Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
For February 8, 2026:
Untethering Jesus From the Interests of the Empire
by Tom Willadsen
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20
“How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values?” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, following the murder of Alex Pretti, Saturday, January 24, 2026
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Bob Dylan, 1962
In the Scriptures
Isaiah 58;1-9a (9b-12)
Today’s lesson from the prophets echoes last week’s when Micah 6:1-8 was the text. The point of piety is not performative, “Look at me, God, how I’m denying myself!” The point is to care for the vulnerable. Those acts will cause light to dawn on the nation. This passage foreshadows Matthew 25:31-36. Applications to those protesting the violence on American citizens filling the airwaves from Minneapolis are obvious.
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
The latter part of the day’s psalm reading, vv. 6-10, promises that those who are righteous and firm, secure in the Lord, will triumph. The wicked, the happy conclusion of the psalm avers, will gnash their teeth and melt away. It will take considerable faith and perseverance for the faithful to endure in the face of violence from federal agents.
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Paul exalts his humility to the Corinthians in today’s portion of his first letter to them. He’s not wise; he’s not articulate. His weakness showed them — or at least his strategy in sharing the gospel was to show them — that it’s the gospel alone, not polish and sophistication that should persuade the Corinthians. The Holy Spirit has made all this possible, not Paul’s ability or charm.
Matthew 5:13-20
Last week’s gospel passage told the faithful to rejoice in their suffering for persecution; the prophets suffered the same as you — so you’re in good company! This week’s message reminds them that they are salt — a flavoring and preservative for food, and light — the thing that keeps them from stubbing their toes on the way to the bathroom at night. Their task is to be salt and light. Shine for all the world to see. If salt loses its saltiness (a chemical impossibility) it might as well be the title of Led Zeppelin’s 1975 hit, “Trampled Under Foot.”
In the News/In the Sermon
I was born in 1964, the last year of the baby boom and the year that membership peaked in my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). By the time I got to Presbyterian church camp in the mid-70s, the counselors were retired, or recovering hippies, who taught us protest songs around the campfire. My middle school music teacher was of the same vintage, so I am steeped in the canon of Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, and the Kingston Trio.
When Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the press following the murder of Alex Pretti, his refrain of “how many residents?...how many Americans?...how many lives?” called to mind the answer to Bob Dylan’s rhetorical questions, “The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”
As The Immediate Word’s pop music avatar, I am ethically compelled to note that Peter, Paul & Mary’s version of Dylan’s song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1963, and Stevie Wonder’s version reached #9 in 1966. My personal favorite is this duet between Glen Campbell and Stevie Wonder from 1969.
How many times can a man turn his head / and pretend that he just doesn’t see?
Federal agents killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. A Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Contrary to what federal officials have said, neither Good nor Pretti was posing any threat whatsoever to their murderers. Following Pretti’s murder, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, “We are a safe city. ICE had made us less so.”
If you need a refresher, and can tolerate the sound of gunfire, here’s a video of Renee Nicole Good murder and one of Alex Pretti’s.
The moment for American Christians to choose which empire we serve, the United States’ or Christ’s, is now.
It is not the task of the church to “Make American Great Again.” The contemporary
task of the church is to make Christianity countercultural again. And once we
untether Jesus from the interests of the empire we begin to see just how
countercultural and radical Jesus’ ideas really are.
Enemies? Love them.
Violence? Renounce it.
Money? Share it.
Foreigners? Welcome them.
Sinners? Forgive them.
These are the kind of radical ideas that will be opposed by the principalities and powers, but which the followers of Jesus are called to embrace, announce, and enact. And the degree to which the church is faithful to Jesus and his radical ideas is the degree to which the church embodies a faith that is truly countercultural. It’s not the Christianity of Constantine that can face the challenge of secularism, but the Christianity of the catacombs.
(Brian Zahnd, Postcards from Babylon)
SECOND THOUGHTS
The Taste of Liberation
by Katy Stenta
Psalm 112:1-9 (10), Matthew 5:13-20
We are the salt of the earth. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is Good.” God tastes good, and once we taste God’s goodness, we know it, and we in turn, become tasty as well. What is amazing about salt is one cannot lose saltiness. Salt does nothing but enhance the good flavors that already exist. Just as light shows what is already present, we are meant to be the enhancers. In some ways, we are called to be the most humane of humans. To enhance humanity by showing how humanly human we can be with light and salt enhancements.
Christine Hong talks about how taste is an amazing sense because no one can take away your taste of home. It cannot be colonized. In her Keynote 1 at NEXTchurch, she describes the home dishes passed down from her grandmother’s homeland of Korea, where her family was exiled from and might never be able to return. Yet the taste of the soil and sun remains in the cooked, spiced, lovingly homemade dishes that she tastes and then experiments to recreate in adulthood. Without a recipe, she relies upon her tastebuds to find that taste of home. We all have that favorite dish that no one can take away from us. Hong says, “Genealogies of the intangible are epistemologies…they are ways of reconnecting with the stuff of liberation, they are the ancestor’s pedagogy of love.”
To feed people properly is to love them. When little Liam Ramos was detained, a light was cast upon the conditions of all the detainees being held in Dilley, Texas. The conditions are inhumane, with unsanitary food, water, and more. However, we know what liberation tastes like, and it is not what we are experiencing in the US right now. Liberation is about justice and peace for everyone. It is time to shine more light on what is going on with ICE and Customs and Border Patrol. As Christine Hong says, “You have inherited what cannot be stolen by empire, you have inherited what is meant to be shared and passed on, so that God’s justice and mercy and love can be tasted and proclaimed by all.”
Praise God.
ILLUSTRATIONS
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” is central to Isaiah 58:1-9a, which critiques superficial worship and emphasizes true devotion to God. This highlights to believers that their genuine faith is shown through actions, encouraging them to feel motivated to examine their own lives and deepen their commitment.
