Holy
Wednesday April 8, 2020
Run
with Perseverance
Perseverance,
determination, grit, resolve, purpose…
During
these uncertain times when you and I feel we have lost control
over
our daily routines, what we define as normal, and
have
no idea of what the future will bring,
the
Apostle Paul encourages us to run with perseverance.
In
Hebrews 12:1-3, Paul tells us to see Jesus as the example
and
that because of Jesus’ sacrifice we should not
lose heart.
12 Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also
lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us
run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking
to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of
the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its
shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider
him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that
you may not grow weary or lose heart.
God’s
people have faced struggles before
and
endured isolation separation, loneliness, and uncertainty.
Noah and his family
in the ark for 40 days.
The tribes of Israel
wandering in the wilderness for 40years.
Job losing all he
had.
Jesus suffering on
the cross for hours.
How
are you and I facing this strange and frightening time in our lives?
Social
distancing, sheltering in place for 40 days or possibly more.
However,
it does not
mean we are separated from each other or from God.
Connections
to loved ones, friends, and neighbors, continue in diverse ways.
Gathering
for worship has expanded beyond our church walls,
into
our homes, thanks to our electronic devices.
You
and I may feel as if we are wandering without direction
because
we do not
know what will come next.
However,
you and I know God’s steadfast love for us and God’s protection.
and
led them to the promised land.
We
are persevering.
There
is insecurity, loss and grief.
However,
when you and I weep, God weeps with us.
We
know God has been with us in the past,
God
is with us now, and
God
will be there for us in the future.
We
are persevering.
There
are times in our daily lives,
that
you and I have trouble seeing the time when normal will return.
Are
we looking for the old normal?
In
these unusual days, we have found new joys.
Busy
lives have slowed, and we have re-discovered family time,
we
have grown thankful for those who are unsung heroes-teachers, nurses,
and those who keep
us safe,
we
are grateful for the small local businesses
that contribute so
much to our communities.
We
are persevering.
These
difficult days will pass.
Will
things be ‘normal’ again?
Yes
and no.
You
and I are always changed by struggles and challenges.
We
will be renewed, revived, and transformed.
No
longer do we fear death, because Jesus sacrificed himself for our
sins.
There
is hope, faith, and the light ahead -resurrection!
Finally,
I would like to share a benediction from a professor I had in
seminary…
May
JOY and nothing less guide you on your way.
May
you be blessed; may you be a blessing.
May
light, love’s own crucified risen light,
guide
you and countless others out of every darkness
all
the way home.1
Amen.
 |
| Dove of Peace painted 7/18/19 |
1
Professor Carson Brisson
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