From the Pastor

No doubt, like John the Baptist, we may wonder when that purging judgment will come (Matthew 11:2-6). I do admit that it is easier to wish that all those other evil people be purged than we ourselves be purged. Nevertheless, rather than violence, retribution, and judgment, the inauguration of God’s kingdom is about healing and embracing the poor and defenseless. It was not the purging many expected.

Jesus came not to fulfill our desires for a messiah, but to change our notion of what a messiah is like. While waiting, plant seeds in hope of harvest, and do what Jesus did: Help one another, defend the defenseless, embrace the poor, love our enemies, and yes, forgive. In due time the harvest will come.

Jesus established a kingdom not one based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, arrogance, or militarily defeating the enemy.  Jesus established a kingdom based on humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Luke 23:33-38).  This was a type of kingdom no one expected, and a type of kingdom with which we have trouble establishing.

In the Christian sense, power is not a tool to dominate others and use violence to enforce that domination; rather, power is utilized to build up the kingdom of God through humility, truth, kindness, love, and yes, forgiveness.  There are prayers that remind us of this with the phrase:  “God chiefly show his power in mercy and compassion.”  May we not betray the kingdom of which Jesus bore witness and display power in enacting mercy and compassion.

The Apostle Paul encourages us “to not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). When we are weary, worn-out, and beat, Jesus does not offer a quick exit, not even a rapture; only the consolation than God strengthens us in times of distress (Luke 21:12-19).

When we are weary, worn-out, and beat may we listen  to the Holy Spirit, and allow God to strengthen us as we follow Christ.