The verses contrast ritualistic practices with ethical demands, like liberating the oppressed and caring for the needy, exposing the disconnect between outward observance and God’s desire for justice and compassion. God criticizes exploitative behaviors, reminding believers that true fasting involves pursuing justice through tangible actions.
The passage promises that embodying divine values of compassion will lead to experiencing God’s blessings and presence. This should inspire believers to feel hopeful and encouraged, motivating them to live out love and justice as a reflection of their faith.
* * *
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
Roots of Righteousness
The Hallel Psalms occupy a sacred space within the liturgy of Jewish festivals — Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot — serving as lyrical tributes to the divine. Rooted in the Hebrew term “הלל,” meaning “to praise,” Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. These psalms embody humanity’s response to the magnificent works of God. Among them, Psalm 112 emerges as a profound reflection on the nature of righteousness and the deep-seated blessings that accompany a life aligned with divine principles.
It begins with the call to “Praise the Lord!” — a reminder that worship is central to spiritual life — and highlights the joy found in obeying God’s commandments. The psalm illustrates the righteous person, whose legacy is marked by strength and integrity, showing that true fulfillment comes from spiritual integrity rather than material wealth.
Psalm 112 also emphasizes resilience; the righteous remain unshaken amidst challenges, trusting in God. This trust fosters peace and hope in a world often filled with fear. Moreover, the psalm portrays righteousness as a source of generosity and justice, bringing goodness into the world.
The narrative further illuminates the theme of resilience. The righteous person, fortified by faith, stands unshaken in the face of life’s uncertainties. “They are not afraid of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” This vivid imagery conveys the profound peace that stems from an unwavering confidence in God — a sanctuary amidst turmoil.
What a stark contrast this presents to a world often gripped by fear and anxiety! Here, the psalmist reassures us that a life rooted in righteousness is both a source of hope and a lighthouse guiding us through darkness.
Ultimately, Psalm 112 invites us to cultivate faithfulness, integrity, and compassion, inspiring us to align with God’s character.
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Embracing Divine Wisdom
The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians to address issues such as divisions, moral challenges, and worship practices within the church, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among believers. His goals were to promote unity, clarify teachings about the resurrection, and emphasize the importance of love in the Christian community.
Paul asserts that his approach to sharing the gospel was not based on persuasive language or human wisdom, but rather on the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminds believers that true strength comes from divine influence rather than rhetorical skill. By focusing exclusively on Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, Paul establishes the gospel’s core message.
He also discusses the mystery of God’s wisdom, which is not readily understood by natural reasoning. Paul explains that this wisdom is revealed through the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment to grasp divine insights beyond human reasoning, encouraging believers to trust in the Spirit’s guidance.
In verses 10-12, Paul highlights the Spirit’s role in imparting truths to believers, contrasting worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom, which prepares them for spiritual understanding. The passage concludes with the affirmation that believers possess the Spirit of God, enabling them to comprehend the gifts God bestows, encouraging believers to seek the Spirit’s guidance actively in their lives.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Salt and Light
The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, is essential for understanding Jesus’s message and mission. It not only provides a moral compass for believers but also reveals the heart of God’s kingdom, calling individuals to a transformative way of living that reflects his love and righteousness.
The Sermon on the Mount, especially in 13-20, emphasizes that being salt and light is a vital calling, inspiring believers to see their role as meaningful and impactful in the world.
Pakistan had a feather in its cap for having the second largest Jesus statue. Jesus states that his disciples are the “salt of the earth.” This metaphor implies that, just as salt preserves and enhances flavor, Christians are called to protect and enrich the world around them. If the salt loses its flavor, it becomes worthless, illustrating the importance of maintaining one’s faith and influence.
Further, in 14-16, Jesus continues with the imagery of light, declaring that his followers are the “light of the world.” A city on a hill cannot be hidden and neither should its light be concealed. Instead, believers are to let their light shine before others, so that their good deeds glorify God. This emphasizes the call to live authentically and to be visible witnesses of their faith.
In verses 17-20, Jesus clarifies his relationship to the law. He insists that he did not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. For believers today, this means that God’s moral standards remain relevant and are to be upheld through love and integrity. Jesus indicates that even the smallest aspects of the law will be upheld, challenging us to pursue righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and embody the true spirit of the law in our daily lives.
The call for us in the present world is to preserve moral integrity and promote kindness, living righteously and intentionally, positively inspiring others and fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:
Isaiah 58:1-9a
Pretending to practice righteousness
Isaiah’s words may sound strikingly contemporary to us this winter. Here the prophet denounces a conceited, self-serving oppressive power structure that prioritizes greed over justice. He critiques leaders more concerned with looking important than honoring God. Many will notice the immediate connection between this postexilic prophet and the United States in the winter of 2026.
Isaiah’s community has been wondering why God isn’t paying attention to the ways they’ve pretended to practice righteousness. Truthfully, God has seen, and God is not at all pleased. They have elevated themselves at the expense of others, while God calls them to a humbler pathway.
The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are two stories that elevate the sort of “humble fast” Isaiah mentions in 58:6-8. There are other stories, too, including the humble witness of two teenaged brothers from Chicago whose actions have helped “loose the bonds of injustice.” Sam and Ben Luhmann are home-schooled high schoolers who have been trained as ICE watchers. They document the federal agent’s actions with cell phone video and photographs. They use whistles and car horns to alert others of the immigration enforcement agents’ actions, and are part of a growing network of citizens who have sought this sort of training. The brothers shared their story with a television reporter.
“(Federal agents are) constantly pushing people and beating them up, kneeing them in the face when they’re down on the ground, or shoving their head into ice or pavement so that they’re scraped up,” Ben said. He and his brother have been following agents around Minneapolis recently as part of their commitment to justice. While they have other things they’d prefer to be doing, the brothers say they have chosen to speak out against the administration’s policies.
“I think it’s so wrong, and it’s hard to see that and just say, ‘It doesn’t personally affect me, so I’m gonna ignore it and let other people suffer the consequences,’” Sam said. “This is happening, it’s not okay, and I’m gonna do something about it.”
