't usually speak with, and seek to reflect God's love and grace in that interaction.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering me and bringing me to Yourself. Help me to obey Your voice and keep Your covenant, living as Your treasured possession. Empower me to be a part of Your kingdom of priests and holy nation, reflecting Your love and holiness to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
