By the Rev. Micah Krey
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7), Year A
June 21, 2026
Key Verse: “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” They devoted themselves to prayer.” — Matthew 10:39
Stewardship often brings to mind managing resources wisely. But sometimes stewardship is about something much more difficult: stewarding the courage to follow God when faithfulness comes at a cost.
Both Genesis 21 and Matthew 10 confront us with an uncomfortable reality. Following God’s call does not always lead to security. Sometimes it leads into uncertainty, conflict, or places we would never choose for ourselves.
In Genesis, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away into the wilderness. It is a heartbreaking story. They are vulnerable, abandoned, and running out of hope. Yet God sees them. When Hagar believes all is lost, God opens her eyes to a well of water and renews the promise that Ishmael’s life still matters. The story reminds us that stewardship begins not with what we possess, but with trusting the God who sees us and remains present even when familiar supports disappear.
Matthew 10 pushes this theme even further. Jesus prepares the disciples for the reality that their commitment to the gospel will create tension. The words are difficult to hear. Following Christ may disrupt relationships, challenge loyalties, and require costly choices. Yet, woven throughout the passage is a repeated assurance: “Do not be afraid.”
That phrase may be the key to understanding stewardship in these readings. Stewardship is not simply managing what God has given us; it is faithfully using those gifts in service of God’s mission, even when doing so feels risky. Time, talents, influence, relationships, and resources are not entrusted to us merely for self-preservation. They are entrusted to us for participation in God’s work in the world.
Paul’s words in Romans 6 help frame this challenge. Through baptism, believers are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection. Our primary identity is no longer rooted in protecting ourselves or preserving our status. Instead, we belong to Christ. We are invited into a new way of living, one shaped by resurrection hope rather than fear.
Many congregations know what it feels like to face uncertainty. Living in our baptismal identity rather than fear is often easier to proclaim than to practice. Communities wrestle with changing demographics, financial pressures, cultural shifts, and questions about the future. Individuals face vocational decisions, family challenges, health concerns, and moments when faithfulness requires courage.
These readings do not promise easy answers. Instead, they offer a deeper assurance: God remains present in the wilderness. God sees those who feel forgotten. God accompanies disciples when the road of faithfulness becomes difficult.
As preachers, we have an opportunity to name the fears that often shape our decisions and our stewardship. Fear of scarcity. Fear of change. Fear of conflict. Fear of failure. Yet, Jesus repeatedly points beyond those fears toward trust.
Stewardship, then, becomes an act of courage. It is the willingness to invest our lives in God’s promises even when outcomes remain uncertain. It is trusting that the God who provided water in the wilderness and accompanied the disciples into the world continues to provide, guide, and sustain us today. Faithful stewardship is not about avoiding risk. It is about trusting God’s presence enough to move forward anyway.
In Worship
Worship can reinforce the theme of courageous trust by reminding the congregation that God’s presence accompanies us in uncertain places. Consider hymns such as How Firm a Foundation, Be Not Afraid, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, or Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer. These songs acknowledge life’s challenges while grounding worshippers in God’s steadfast care.
The prayers of intercession might name places where courage is needed: navigating change, advocating for justice, facing illness, repairing relationships, or stepping into new opportunities for ministry. Invite the congregation to pray for those who feel like Hagar in the wilderness (harmed, forgotten, isolated, or uncertain about the future).
In the wilderness, water becomes a sign of God’s sustaining presence and promise. During the sermon or a time of reflection, invite worshippers to consider where they see signs of hope in their own lives. What reminders of God’s presence sustain them when the path ahead feels uncertain? What sources of encouragement, community, or grace give them courage to take the next faithful step? These moments of reflection can help the congregation recognize that God’s provision often appears not in the removal of hardship, but in the assurance that they do not face it alone.
Worship with Youth
Young people regularly face situations that require courage: standing up for a friend, trying something new, navigating social pressures, or making decisions about their future. Begin with questions like: “When have you had to do something even though you were nervous?” or “What helps you move forward when you don’t know how things will turn out?”
Explore how both Hagar and the disciples faced uncertain futures. Neither knew exactly what would happen next, yet God remained present with them. Courage in scripture is rarely the absence of fear. More often, it is trusting that God is with us even when we are afraid.
As an activity, invite youth to create a “courage map.” Have them identify a challenge or uncertainty they are facing and then list people, practices, and promises that help support them. Include prayer, trusted adults, scripture, friends, and community. Discuss how stewardship includes using the support systems God places in our lives and how faith communities help us navigate uncertainty together.
Worship with Children
Begin by asking: “Have you ever felt left out?” or “Have you ever worried that someone forgot about you?”
Explain that in today’s story, Hagar and her son Ishmael were alone in the wilderness. It was a frightening situation, and they felt like no one was looking out for them. But God saw them, heard them, and cared for them.
Hold up a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass and ask what they do. They help us notice things we might otherwise miss. Sometimes people feel overlooked, but God notices them. God pays attention to people who feel lonely, scared, or forgotten.
For an activity, give each child a paper heart and ask them to write or draw someone who might need kindness or encouragement this week. Gather the hearts together around a cross or baptismal font as a reminder that God sees and cares for every person. Encourage the children to think of one small way they can help someone feel noticed and loved.
Here are previous reflections for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7), Year A:
2023 – Baptisms, funerals, and God’s good abundance
2020 – Letting Go
2017 – Losers
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