* * *
Isaiah 58:1-9a
Recovering a secure spiritual base
Isaiah offers a call for a more humble approach to repairing the broken spiritual, moral, and political institutions faced by the returning exiles. In a similar fashion, conservative columnist David Brooks suggests that the United States consider a different approach to repairing our eroded moral infrastructure.
Brooks, who has left The New York Times to accept a fellowship at Yale University, has long written about the pitfalls of a morality built around the charisma of overly confident, less than humble leaders he has named “boardroom lions.” In his final column for The New York Times last weekend, Brooks applied a similar metaphor for a new, more humble approach to rebuilding our nation’s core foundations.
Given the state of our beleaguered and fractured humanity, Brooks says the critical question for the United States is “How can we reverse this pervasive loss of faith in one another, in our future and in our shared ideals?”
Like Isaiah, Brooks notes the shift from radical honesty and hopeful participation in community. He calls Americans to reverse this course by taking a move toward each other as neighbors and friends. His call to restore the nation’s “emotional, material, and spiritual base” ends with this quote from Reinhold Niebuhr:
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
When salt comes to church
Let’s face it: where there is snow, there is almost always going to be salt. And sometimes that salt ends up in church — if you don’t believe, just ask the person who cleans your church’s floors.
Americans love salt, and not just on their fries. Each fall we stockpile mounds of the ice-melting substance in weird, space-aged looking geodesic domes. On average, we spread 27 million tons of sodium chloride across roads and pavement to keep traffic flowing. The prevailing wisdom is often that more is better.
It reduces slips and falls, but it also lingers long on surfaces — including the hallways and entrances of churches, schools, and homes. There’s a good bit of irony in considering that on any given winter Sunday, there is a greater chance of seeing salt on the floors of a church than the saltiness Jesus called for in the world. Think about it: Are we Christians because we track excess salt into church, or are we Christians intent on spreading that salt thinly across the world?
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Wisdom and insights from the African-American church
“This Little Light of Mine” is a much loved song associated with those who marched in the Civil Rights movement. The website Ballad of America provides a detailed history of the song, whose origins are not clear. The song’s easily adapted lyrics and message has long been an anthem for those facing oppression.
According to one account, the phrase “this little light of mine,” borrowed from these verses in Matthew, was first published in a book of poetry in 1925 by Edward Gordan Ivans. In 1933, a newspaper reported that the song was sung during an African American Episcopal conference in Kalispell, Montana. It became associated with the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s as a freedom song. Bettie Mae Fikes improvised new lyrics during a protest in Alabama, calling out Sherriff Jim Clark. She recalled singing, ‘Tell Jim Clark, I'm gonna let it shine.’ And as I added my oppressors, other people in the audience began to shout out: ‘Tell the KKK!’ ‘Tell our president!’ It was like being free.”
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Genuine faith includes action
In a sermon on a different passage from Matthew, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an illustration that also fits Matthew 5:13-20. Jesus, Dr. King said, placed emphasis on genuine action. “Religion to be real and genuine must not only be something that men talk about, but it must be something that men live about. Jesus recognized that there is always the danger of having a high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds. He was quite certain that the tree of religion becomes dry and even dead when it fails to produce the fruit of action.”
* * * * * *
From team member Dean Feldmeyer:
Matthew 5:13-20
Salt Of The Earth
When Jesus used salt as a metaphor for his followers he was talking about more than a tasty mineral to sprinkle over food.
Salt had been used by humans for thousands of years before Jesus’ time. The earliest evidence of salt production dates back to around 6,000 BCE in China, where salt was harvested from lake beds. Ancient Egyptians valued salt use in religious offerings and mummification processes. Salt’s preservative qualities made it essential for food storage, allowing communities to maintain stable food supplies and sustain long voyages.
Salt was not only crucial for food preservation but also served as a valuable trade commodity. It was often used as currency; for instance, the term “salary” derives from the Latin word “salarium,” which referred to the wages given to Roman soldiers, sometimes paid in salt. This highlights salt’s economic importance in ancient Rome and other civilizations.
So valuable was salt in the ancient world that trade routes were established to bring it to Europe and the Middle East. The ancient Romans built salt roads, known as via salaria, to transport salt from coastal areas to inland cities. In Africa, the Saharan trade routes facilitated the exchange of salt for gold, with towns like Timbuktu thriving as centers of commerce based on salt.
In medieval Europe, salt trade routes linked the continent with cities like Salzburg, Austria, deriving their names from their association with salt.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9-12
Light Of the World
It would be a mistake to believe that people in the ancient world believed that light was simply something that came from the sun or a candle and was good for illuminating things they wanted to see. In fact, ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Plato explored the nature of light and vision, while mathematicians and astronomers like Euclid and Ptolemy contributed to the understanding of light’s properties. Thanks to them we have continued the modern exploration into light and what it can do.
Light travels at the speed of about or about 186,282 miles per second. This speed is constant that is crucial in various scientific calculations and theories, including Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Another constant of light is the angle of incidence in reflection. That is, the angle at which light hits a surface is equal to the angle at which it bounces off. This property is utilized in mirrors and optical devices such as periscopes and kaleidoscopes. It also provides direct evidence that light travels in straight lines, changing only when it reflects from a reflective surface.
When light passes from one medium to another (e.g., from air to water), it changes speed, causing it to bend. This bending of light is known as refraction and is responsible for phenomena such as the apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water.
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Mind Of Christ
When Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ,” he is talking about perspective. The followers of Jesus see life from a different perspective than people of the world.
A man read a newspaper ad for a Golden Retriever hunting dog for $2,500. He wondered how a dog could be that valuable, so he went to see it in action. The next morning, he met with the owner and they went hunting together with the dog. The dog flushed two birds from a clump of bushes, the man shot them and they fell into the water, the dog walked daintily on top of the water, grabbed the birds, walked back on top of the water and laid them at the man’s feet. He was amazed, and bought the dog on the spot. The next day he persuaded his brother to go hunting with him. They flushed a couple of birds and the dog again walked on top of the water, retrieved the birds, and walked back to their boat on top of the water.
