A Word about the Word

“Father, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done.” [Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane]

I don’t think Jesus was ever more human than when, hours before his horrible crucifixion, he requested if another path forward were possible. But he immediately chose to accept God’s will no matter how excruciating the plan was. Though we know the glorious end of that story, we still generally question how something so painful and seemingly unfair can fit into the divine will. 

For us, too.  Unpleasantries on so many sides—dementia, infertility, cancer, depression (and that’s just my inbox this week). Not to make a mysterious subject like God’s will too simple, but for this limited space, let’s summarize by saying “God’s in charge.” 

Maybe the only way to experience peace and hang on to a belief that God is good and knows what he’s doing is to recognize what Jesus said: “Father…” We must trust that as a loving parent he knows what I don’t know and has a perfect plan. And we must do what Jesus did. He did not simply go into passive mode, resigning himself to the dark circumstances before him. Christ actively accepted and even participated in God’s plan. Let’s go!

In the future, when God’s will appears to be hard and not to my liking, may I remember the he is my Father and has everything under his charge and control. 

Close to Home

Fourth of July! It’s happening this Sunday at 9225 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. in Mentor. with outdoor family worship at 11:00am. A picnic and fun will follow. Come and celebrate our spiritual independence in Christ and our freedom to worship the Lord openly!

In a cursory read of the Gospels, one is amazed at all of the healing stories. Everywhere he went, Jesus healed the sick, the lame, the lepers, and other infirmed people. Our Lord knew how the Fall devastated the human body, which is why the Church has historically addressed and must continue to address physical suffering. And it’s why at Trinity you consistently hear a call to assist in caring for the physical needs of others through our partner ministries. These ministries target people with addictions and troubled pregnancies as well as even inmates and their families. These works represent something often missed in our day of political shouting and posturing: Christian people, motivated by Christ’s care for those devastated by the Fall, who quietly and selflessly love and serve others. Want to join in?

Things on My Nightstand

First Epistle of John: I am beginning an intense study of this letter by the “Apostle whom Jesus loved.” Join me. (But keep reading Ecclesiastes, too.) This September we will embark on a 1 John message series that will challenge us to experience authentic fellowship with God and other believers through Christ.

And my next read: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. 

Here is a good summary and explanation of last week’s SBC annual conference. It also explains very well the distinction between an evangelical and a fundamentalist.

#CultureNerd

I learned a new and beautiful word: homophrosyne. From Classical Greek, it means two people being like-minded. It is used in Homer’s Odyssey to describe the marriage of Odysseus and Penelope. Talk about an ideal marriage. Homophrosyne implies not only being on the same page when it comes to life matters but also being intellectually equal. Talk about a power couple! Use it in a sentence. Okay: Sue is by all means my homophrosyne.

I’ll catch you on the other side.