Olive Tree Growing Outside of Nazareth
Picture taken by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck
used with written permission from Rev. Dr. Michael Beck
Picture taken by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck
used with written permission from Rev. Dr. Michael Beck
The Message from Sunday, February 27, 2022
Scripture Readings:
Resilience in the Midst of Challenging Times
The image you see shown above is an actual olive tree growing outside of Nazareth. It is growing out of a rock in a very arid place, in an environment in which it is challenging for anything to grow. Yet, this tree is thriving! Just think about its resilience. But would it be thriving if it were not for the will of God?
Today’s Epistle reading tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Despite the hardships encountered, this tree has been given the freedom to grow and thrive.
In much the same way, the Lord’s Spirit frees us to thrive despite whatever situation we may find ourselves in.
Yet, unlike a tree, we have been given the ability to contemplate the Lord’s glory. In God’s omnipotence, in his unlimited power and supremacy over all of creation, God has chosen to give us the freedom to choose. Out of Love, which is never controlling, God has given us free will. We are able to choose to accept or reject what God offers to all of humanity- the gift of salvation – a life free from the bonds of sin and death. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior are blessed in having received the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, always guiding us, sustaining us, and comforting us in the midst of challenging times. In Christ, the veil that once covered our hearts separating us from God has been lifted. The Holy Spirit who dwells within us convicts us to set forth the truth plainly, to renounce secret and shameful ways, and to not partake in deception. We have been given the ability to discern what is good from that which is evil.
Yet there are some, whose backs are turned to God, who place their confidence in power and the wealth of this world. Their hunger for power and control, for wealth and acquisition of land and property is never satisfied. They are held captive by their unending wants of worldly things and power. Some who choose to do what is evil in the sight of God and all of humanity live within deceptive lies, acting in secret and shameful ways, denying the truth, even when the truth is revealed. They even resort to do harm to their neighbors to get what they want.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, over the past months, we have witnessed the deception and lies of Vladimir Putin claiming that he had no intention of invading Ukraine, as he built up military troops around the borders of Ukraine. The United States in gathering intelligence set before the world the truth plainly laid out of what his intensions actually were. Amidst lies and false propaganda, this week, Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, taking the lives of innocent people, even the lives of children. His act has threatened the way of life of the people of this independent country of Ukraine who only days ago went about their lives as normal.
And now we are on the brink of uncertain and challenging times. All the world is facing the threat of war and unspeakable devastation. Putin’s threats to launch a nuclear attack on any country who interferes with his attempt to overthrow the independent and democratic nation of Ukraine, unleashes fear in the hearts of all. He cannot be trusted. And our government, along with the member countries of NATO, are walking a narrow tightrope, trying to be supportive to the people of Ukraine, yet trying to avoid starting World War III.
Putin, in his misguided desire to reclaim the lands which were once the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, in trying to make a name for himself in history, has brought us once again into a cold war. He has unleashing fierce fighting upon the European continent. And while many wars have been waged in Europe throughout history, for some, this war is a harsh reminder of past aggressions which led to global war. For some, it resurfaces the horrific memories of World War II, and of the pain and suffering endured.
We must stay alert. We must be watchful. For we, here in America, are not isolated for what is happening in Europe. The whole world is feeling the effects.
And even though we may feel anger towards Putin while feeling empathy for the people of Ukraine, the Lord calls us to act as Christians with hearts of love and compassion, even as we seek justice. We as Christian’s face many challenges in these difficult times, and we must remain resilient placing our trust in God. Since through God’s mercy we have been given the ministry of kingdom building, we must not lose heart, even in the midst of times like this.
In last week’s Gospel Lesson, we were told “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.” To “forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) While we cannot condone this war started by Vladimir Putin, it is not our right to judge him, for judgement is reserved for Christ alone. But we can judge his actions, and I think we can all agree that they are purely evil in nature. We cannot condemn this man, for it is only God who can condemn a man’s soul. But we can condemn what he is doing and speak out. And when asked to forgive, as hard as it may be, we must forgive the person but not the evil actions. We are called to pray that Putin sees the error of his ways, and that he brings an end this war which he has launched against the innocent people of Ukraine.
Let us pray for the people of Ukraine. May God give them strength and resilience. Let us pray for their protection and guidance as they as they fight to defend themselves, their families, their homes, and their way of life. May God help them in their fight to remain a free and an independent nation.
And let us pray for the Russian people who are protesting Putin's war. May God give them strength in these dark days and free them from the rein of tyranny imposed upon them. For they too are putting their lives in danger in a country where free speech is prohibited.
We as American’s are blessed. Now is the time that we must show our love and support, by caring and helping others around the world through our prayers and in whatever way we can give aid and support.