He asked his brother what he thought of the dog and the brother replied, “Are you kidding me? You spent $2,500 on a dog who can’t swim?”
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Mind Of Christ
When Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ,” he is talking about perspective. The followers of Jesus see life from a different perspective than people of the world.
Maxims about perspective:
* * * * * *
WORSHIP
by George Reed
Call to Worship
One: Praise God! Happy are those who worship our God.
All: Joyful are all who greatly delight in God’s commandments.
One: They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright.
All: They are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
One: It is well with those who conduct their affairs with justice.
All: For the righteous will never be moved but will be remembered forever.
OR
One: Come and hear the word of our God.
All: We open our ears to listen to God’s good news.
One: Sometimes the news God calls us to carry is scary.
All: With God’s help we will bravely speak for our God.
One: Speak the truth with love and clarity.
All: We will proclaim God’s reign, which is among us.
Hymns and Songs
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (especially verse 3)
UMH: 103
H82: 423
PH: 263
GTG: 12
NCH: 1
CH: 66
LBW: 526
ELW: 834
W&P: 48
AMEC: 71
STLT: 273
Renew: 46
La Palabra Del Señor Es Recta (Righteous and Just Is the World of Our Lord): (Not in many hymnals but worth a look)
UMH: 107
GTG: 155
I’ll Praise My maker Wile I’ve Breath
UMH: 60
H82: 429
PH: 253
GTG: 806
CH: 20
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMH: 140
GTG: 39
AAHH: 158
NNBH: 45
NCH: 423
CH: 86
ELW: 733
W&P: 72
AMEC: 84
Renew: 249
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
UMH: 154/155
H82: 450/451
PH: 142/143
GTG: 263
AAHH: 292/293/294
NNBH: 3/5
NCH: 304
CH: 91/92
LBW: 328/329
ELW: 634
W&P: 100/106
AMEC: 4/5/6
Renew: 45
Hope of the World
UMH: 178
H82: 472
PH: 360
GTG: 734
NCH: 46
CH: 538
LBW: 493
W&P: 404
Christ Is Alive
UMH: 318
H82: 18/2
PH: 108
GTG: 246
LBW: 363
ELW: 389
W&P: 312
Renew: 300
Spirit of the Living God
UMH: 393
PH: 322
GTG: 288
AAHH: 320
NNBH: 133
NCH: 283
CH: 259
W&P: 492
Renew: 90
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
UMH: 430
H82: 659/660
PH: 357
GTG: 738
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
ELW: 818
W&P: 589
AMEC: 299
All Who Love and Serve Your City
UMH: 433
H82: 570/571
PH: 413
GTG: 351
CH: 670
LBW: 436
ELW: 724
W&P: 625
Sanctuary
CCB: 87
Renew: 185
We Are His Hands
CCB: 85
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is pure Being without any internal division:
Grant us the grace to seek to bring our words and deeds
into alignment with the image you placed within us;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are completely trustworthy. There is no deceit in you. Your intentions and actions are one. Help us to bring our words and actions into alignment with the image you placed in us at our creation. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when our words and actions do not align with your image within us.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another, that we have sinned. We chose to be liked by people rather than being true to your image. We speak soft words so people will accept us when we need to speak the hard words of truth. By the power of your Spirit, revive in us our passion for your reign, which you bring here on Earth as well as in Heaven. Amen.
One: God always welcomes us into the heavenly reign. Receive God’s forgiveness and be God’s likeness in this world.
Prayers of the People
Praise and glory be to you, O God. You desire good for your people and that we might speak your truth to one another.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another ,that we have sinned. We chose to be liked by people rather than being true to your image. We speak soft words so people will accept us when we need to speak the hard words of truth. By the power of your Spirit revive in us our passion for your reign, which you bring here on Earth as well as in Heaven.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have shared your truth with us. We thank you for those who have faithfully spoken your message. We thank you for the scriptures through which you continue to call us and instruct us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for your children in their need. We pray for those who have turned away from you because the messages about you were not true to who you are. We pray for those who long to hear your words. We pray for ourselves that together we may bravely speak for you.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Being Like Salt
by Mary Austin
Matthew 5:13-20
Supplies
Hi everyone — how are you all?
In today’s scripture, Jesus says a strange thing — he says the people who love him are like salt. That sounds really strange to me.
It turns out, though, that salt is really important. In Jesus’ time, before refrigerators, salt kept food safe to eat. In our time, it makes food taste good. Let’s try it. Who wants to try a cracker and see what you think?
(Hand over the unsalted cracker, and get the reaction.)
Uh oh — that one has no salt, and I guess it’s not very good. Let’s try another one. [Hand over a salted cracker, and get the reaction.] Better? Salt adds a special flavor to food, when you have the right amount.
(Invite the kids to try the variety of crackers.)
Just like these crackers, there are lots of ways to be salt in the world, and to make the world better. Some salt is loud and some is quiet, some you can taste right away, and some is subtle. We’re all salt and we all make the world better in different ways. Everyone has their own flavor to add to the world.
Let’s pray
God who loves us,
we thank you for tasty food
and for people who make the world better.
Help us to be like salt,
adding flavor and love
wherever we go. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, February 8, 2026 issue.
Copyright 2026 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
- Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20.
- Second Thoughts: The Taste of Liberation by Katy Stenta based on Psalm 112:1-9 (10) and Matthew 5:13-20.
- Sermon illustrations by Nazish Naseem, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating.
- Worship resources by George Reed.
- Children’s sermon: Being Like Salt by Mary Austin based on Matthew 5:13-20.
