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September 5-12, 2007

South Korean hostages released in Afghanistan

Warm-up Question:

What do you think we sacrifice as Christians living in a secular world? (What does secular mean?) Or… What sets us apart as Christians, and does that involve sacrifice?

 

Twenty-one of the 23 South Korean hostages were released into the care of the International Committee of the Red Cross at two separate locations in central Afghanistan. The hostages were among 23 originally kidnapped as they traveled by bus from Kabul to Kandaher on July 19. Two of the hostages were killed during their captivity.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon assisted in the negotiations by talking to any leaders in Afghanistan and in the region that he thought might have influence.

The deal was made in face-to-face talks between South Korean diplomats and Taliban negotiators. Conditions for release included South Korea’s reaffirmation that it would withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. Seoul also indicated that it would prevent Christian missionary work in Afghanistan, something it had previously agreed to do.

The government of South Korea and family members of the hostages have continued to stress that the South Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan were not missionaries, but helped in hospitals and other areas where assistance was needed.

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever started a project that you had not thought out well? What happened?
  2. Have you ever missed an opportunity to identify yourself as Christian or to talk about Jesus or your faith? What happened? In what ways and in what situations do you look for opportunities to talk about Jesus and your faith?
  3. What would you define as a ‘Christian’ lifestyle? In what ways does your faith show through in your daily life and relationships?
  4. What would you consider your most ‘Christ-like’ characteristic? How do others know you are a believer and follower of Christ?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, September 9, 2007.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1 (3)
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
Most everything we do or say carries some kind of risk with it. In our daily lives, we interact with others and we have the opportunity to change their life with a kind word, an extra helping of patience, or a physical deed of some kind. When it comes to our personal life, we are entrusted with other things to take care of. Whether it is money, time, or possessions, we always have the ability or opportunity to make good, responsible decisions. But when we don’t think something out, consequences can arise.

Jesus is clear about the cost of discipleship. In at least two translations, he uses the word ‘hate’ when he describes giving up relationships to all that we would treasure: family, friends, even life. We are all called to a different kind of sacrifice through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The definition of that sacrifice is determined by who, what, why, when, and how we separate ourselves from the people and things we love.

The key in all of this is not what we give up; it is what we become a part of. We become a part of Christ’s family, his church, where everyone is our spiritual relative. We inherit and become a part of ‘new life’ through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Holy Spirit guides us through the cross to make a difference. In Christ’s teachings in our gospel lesson, he is the foundation and reason for all the sacrifices that we might make in order to follow him.

The church workers in Afghanistan, if not missionaries, were most definitely setting themselves apart in the mission of the church to serve others. They left family, friends, and life as they knew it back home to serve and sacrifice their time for others, and they did it in a very dangerous environment.

Christ challenges us to understand the call to ministry and the risks of the cross in this gospel lesson. You and I may not face as much danger as others do when they profess and live their faith in Christ, but how the degree of danger involved isn’t really the important question. The important question has to do with whether or not we take the risk of living our faith and following Christ every day of our life, no matter where we are.

Discussion Questions

  1. Can you name a situation in which you felt uncomfortable being labeled a Christian? If so, what were the circumstances and what did you do?
  2. When was the last time you spoke to someone about Jesus outside of church, family, and immediate friends? How did that feel?
  3. Name five things about yourself that might give witness to others about your Christian faith? Or at least might hint at your faith?
  4. Does your congregation support a missionary, mission, or special ministry as a way of proclaiming and living the gospel in the world? Where and how? What kinds of ministry are you interested in supporting or getting involved in?

Activity Suggestions

  • Separate into four groups (or as one group). In five minutes, write down as many opportunities and needs as you can identify in the following areas:
    • Your congregation (yard work, rides for seniors, tutoring, care boxes for soldiers, helping new immigrants get settled, advocacy, etc)
    • Your community
    • In the United States
    • In the world

Consider whether or not you are called as a group or as an individual to pursue any of the areas you’ve identified.

  • Lead, or ask a pastor to lead, the “Affirmation of Baptism” liturgy for your group (Lutheran Book of Worship, pages 198-201; Evangelical Lutheran Worship,
    pages 234-237).


Closing Prayer
(Prayer for “Congregational Ministries,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 76.)

Almighty God, your Holy Spirit equips the church with a rich variety of gifts. Grant that we may use them to bear witness to Christ in lives that are built on faith and love. Make us ready to live the gospel and eager to do your will, so that we may share with all your church in the joys of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
 

Contributed by Matthew R. Nelson
Walla Walla, WA
 

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

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