Bearing Hope - December 3
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 18:1-20; PM Psalm 18:21-50; Isa. 2:12-22; 1 Thess. 3:1-13; Luke 20:27-40
There is an interesting paradox within the Christian faith that is often overlooked. We read about God, study God, and pray to God as if God is somewhere else, far off, and outside our human comprehension. And yet, we experience God in the intimate conversations with other friends and family. This cannot be stated enough. People might have a moment of awe and wonder walking into an ancient building or hearing a haunting piece of music, but we experience love through others. Our understanding of God is entirely dependent on how other people love us.
Think of how you first ended up at church. Was it an invitation from a friend or loved one? A gentle tug or nudging from a community of people who beckoned you into their lives? What have you missed most about a faith community in this time of pandemic? I do hear stories of people just wanting to be on the grounds of the church, but our slow return with social distancing and no singing has still left a hole in the spiritual lives of many. “I just want to give someone a hug at the peace” or “shake hands” or “mingle afterward for hours with useless, yet beautiful conversation.” I hear it over and over again.
The Church in Thessaloniki is facing its own challenges, specifically around persecution, but they are struggling. Paul is in the port city of Corinth having just traveled from Athens, a few months after leaving the community in Thessaloniki. They are longing for connection and to grow spiritually. When you first read the letter that Paul writes, it might sound surprising that Paul does not return to the community he has helped found, but instead, he sends his friend, Timothy. Timothy has just returned sharing the news of their faith and love and how it has grown from Timothy’s presence and love for them.
One of the reasons I bring up this paradox within the Christian faith is to focus on the reality that many of us are looking for where God is going to show up next in our lives. Undoubtedly we all have met several people who have been a person like Timothy in our own life. But the more daunting and evangelical question is who have we encouraged through our presence and love? If the real human experience of God is truly Incarnational and shared through love, our lives are filled with missionary journeys to places and people that need the encouragement of Christ.
We are in the season of Advent and everyone is searching for hope. Maybe they are waiting for you to bear the message.
John+
Questions for Self Reflection: Who has most impacted your faith? Who has encouraged you recently to grow or supported you through a difficult time?
Daily Challenge: Write a note of encouragement (not an email) and mail it to someone in your faith community reminding them that you pray for them and support them. them in their faith.