Untethering Jesus From the Interests of the Empireby Tom Willadsen
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20
“How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values?” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, following the murder of Alex Pretti, Saturday, January 24, 2026
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Bob Dylan, 1962
In the Scriptures
Isaiah 58;1-9a (9b-12)
Today’s lesson from the prophets echoes last week’s when Micah 6:1-8 was the text. The point of piety is not performative, “Look at me, God, how I’m denying myself!” The point is to care for the vulnerable. Those acts will cause light to dawn on the nation. This passage foreshadows Matthew 25:31-36. Applications to those protesting the violence on American citizens filling the airwaves from Minneapolis are obvious.
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
The latter part of the day’s psalm reading, vv. 6-10, promises that those who are righteous and firm, secure in the Lord, will triumph. The wicked, the happy conclusion of the psalm avers, will gnash their teeth and melt away. It will take considerable faith and perseverance for the faithful to endure in the face of violence from federal agents.
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Paul exalts his humility to the Corinthians in today’s portion of his first letter to them. He’s not wise; he’s not articulate. His weakness showed them — or at least his strategy in sharing the gospel was to show them — that it’s the gospel alone, not polish and sophistication that should persuade the Corinthians. The Holy Spirit has made all this possible, not Paul’s ability or charm.
Matthew 5:13-20
Last week’s gospel passage told the faithful to rejoice in their suffering for persecution; the prophets suffered the same as you — so you’re in good company! This week’s message reminds them that they are salt — a flavoring and preservative for food, and light — the thing that keeps them from stubbing their toes on the way to the bathroom at night. Their task is to be salt and light. Shine for all the world to see. If salt loses its saltiness (a chemical impossibility) it might as well be the title of Led Zeppelin’s 1975 hit, “Trampled Under Foot.”
In the News/In the Sermon
I was born in 1964, the last year of the baby boom and the year that membership peaked in my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). By the time I got to Presbyterian church camp in the mid-70s, the counselors were retired, or recovering hippies, who taught us protest songs around the campfire. My middle school music teacher was of the same vintage, so I am steeped in the canon of Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, and the Kingston Trio.
When Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the press following the murder of Alex Pretti, his refrain of “how many residents?...how many Americans?...how many lives?” called to mind the answer to Bob Dylan’s rhetorical questions, “The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”
As The Immediate Word’s pop music avatar, I am ethically compelled to note that Peter, Paul & Mary’s version of Dylan’s song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1963, and Stevie Wonder’s version reached #9 in 1966. My personal favorite is this duet between Glen Campbell and Stevie Wonder from 1969.
How many times can a man turn his head / and pretend that he just doesn’t see?
Federal agents killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. A Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection officer shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Contrary to what federal officials have said, neither Good nor Pretti was posing any threat whatsoever to their murderers. Following Pretti’s murder, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, “We are a safe city. ICE had made us less so.”
If you need a refresher, and can tolerate the sound of gunfire, here’s a video of Renee Nicole Good murder and one of Alex Pretti’s.
The moment for American Christians to choose which empire we serve, the United States’ or Christ’s, is now.
It is not the task of the church to “Make American Great Again.” The contemporary
task of the church is to make Christianity countercultural again. And once we
untether Jesus from the interests of the empire we begin to see just how
countercultural and radical Jesus’ ideas really are.
Enemies? Love them.
Violence? Renounce it.
Money? Share it.
Foreigners? Welcome them.
Sinners? Forgive them.
These are the kind of radical ideas that will be opposed by the principalities and powers, but which the followers of Jesus are called to embrace, announce, and enact. And the degree to which the church is faithful to Jesus and his radical ideas is the degree to which the church embodies a faith that is truly countercultural. It’s not the Christianity of Constantine that can face the challenge of secularism, but the Christianity of the catacombs.
(Brian Zahnd, Postcards from Babylon)
SECOND THOUGHTSThe Taste of Liberation
by Katy Stenta
Psalm 112:1-9 (10), Matthew 5:13-20
We are the salt of the earth. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is Good.” God tastes good, and once we taste God’s goodness, we know it, and we in turn, become tasty as well. What is amazing about salt is one cannot lose saltiness. Salt does nothing but enhance the good flavors that already exist. Just as light shows what is already present, we are meant to be the enhancers. In some ways, we are called to be the most humane of humans. To enhance humanity by showing how humanly human we can be with light and salt enhancements.
Christine Hong talks about how taste is an amazing sense because no one can take away your taste of home. It cannot be colonized. In her Keynote 1 at NEXTchurch, she describes the home dishes passed down from her grandmother’s homeland of Korea, where her family was exiled from and might never be able to return. Yet the taste of the soil and sun remains in the cooked, spiced, lovingly homemade dishes that she tastes and then experiments to recreate in adulthood. Without a recipe, she relies upon her tastebuds to find that taste of home. We all have that favorite dish that no one can take away from us. Hong says, “Genealogies of the intangible are epistemologies…they are ways of reconnecting with the stuff of liberation, they are the ancestor’s pedagogy of love.”
To feed people properly is to love them. When little Liam Ramos was detained, a light was cast upon the conditions of all the detainees being held in Dilley, Texas. The conditions are inhumane, with unsanitary food, water, and more. However, we know what liberation tastes like, and it is not what we are experiencing in the US right now. Liberation is about justice and peace for everyone. It is time to shine more light on what is going on with ICE and Customs and Border Patrol. As Christine Hong says, “You have inherited what cannot be stolen by empire, you have inherited what is meant to be shared and passed on, so that God’s justice and mercy and love can be tasted and proclaimed by all.”
Praise God.
ILLUSTRATIONS
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” is central to Isaiah 58:1-9a, which critiques superficial worship and emphasizes true devotion to God. This highlights to believers that their genuine faith is shown through actions, encouraging them to feel motivated to examine their own lives and deepen their commitment.
The verses contrast ritualistic practices with ethical demands, like liberating the oppressed and caring for the needy, exposing the disconnect between outward observance and God’s desire for justice and compassion. God criticizes exploitative behaviors, reminding believers that true fasting involves pursuing justice through tangible actions.