And in these most challenging of times, we can remain and must remain resilient. In the weeks and possibly months ahead, we will be called upon to make sacrifices. We are and will be paying higher prices for gasoline and oil, for food and other commodities. Our world is smaller than we might think, and we are dependent upon the goods and services provided by our global economy. This war is and will disrupt life as we know it. While it is hard to face these challenges, let us not think of our own needs and wants, but be willing to sacrifice and share in carrying the burdens of those who are fighting for freedom, fighting on the side of justice, fighting for their lives and their very survival as a free and independent nation.
Today’s Epistle reading tells us not to lose heart. And we can do so, if we put our faith and trust in God, and lift up our prayers with the global community. For with God all things are possible, and God hears our prayers. Let us hang onto our faith and hope even in the midst of these challenging times as we pray for peace, and for all who are living in harm’s way. Let us be an example to others, living as examples of Christ’s love and compassion for the transformation of this world.
Would you pray with me: May we all seek to be co-workers with Christ, in building the Kingdom of God here upon earth. May we walk humbly with God in seeking justice and in loving kindness as we pray for peace. Help us O Lord to see the dignity of each and every human being, to love as you love, and to do what is right in your eyes. Amen.
Change
Would you pray with me: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.
It seems that all around us change is taking place. One moment we our enjoying warmer sunny days, and the next, we are buried once again in snow. Just as the weather is constantly changing, so is life all around us. The fact of the matter is that life is not idle, it is always changing, evolving, flowing, moving in directions over which we ourselves have no control. And though we prefer to have things stay relatively unchanged, if change did not occur, life would become stagnant. Change prepares us. It helps us to grow and to adapt to new way of thinking and new ways of doing things. Often change brings improvement to our lives, but it can also seemingly have negative consequences as well. And even if we try hard to resist change, we cannot stop change from occurring.
Our Gospel Lesson today comes from Luke, chapter 9, verses 28-36. To understand this reading, let us review what has already taken place. While teaching his disciples in private, Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” [1] To which Peter answers, “God’s Messiah.” [2] And Jesus warned his disciples to tell no one, for “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” [3]
As we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday today, we hear about a change witnessed by Jesus’ disciples Peter, John and James, whom Jesus took with him when he went up onto a mountain to pray. As is the custom in Jewish law, there must be two or three witnesses who testify, for something to be believed as true. And we can assume that what Jesus’ disciples witnessed is something that they were not expecting to see, as they kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at the time. [4]
Not knowing what to do, or how to respond, to what he was seeing, Peter in his awe and amazement. He makes a statement which seems to make no sense. “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what he is saying. [5]
Yet in this mountain top experience the disciples were given a new vision, they saw the glory of the Lord – the divine nature of Christ shown in his radiance. “As he (Jesus) was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” [6] They see Moses and Elijah appearing in glorious splendor talking with Jesus. Proof that we too will one day have bodies appearing in glorious splendor, as we join our Lord and Savior for all of eternity. Yet, we may wonder why these disciples were given this vision at this time.
Some Biblical scholars believe that for Christ, this mountain top experience witnessed by his closest friends, was to help the human nature of Jesus prepare for his departure from this life, in fulfillment of the laws and the prophets. Yet it did not seem to prepare his disciples for the death of Christ as had been foretold by the Lord himself. And Jesus' apostles would only remember this event after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon them.
Yet in this new vision, we must not ignore the fact that the disciples heard a voice coming from the cloud in which they find themselves engulfed saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” [7] And they fall to the ground trembling in fear in the presence of God Almighty. The voice tells them to listen to Jesus. And through their witness, we are given this same message.
On Wednesday, we will begin the season of Lent, which can be a strenuous journey for those who take it seriously, and devote themselves to prayer, fasting or abstinence, and giving to the needs of others. And like Christ who journeyed into the desert for 40 days to prepare for his ministry on this earth, we are called to prepare for the ministry to which Christ calls all of us.
Today as we pray to the glorified Christ, as we bow before our transcendent God, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill us with the power and love for God’s work of kin-dom building, let us not lose sight that we are to listen to Christ. We are to listen to his message of love, to love God and to love one another, even our enemies.
May our Triune God give us strength as we prepare to embark upon our Lenten Journey.
And in light of what is happening to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, and to those protesting the war in Russia, let us ask God to give them strength and resilience to face whatever may lie ahead. May God help all of us. Let us pray for peace in this world, and help for those in harm’s way, who are the victims of this cruel and oppressive war in Europe.
May God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
[1] Luke 9:20, NIV
[2] Ibid.
[3] Luke 9:22, NIV
[4] Luke 9:36, NIV
[5] Luke 9:33, NIV
[6] Luke 9:29, NIV
[7] Luke 9:35, NIV
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