Catastrophe strikes and life falls apart. Where do we turn for guidance through the lies, the violence, racism, political bashing, and fear of the pandemic that is facing us? Lives have been lost and many are feeling like the wind has been knocked out of them!
Before I dive into this sermon, here’s the link if you want to watch it first.
We can deal with catastrophes in one of two ways: deny or despair. We can deny what’s happening by going through life with blinders on, never acknowledging the atrocities going on around us.Refusing to see what is right before our eyes. Perhaps it doesn’t affect us personally. But despair can paralyze us and make us feel helpless, like there is nothing we can do about it. Only seeing the catastrophe and nothing else.
God is working in the midst of all that is happening. He is always doing new things to bring his people home.
It’s not about religion or a church building. It’s about building a relationship with Jesus Christ who came to earth to die in our place. He wants to know you, wants you to know him. We don’t know how to function in the world as it is any longer. We fight against each other instead of coming together for the good of everyone. We pit ourselves against each other trying to get the upper hand. But do you think that’s what God had in mind when he created the world and all that’s in it?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2
So we should live the way Jesus set an example for us. When asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40
Who could argue with that advice? Loving all people fixes everything that’s wrong with our world. Who thought it could be so simple? Do your part. Look to Jesus and live like he did.
I’m just as anxious as the next person to get back to living life, but let’s not go back to the old version. Let’s make a new version keeping in line with God’s word.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 