The passage promises that embodying divine values of compassion will lead to experiencing God’s blessings and presence. This should inspire believers to feel hopeful and encouraged, motivating them to live out love and justice as a reflection of their faith.
* * *
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
Roots of Righteousness
The Hallel Psalms occupy a sacred space within the liturgy of Jewish festivals — Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot — serving as lyrical tributes to the divine. Rooted in the Hebrew term “הלל,” meaning “to praise,” Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. These psalms embody humanity’s response to the magnificent works of God. Among them, Psalm 112 emerges as a profound reflection on the nature of righteousness and the deep-seated blessings that accompany a life aligned with divine principles.
It begins with the call to “Praise the Lord!” — a reminder that worship is central to spiritual life — and highlights the joy found in obeying God’s commandments. The psalm illustrates the righteous person, whose legacy is marked by strength and integrity, showing that true fulfillment comes from spiritual integrity rather than material wealth.
Psalm 112 also emphasizes resilience; the righteous remain unshaken amidst challenges, trusting in God. This trust fosters peace and hope in a world often filled with fear. Moreover, the psalm portrays righteousness as a source of generosity and justice, bringing goodness into the world.
The narrative further illuminates the theme of resilience. The righteous person, fortified by faith, stands unshaken in the face of life’s uncertainties. “They are not afraid of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” This vivid imagery conveys the profound peace that stems from an unwavering confidence in God — a sanctuary amidst turmoil.
What a stark contrast this presents to a world often gripped by fear and anxiety! Here, the psalmist reassures us that a life rooted in righteousness is both a source of hope and a lighthouse guiding us through darkness.
Ultimately, Psalm 112 invites us to cultivate faithfulness, integrity, and compassion, inspiring us to align with God’s character.
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Embracing Divine Wisdom
The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians to address issues such as divisions, moral challenges, and worship practices within the church, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among believers. His goals were to promote unity, clarify teachings about the resurrection, and emphasize the importance of love in the Christian community.
Paul asserts that his approach to sharing the gospel was not based on persuasive language or human wisdom, but rather on the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminds believers that true strength comes from divine influence rather than rhetorical skill. By focusing exclusively on Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, Paul establishes the gospel’s core message.
He also discusses the mystery of God’s wisdom, which is not readily understood by natural reasoning. Paul explains that this wisdom is revealed through the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment to grasp divine insights beyond human reasoning, encouraging believers to trust in the Spirit’s guidance.
In verses 10-12, Paul highlights the Spirit’s role in imparting truths to believers, contrasting worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom, which prepares them for spiritual understanding. The passage concludes with the affirmation that believers possess the Spirit of God, enabling them to comprehend the gifts God bestows, encouraging believers to seek the Spirit’s guidance actively in their lives.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Salt and Light
The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, is essential for understanding Jesus’s message and mission. It not only provides a moral compass for believers but also reveals the heart of God’s kingdom, calling individuals to a transformative way of living that reflects his love and righteousness.
The Sermon on the Mount, especially in 13-20, emphasizes that being salt and light is a vital calling, inspiring believers to see their role as meaningful and impactful in the world.
Pakistan had a feather in its cap for having the second largest Jesus statue. Jesus states that his disciples are the “salt of the earth.” This metaphor implies that, just as salt preserves and enhances flavor, Christians are called to protect and enrich the world around them. If the salt loses its flavor, it becomes worthless, illustrating the importance of maintaining one’s faith and influence.
Further, in 14-16, Jesus continues with the imagery of light, declaring that his followers are the “light of the world.” A city on a hill cannot be hidden and neither should its light be concealed. Instead, believers are to let their light shine before others, so that their good deeds glorify God. This emphasizes the call to live authentically and to be visible witnesses of their faith.
In verses 17-20, Jesus clarifies his relationship to the law. He insists that he did not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. For believers today, this means that God’s moral standards remain relevant and are to be upheld through love and integrity. Jesus indicates that even the smallest aspects of the law will be upheld, challenging us to pursue righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and embody the true spirit of the law in our daily lives.
The call for us in the present world is to preserve moral integrity and promote kindness, living righteously and intentionally, positively inspiring others and fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:Isaiah 58:1-9a
Pretending to practice righteousness
Isaiah’s words may sound strikingly contemporary to us this winter. Here the prophet denounces a conceited, self-serving oppressive power structure that prioritizes greed over justice. He critiques leaders more concerned with looking important than honoring God. Many will notice the immediate connection between this postexilic prophet and the United States in the winter of 2026.
Isaiah’s community has been wondering why God isn’t paying attention to the ways they’ve pretended to practice righteousness. Truthfully, God has seen, and God is not at all pleased. They have elevated themselves at the expense of others, while God calls them to a humbler pathway.
The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are two stories that elevate the sort of “humble fast” Isaiah mentions in 58:6-8. There are other stories, too, including the humble witness of two teenaged brothers from Chicago whose actions have helped “loose the bonds of injustice.” Sam and Ben Luhmann are home-schooled high schoolers who have been trained as ICE watchers. They document the federal agent’s actions with cell phone video and photographs. They use whistles and car horns to alert others of the immigration enforcement agents’ actions, and are part of a growing network of citizens who have sought this sort of training. The brothers shared their story with a television reporter.
“(Federal agents are) constantly pushing people and beating them up, kneeing them in the face when they’re down on the ground, or shoving their head into ice or pavement so that they’re scraped up,” Ben said. He and his brother have been following agents around Minneapolis recently as part of their commitment to justice. While they have other things they’d prefer to be doing, the brothers say they have chosen to speak out against the administration’s policies.
“I think it’s so wrong, and it’s hard to see that and just say, ‘It doesn’t personally affect me, so I’m gonna ignore it and let other people suffer the consequences,’” Sam said. “This is happening, it’s not okay, and I’m gonna do something about it.”
