Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Oct. 4
Good Words from the Word Part 4
We can all use some encouragement. Why not open our hearts and minds to the One we call the Word, the embodiment of Divine wisdom and life?
Do you ever feel like you are not making a difference? That your energy and efforts are wasted? It is easy to feel that way when so much is beyond our control and the powers of evil seem to have the upper hand.
Jesus understands. Yes, he was the Beloved Son of God (Mark 1:11). But have you ever noticed that the very next thing this Beloved Son of God faces is temptation in the wilderness (Mark 1:12-13)? And that was only the beginning. Here are a some of the other challenges Jesus faced in his brief ministry: threats from Roman collaborators and authorities, rejection in his hometown, the execution of his mentor, disbelief from his own disciples, betrayal, arrest, and let’s not forget—crucifixion. Yes, Jesus understands discouragement. You can hear it in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: My Father, let this cup of suffering pass from me (Matthew 26:39).
The Word spoke another word in that garden where he was grieved and agitated (Matthew 26:37). Jesus also prayed, not my will but your will be done. When we are ready to give in and give up, remember our higher purpose—to align ourselves with the values and purpose of God. Like Jesus we can do hard things when we remember that aligning with God’s will means we are aligning with a promise that ultimately love and life will prevail. Yes, Jesus suffered, died, and was buried, but a couple of days later the sun rose on an empty tomb, and life surprised everyone!
The Word is for you. The Word understands. The Word makes a way when there is no way. Take heart and be encouraged.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
