The future can fill us with fear. Even knowing the holy history of God’s goodness, the uncertainty of the future often incites anxiety. August in particular, a month of looking forward, can be stressful.
Each week we profess “He will come again to judge the living and the dead!” That’s the ultimate security program! Nothing assuages my fear… about anything… like the knowledge that Christ Jesus is the judge of all. Not the Bible, not the tradition of the Church, not temporal authority or cultural Pharisee… Jesus will judge! In June, ELCA presiding bishop Mark S. Hanson, led a Bible study with delegates at ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) assembly. It was based on John 20:19-23 and titled “Living at the Intersection of Fear and Hope.” He noted that after the resurrection, the disciples are hiding in fear, but Jesus arrives and says, “Peace be with you.” Bishop Hanson said that unfortunately the church is “often fearful as the disciples were. We can withdraw and become possessive, distrustful, and anti-neighborly. It can distort itself into a fortress, a military outpost, a retreat center called ‘nostalgia’ or a competitor in a consumer market.”
Bishop Hanson suggested that we “go with the flow… of the Spirit poured out.” He quoted Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Instead of giving in to these pessimistic world views... and living in fear... he encouraged the church to adopt a “hermeneutic of joy.” “I don’t know if the world is particularly interested in our internal conflicts.” he said. “I think it would be powerful witness if we learned to engage in respectful discussion… that in our differences… we come together in joy.”
One mark of the community we share at Lord of Life Church is that we do “come together in joy.” It is a key to the growth we are experiencing. We’re trying to love like Jesus loved... to practice extravagant grace, radical inclusion, relentless compassion… because we know that the future is secure in Jesus… so bright we gotta wear shades.
May God turn your fears to faith this month... all worries into hope... anxiety into trust! May we all learn to “go with the flow” of the Holy Spirit.
- Squeezing the last days of summer vacation to enjoy the last drops of family freedom can be challenging. Back to school, whether locally or collegiate, requires planning. New classmates, teachers, teams. School clothes, supplies ... finances.
- A new academic year begins at the church as well this fall. Newly visioned ministries, as well as those on summer siesta, sometimes awaken with a panicked start this month. Our office has grown accustomed to the “end of summer surge.” (You can help us by planning ahead!)
- You’ve granted me sabbatical from October through January. Thank you. I’m looking forward to a time of Sabbath rest and renewal. But before I get there, there’s a significant amount of planning, both personal and pastoral. Much has been accomplished already, but think of the last minute surge that happens before one goes on vacation, and then multiply it.
- Our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) meets in its National Biennial Assembly in Minneapolis this coming month. Several of our members and I will attend as observers. The Task Force on Human Sexuality has recognized that, based on tradition and solid biblical study, differing perspectives on homosexuality exist in this church. A formal recommendation has been brought forward to respect the “bound consciences” of all our members. Should the recommendation pass, de facto, same-gender, public covenanted relationships will be recognized. Fear abounds on this subject, some of which is hyped and cultivated for less than holy aim.
- Now add in your personal anxieties about the future… the economy, your health, family relationships… and it’s amazing we don’t just drown in fear, isn’t it?
... good thoughts!
Each week we profess “He will come again to judge the living and the dead!” That’s the ultimate security program! Nothing assuages my fear… about anything… like the knowledge that Christ Jesus is the judge of all. Not the Bible, not the tradition of the Church, not temporal authority or cultural Pharisee… Jesus will judge! In June, ELCA presiding bishop Mark S. Hanson, led a Bible study with delegates at ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) assembly. It was based on John 20:19-23 and titled “Living at the Intersection of Fear and Hope.” He noted that after the resurrection, the disciples are hiding in fear, but Jesus arrives and says, “Peace be with you.” Bishop Hanson said that unfortunately the church is “often fearful as the disciples were. We can withdraw and become possessive, distrustful, and anti-neighborly. It can distort itself into a fortress, a military outpost, a retreat center called ‘nostalgia’ or a competitor in a consumer market.”
Bishop Hanson suggested that we “go with the flow… of the Spirit poured out.” He quoted Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Instead of giving in to these pessimistic world views... and living in fear... he encouraged the church to adopt a “hermeneutic of joy.” “I don’t know if the world is particularly interested in our internal conflicts.” he said. “I think it would be powerful witness if we learned to engage in respectful discussion… that in our differences… we come together in joy.”
One mark of the community we share at Lord of Life Church is that we do “come together in joy.” It is a key to the growth we are experiencing. We’re trying to love like Jesus loved... to practice extravagant grace, radical inclusion, relentless compassion… because we know that the future is secure in Jesus… so bright we gotta wear shades.
May God turn your fears to faith this month... all worries into hope... anxiety into trust! May we all learn to “go with the flow” of the Holy Spirit.