* * *
Isaiah 58:1-9a
Recovering a secure spiritual base
Isaiah offers a call for a more humble approach to repairing the broken spiritual, moral, and political institutions faced by the returning exiles. In a similar fashion, conservative columnist David Brooks suggests that the United States consider a different approach to repairing our eroded moral infrastructure.
Brooks, who has left The New York Times to accept a fellowship at Yale University, has long written about the pitfalls of a morality built around the charisma of overly confident, less than humble leaders he has named “boardroom lions.” In his final column for The New York Times last weekend, Brooks applied a similar metaphor for a new, more humble approach to rebuilding our nation’s core foundations.
Given the state of our beleaguered and fractured humanity, Brooks says the critical question for the United States is “How can we reverse this pervasive loss of faith in one another, in our future and in our shared ideals?”
Like Isaiah, Brooks notes the shift from radical honesty and hopeful participation in community. He calls Americans to reverse this course by taking a move toward each other as neighbors and friends. His call to restore the nation’s “emotional, material, and spiritual base” ends with this quote from Reinhold Niebuhr:
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
When salt comes to church
Let’s face it: where there is snow, there is almost always going to be salt. And sometimes that salt ends up in church — if you don’t believe, just ask the person who cleans your church’s floors.
Americans love salt, and not just on their fries. Each fall we stockpile mounds of the ice-melting substance in weird, space-aged looking geodesic domes. On average, we spread 27 million tons of sodium chloride across roads and pavement to keep traffic flowing. The prevailing wisdom is often that more is better.
It reduces slips and falls, but it also lingers long on surfaces — including the hallways and entrances of churches, schools, and homes. There’s a good bit of irony in considering that on any given winter Sunday, there is a greater chance of seeing salt on the floors of a church than the saltiness Jesus called for in the world. Think about it: Are we Christians because we track excess salt into church, or are we Christians intent on spreading that salt thinly across the world?
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Wisdom and insights from the African-American church
“This Little Light of Mine” is a much loved song associated with those who marched in the Civil Rights movement. The website Ballad of America provides a detailed history of the song, whose origins are not clear. The song’s easily adapted lyrics and message has long been an anthem for those facing oppression.
According to one account, the phrase “this little light of mine,” borrowed from these verses in Matthew, was first published in a book of poetry in 1925 by Edward Gordan Ivans. In 1933, a newspaper reported that the song was sung during an African American Episcopal conference in Kalispell, Montana. It became associated with the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s as a freedom song. Bettie Mae Fikes improvised new lyrics during a protest in Alabama, calling out Sherriff Jim Clark. She recalled singing, ‘Tell Jim Clark, I'm gonna let it shine.’ And as I added my oppressors, other people in the audience began to shout out: ‘Tell the KKK!’ ‘Tell our president!’ It was like being free.”
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20
Genuine faith includes action
In a sermon on a different passage from Matthew, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an illustration that also fits Matthew 5:13-20. Jesus, Dr. King said, placed emphasis on genuine action. “Religion to be real and genuine must not only be something that men talk about, but it must be something that men live about. Jesus recognized that there is always the danger of having a high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds. He was quite certain that the tree of religion becomes dry and even dead when it fails to produce the fruit of action.”
* * * * * *
From team member Dean Feldmeyer:Matthew 5:13-20
Salt Of The Earth
When Jesus used salt as a metaphor for his followers he was talking about more than a tasty mineral to sprinkle over food.
Salt had been used by humans for thousands of years before Jesus’ time. The earliest evidence of salt production dates back to around 6,000 BCE in China, where salt was harvested from lake beds. Ancient Egyptians valued salt use in religious offerings and mummification processes. Salt’s preservative qualities made it essential for food storage, allowing communities to maintain stable food supplies and sustain long voyages.
Salt was not only crucial for food preservation but also served as a valuable trade commodity. It was often used as currency; for instance, the term “salary” derives from the Latin word “salarium,” which referred to the wages given to Roman soldiers, sometimes paid in salt. This highlights salt’s economic importance in ancient Rome and other civilizations.
So valuable was salt in the ancient world that trade routes were established to bring it to Europe and the Middle East. The ancient Romans built salt roads, known as via salaria, to transport salt from coastal areas to inland cities. In Africa, the Saharan trade routes facilitated the exchange of salt for gold, with towns like Timbuktu thriving as centers of commerce based on salt.
In medieval Europe, salt trade routes linked the continent with cities like Salzburg, Austria, deriving their names from their association with salt.
* * *
Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9-12
Light Of the World
It would be a mistake to believe that people in the ancient world believed that light was simply something that came from the sun or a candle and was good for illuminating things they wanted to see. In fact, ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Plato explored the nature of light and vision, while mathematicians and astronomers like Euclid and Ptolemy contributed to the understanding of light’s properties. Thanks to them we have continued the modern exploration into light and what it can do.
Light travels at the speed of about or about 186,282 miles per second. This speed is constant that is crucial in various scientific calculations and theories, including Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Another constant of light is the angle of incidence in reflection. That is, the angle at which light hits a surface is equal to the angle at which it bounces off. This property is utilized in mirrors and optical devices such as periscopes and kaleidoscopes. It also provides direct evidence that light travels in straight lines, changing only when it reflects from a reflective surface.
When light passes from one medium to another (e.g., from air to water), it changes speed, causing it to bend. This bending of light is known as refraction and is responsible for phenomena such as the apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water.
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Mind Of Christ
When Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ,” he is talking about perspective. The followers of Jesus see life from a different perspective than people of the world.
A man read a newspaper ad for a Golden Retriever hunting dog for $2,500. He wondered how a dog could be that valuable, so he went to see it in action. The next morning, he met with the owner and they went hunting together with the dog. The dog flushed two birds from a clump of bushes, the man shot them and they fell into the water, the dog walked daintily on top of the water, grabbed the birds, walked back on top of the water and laid them at the man’s feet. He was amazed, and bought the dog on the spot. The next day he persuaded his brother to go hunting with him. They flushed a couple of birds and the dog again walked on top of the water, retrieved the birds, and walked back to their boat on top of the water.
