Sermon – Deeper Trust and Love
Sermon Preached by Virginia Shek on Sunday, 28 June 2026
Readings: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 (Gospel)
In today’s world, many people are searching for certainty.
We want security in our families, stability in our work, peace in our communities, and assurance about the future. Yet the reality of life often confronts us with uncertainty, disappointment, or even suffering.
We hear of wars and violence across different nations. We see division and anxiety in our own society. Many people silently carry burdens of grief, illness, loneliness, or fear about what tomorrow may bring.
It’s not unusual to hear people ask difficult questions like: “Where is God in all this?” “Can God really be trusted?” “How do we continue believing when life becomes so painful and confusing?”
Today’s readings do not ignore these questions. They lead us directly into them.
In the first reading, Abraham faces an unimaginable test. God asks him to offer his beloved son Isaac, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt.” Even though I know the outcome, however, every time when I read this first half of the story, I find it very disturbing and painful, because I have two children, not just one.
We may wonder how Abraham could continue walking up the mountain in silence and obedience. Even though the Bible doesn’t mention Abraham’s emotions during that three-day journey, surely his heart must have been filled with fear, struggle, and sorrow.
Yet Abraham continues to trust. What kind of trust in God is this?
Abraham trusts, not because he fully understands, but because in his life he has learned that God remains faithful even when the path ahead is unclear.
Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt-offering.”
In the end, God provides. At the critical moment, Abraham sees the ram caught in the thicket, and the place becomes known as “The Lord will provide.”
This story reminds us that faith is not the absence of struggle or questions. Faith is choosing to trust God even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
Many of us know what it means to walk our own “Mount Moriah.” There are seasons when we carry heavy burdens, when prayers seem unanswered, when relationships break down, when plans collapse, or when grief overwhelms us.
In such moments, faith can feel fragile.
That is why today’s Psalm speaks so honestly: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” “How long will you hide your face from me?” How long…. how long……? “Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!”
The psalmist cries out from a place of deep anguish.
It is real, it is emotional, it is painfully raw.
And perhaps, in a gentle way, that is comforting for us.
The scripture reminds us that God welcomes honest prayer. We do not need to hide our fears, doubts, or tears from God. The psalm teaches us that lament itself can become an act of faith.
The psalm does not end in despair. After crying out in pain, the psalmist says, “But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord.”
That movement – from anguish to trust and praise- is a remarkable transformation of one’s faith journey.
Not because circumstances suddenly become easy, but because God remains faithful even in darkness, even amid the chaos of life, and even in moments when hope and direction seem lost.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us that we belong to Christ and are no longer under law but under grace. We are no longer slaves to fear, selfishness, hatred, or despair. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, a new life has begun.
But this new life requires daily surrender.
Every day, what we choose will shape us.
Will we be ruled by bitterness or by grace?
By fear or by hope?
By selfishness or by love?
Our Christian life is all about offering ourselves to God and allowing His grace to transform us.
And then, in the Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about how and what to do.
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
Jesus identifies Himself with His people. To welcome another person in love, compassion, and kindness is to welcome Christ Himself.
In a world often marked by suspicion, division, and indifference, Jesus calls His followers to become people of hospitality and generosity.
Even small acts matter.
“A cup of cold water” may seem insignificant, yet Jesus says such acts are seen, valued and rewarded by God.
Many people today feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten; no matter in workplaces, family relationships or communities. However, please don’t forget how powerful it can be when we offer just a simple act of kindness, listening, or compassion; showing and witnessing God’s presence in our daily lives.
The kingdom of God becomes visible not through grand displays of power or fancy church settings, but through ordinary acts of faithful love.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, my friends, we are all invited into a life of deeper trust and love.
We do not walk this journey alone.
The God who provided for Abraham is the same God who remains with us today.
So may we continue walking by faith.
May we trust God in times of uncertainty.
May we become people who reflect Christ’s mercy and compassion in our daily lives.
And may our words and actions point others toward the hope, grace, and peace found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.