Matt and I were watching CNN this morning of the shooting in Vegas and CNN was interviewing a young man who was at the concert with his sister. When the shots rang out, everyone ducked down and his sister kept trying to climb on his back to protect him and absorb any potential bullets, shouting that she loves him. Although the young man said he was agnostic before the concert, this event helped him to become a Christian. His sister became Christ to him, using her own life to save his. His sister survived and stuck with him during their escape. Her brave example shows us that in times of great anxiety, fear, and despair, we must be peace, courage and hope for others around us. Must I point out the obvious state our country and world is in? Between natural disasters, hurricane after hurricane, the entire island of Puerto Rico out of drinking water and electricity, wildfires in CA, homes being destroyed, the bitterness and hatred for our fellow citizens of the USA, the impending conflict with North Korea and now, the deadliest shooting our country has ever faced with Vegas. We need a crapload of peace, courage and hope. The readings for Sunday are such a well-needed reminder of the saving power of God . You see, in the first reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us a parable of a friend who does everything to grow a beautiful vineyard, yet only wild grapes grow. The grower, upset with the results, vows to destroy the vineyard, as it does not bear fruit. Isaiah tells us that Jerusalem is the vineyard and the people of Judah (God’s chosen people) are the plant/vine which was destroyed. Enter Jesus Christ, our Savior In our gospel reading, Jesus then tells this exact vineyard story and adds a little more to it... A landowner (God) does everything just right to create this beautiful vineyard (the world he created) and left it to tenants (people). He sends in his servants to collect and harvest but the tenants beat, kill and stone them. The landowner sends in more, they are also destroyed. Finally, the Landowner sent his Son, (“They will respect my son”) but the tenants did not respect him; they killed him to steal his inheritance. Jesus then asks, ‘What shall become of the tenants when the landowner comes?” They say that they should die a terrible death! Jesus corrects them and says, “The stone that has been rejected has become the cornerstone.” He is referencing Psalm 118: 2. Let’s read that whole Psalm here: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.” When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense[a]; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.[b] The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up[c] to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. This Psalm promises us God’s mercy, His goodness, and His salvation. The answer to our prayers is heaven and heaven is promised to those who love Him. So in these dark times, we must continue to love God, become Christ for one another. We must no longer fear ridicule for living out our faith and loving God. We must wear persecution as a crown. “Blessed are those who have been. persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Mt 5:10). I challenge you to be lighthouses, to shine the light of truth and God’s love to all who will see, to REFELCT and DWELL on the good things in this world, to be helpers. Fred Rogers gives us some great advice here: Paul sums up all of this so nicely in the second reading for Sunday and says it much better than I could in his letter to the Philippians:
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.” My prayers are with you all this week. Lots of love and peace of Christ be with you. ~Stacy
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWord up. I am Stacy, the youth minister of this amazing group of teens. I have 4 kids of my own, 2 heaven babies and like 60 teens I consider very large children of my own. Archives
March 2018
Categories |