He asked his brother what he thought of the dog and the brother replied, “Are you kidding me? You spent $2,500 on a dog who can’t swim?”
* * *
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Mind Of Christ
When Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ,” he is talking about perspective. The followers of Jesus see life from a different perspective than people of the world.
Maxims about perspective:
- “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” (Abraham Maslow quoted in Eating Problems for Breakfast by Tim Hansel, Word Publishing, 1988.)
- The soldiers saw Goliath and thought, “We can’t kill him.” David saw him and thought, “I can’t miss him.”
- “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” (Anaïs Nin)
- One would be wise to take the things one sees as a perspective rather than a truth.
- “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” (Max Planck)
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
- There was never a winter that was not eventually followed by a spring.
* * * * * *
WORSHIPby George Reed
Call to Worship
One: Praise God! Happy are those who worship our God.
All: Joyful are all who greatly delight in God’s commandments.
One: They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright.
All: They are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
One: It is well with those who conduct their affairs with justice.
All: For the righteous will never be moved but will be remembered forever.
OR
One: Come and hear the word of our God.
All: We open our ears to listen to God’s good news.
One: Sometimes the news God calls us to carry is scary.
All: With God’s help we will bravely speak for our God.
One: Speak the truth with love and clarity.
All: We will proclaim God’s reign, which is among us.
Hymns and Songs
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (especially verse 3)
UMH: 103
H82: 423
PH: 263
GTG: 12
NCH: 1
CH: 66
LBW: 526
ELW: 834
W&P: 48
AMEC: 71
STLT: 273
Renew: 46
La Palabra Del Señor Es Recta (Righteous and Just Is the World of Our Lord): (Not in many hymnals but worth a look)
UMH: 107
GTG: 155
I’ll Praise My maker Wile I’ve Breath
UMH: 60
H82: 429
PH: 253
GTG: 806
CH: 20
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMH: 140
GTG: 39
AAHH: 158
NNBH: 45
NCH: 423
CH: 86
ELW: 733
W&P: 72
AMEC: 84
Renew: 249
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
UMH: 154/155
H82: 450/451
PH: 142/143
GTG: 263
AAHH: 292/293/294
NNBH: 3/5
NCH: 304
CH: 91/92
LBW: 328/329
ELW: 634
W&P: 100/106
AMEC: 4/5/6
Renew: 45
Hope of the World
UMH: 178
H82: 472
PH: 360
GTG: 734
NCH: 46
CH: 538
LBW: 493
W&P: 404
Christ Is Alive
UMH: 318
H82: 18/2
PH: 108
GTG: 246
LBW: 363
ELW: 389
W&P: 312
Renew: 300
Spirit of the Living God
UMH: 393
PH: 322
GTG: 288
AAHH: 320
NNBH: 133
NCH: 283
CH: 259
W&P: 492
Renew: 90
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
UMH: 430
H82: 659/660
PH: 357
GTG: 738
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
ELW: 818
W&P: 589
AMEC: 299
All Who Love and Serve Your City
UMH: 433
H82: 570/571
PH: 413
GTG: 351
CH: 670
LBW: 436
ELW: 724
W&P: 625
Sanctuary
CCB: 87
Renew: 185
We Are His Hands
CCB: 85
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is pure Being without any internal division:
Grant us the grace to seek to bring our words and deeds
into alignment with the image you placed within us;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are completely trustworthy. There is no deceit in you. Your intentions and actions are one. Help us to bring our words and actions into alignment with the image you placed in us at our creation. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when our words and actions do not align with your image within us.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another, that we have sinned. We chose to be liked by people rather than being true to your image. We speak soft words so people will accept us when we need to speak the hard words of truth. By the power of your Spirit, revive in us our passion for your reign, which you bring here on Earth as well as in Heaven. Amen.
One: God always welcomes us into the heavenly reign. Receive God’s forgiveness and be God’s likeness in this world.
Prayers of the People
Praise and glory be to you, O God. You desire good for your people and that we might speak your truth to one another.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another ,that we have sinned. We chose to be liked by people rather than being true to your image. We speak soft words so people will accept us when we need to speak the hard words of truth. By the power of your Spirit revive in us our passion for your reign, which you bring here on Earth as well as in Heaven.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have shared your truth with us. We thank you for those who have faithfully spoken your message. We thank you for the scriptures through which you continue to call us and instruct us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for your children in their need. We pray for those who have turned away from you because the messages about you were not true to who you are. We pray for those who long to hear your words. We pray for ourselves that together we may bravely speak for you.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMONBeing Like Salt
by Mary Austin
Matthew 5:13-20
Supplies
- The most bland, boring unsalted cracker you can find. Try to find something that tastes bad.
- A variety of salted crackers: goldfish and other crackers.
- A plate for the crackers, and a small trash can.
Hi everyone — how are you all?
In today’s scripture, Jesus says a strange thing — he says the people who love him are like salt. That sounds really strange to me.
It turns out, though, that salt is really important. In Jesus’ time, before refrigerators, salt kept food safe to eat. In our time, it makes food taste good. Let’s try it. Who wants to try a cracker and see what you think?
(Hand over the unsalted cracker, and get the reaction.)
Uh oh — that one has no salt, and I guess it’s not very good. Let’s try another one. [Hand over a salted cracker, and get the reaction.] Better? Salt adds a special flavor to food, when you have the right amount.
(Invite the kids to try the variety of crackers.)
Just like these crackers, there are lots of ways to be salt in the world, and to make the world better. Some salt is loud and some is quiet, some you can taste right away, and some is subtle. We’re all salt and we all make the world better in different ways. Everyone has their own flavor to add to the world.
Let’s pray
God who loves us,
we thank you for tasty food
and for people who make the world better.
Help us to be like salt,
adding flavor and love
wherever we go. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, February 8, 2026 issue.
Copyright 2026 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
