The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893
In [Christ] we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his gory, we who first hoped in Christ. Ephesians 1:11-12These verses from Ephesians were part of my morning devotions today. Paul seems so confident and assured -- as if it should be self-evident that God is large and in-charge. However, sometimes God feels distant, uninterested, and at best oblivious to the daily trials and burdens with which we so valiantly contend.
We confess that, in Christ, God has come near. The faith of the church is that God has taken on our nature and our lot and has made us a new creation in Christ. While that is the official "company" line, for many it seems to be simply too many words. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, or when we find ourselves bombarded with so many trials and perplexities, it would be nice for a clearer -- more obvious -- way that leads to life.
When we lack the clarity and confidence that we believe must materialize following our hard work and fidelity to expectations, than it is so easy to despair.
So what do we say to one another when we are in such a situation? How do we assist one another to weather such periods of confusion and indifference?
These are some of the questions I ponder as your pastor.
My current conclusion is that we (and when I say we, I am referring to "us" as a congregation) have both an opportunity and an obligation to be a community in which it is okay to question, doubt, and be open and honest about our struggles. In other words, we ought not feel obligated to "put on a happy face" when inside, in our gut, we are struggling and suffering. If the church, the community of faith, isn't a place in which we can be honest and authentic, then what are we to do?
What do you think? What can we do for and with one another when we are faced with difficulties that test our faith beyond our individual ability to contend? How do you keep things in perspective? What experiences have you had that seemed to threaten your spiritual vitality? How could you share your faith and strength with others who are need of your witness?
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble. - Philipp Melanchthon
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Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
November 9, 2014
Prayer of the Day
O God of justice and love,
you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son.
Give us the light we need,
and awaken us to the needs of others,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Readings
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
My thoughts about support for each other as a church family is to be aware of the problems we may be facing as an individual or a family and connect with those having a problem or needing help.. I don't believe we should attend services, walk out the door and go through our own weekly activities when someone in our congregation is in need or hurting. We need to find out those needs (if appropriate with the individual or family) and step up to the plate and help. I'm planning to discuss this with the new group of Neighbors Connecting to share how we can help each other. My home situation these past few months made me realize how a church family can come to the aid when illness or tragedy strikes, and I truly believe as a church, we must reach out to our church family and sometimes into the community to help in whatever way we can.. I don't care if it is just a "bowl of soup" delivered at just the right time, or a phone call or card to indicate that we care, just as Jesus commanded us to do.
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