Thought for Today
Genesis 2:7 then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.
Psalm 8:4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
We have been reading and talking a lot about faith recently in church. I have written a lot recently about faith. Faith is a key component of Christianity. But, faith can often be a somewhat ephemeral, elusive concept. I’ve recently shared some of my favorite verses dealing with faith. Through all of this, I remain partial to “Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Yesterday evening, I was part of an online meeting among several members of our congregation. We were learning about how to post information on the church’s website from the lady who voluntarily maintains it for us. She carefully prepared a tutorial for us ahead of time and then patiently walked us all through the various steps involved. I was struck last night and am still thinking this morning about the experience. What stands out most for me is the fact that none of us, student or teacher, is an information technology specialist. As is so often the case for those of us “of an age,’ the group had varying degrees of computer expertise and comfort. Yet each of us is willing to offer up our time and talents to further the Kingdom of God.
That, for me, is the definition of church and the true treasure of our family of faith. I believe all of God’s children are united in being who and what we are, recipients of the very breath of God. Life is the human manifestation of God’s breathing the breath of life into us. And, God has created us “a little lower than God, and crowned . . . with glory and honor.” God has endowed us with “Hebrews 2:4 gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.” 1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”
Various gifts, all given by God, distributed according to his will, including the gift of the Holy Spirit. All united by our faith, by our “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Possibly the most basic and significant aspect of our assurance and conviction, the elemental driving force for what we believe and can accomplish is the answer Peter offered to Jesus’ question: "’But who do you say that I am?’ 16 Simon Peter answered, ‘ You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’" Christians are assured and convinced of the truth of Peter’s declaration.
As a Protestant, I believe it is that faith and assurance of Jesus’ being the Christ to which Jesus’ words about “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” When I first joined a church as a young teenager, I was asked a ‘simple’ question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?” In answering “YES!” I made a public confession of my faith. Everything I have done in church or in life has since hinged on that public confession, irrespective of whether or not I was consciously aware of the fact.
I did not hear my own call to ministry until I was 58 and had already enrolled in a seminary class to learn more about the Bible. Yet I had served God, using my God-given gifts throughout my life. All of God’s children, in our daily lives and in our activities in the church are using their own God-given gifts in service toward advancing the Kingdom of God. Gifts and ministries come in a vary wide array of different opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God. Some serve in ministry; some serve in combatting food insecurity. Others serve in maintaining the church building. Others in helping the Church best utilize modern technology, including the internet.
A politician once said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Christians know that, “It takes a family of faith to advance the Kingdom of God.” Look around your own life, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all who are contributing their gifts in service to God.
Stay safe, pray often, trust God,
Pastor Ray