Mission Possible

 When I was growing up there was a popular television series entitled, "Mission Impossible." A group of skilled agents were given an assignment from headquarters which was often delivered in a plain envelope containing a cassette tape (yes, that's how old I am) with specific instructions and a picture of the individual that was marked as the "target" that the team was to engage. There was always an uneasy feeling as the stakes were very high in completing the assignment. As a result, the recording on the tape cassette always gave the lead agent an "out" with the words, "Should you choose to accept this assignment.." The instructions also came with a warning that if any of the agents were caught or killed, the secretary would disavow any knowledge of their actions. The final words on the tape informed the leader that, "This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds." The scene ended with a crackling sound and smoke rising from the cassette as it was destroyed. The television series eventually ran its course and ended, however the "Mission Impossible" legacy has continued today in the form of a series of popular movies. The main character in these movies was an agent named Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. The premise of these movies is the same as the television series, a high stakes assignment is given and must be carried out in order to successfully complete the mission. There was a feeling of tension in the television series as well as the movies as the team of agents navigates how to successfully complete the assignment amidst setbacks and unforeseen circumstances as well as many close calls which at any particular time along the way could have resulted in a negative outcome. Thus, the title "Mission Impossible" was a way of communicating to the audience that the task was not something that under normal circumstances would result in success.

We Have A Mission

Believers and followers of Jesus Christ likewise have been given a mission "should we choose to accept it." The mission is outlined in Matthew 28:18-20. It is often referred to in the Bible as "The Great Commission." It was Jesus's last instructions to His disciples after His resurrection and subsequent ascension into heaven. "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV) I recently learned from a pastor colleague that the word "make" was inserted into the text as a way of trying to attempt a smoother translation from the Greek to English. The original text in the Greek is literally translated simply as the word "disciple." In other words, the task is go and disciple all nations. Matthew does not record any verbal response from the disciples or any objections to Jesus's assignment. In and of itself, the assignment appears daunting, discipling a world full of billions of people. The task on the surface seems like a "mission impossible!" However, I believe the disciples didn't even blink at Jesus's words nor think in their minds, "How are we going to get this done?" 

We Have Been Equipped

Jesus had already outlined how the assignment was going to be completed in the Commission itself. First, Jesus Himself had the authority to give to them to fulfill the task. By virtue of His coming, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, Jesus as Lord and Savior had the right to make such a declaration. Second, He had been teaching them all along in the three years that the disciples had walked with Him, so they were more than equipped and up to the task. Finally, He promised His presence would be with them and everyone who was baptized, taught, and equipped long after they were gone. His presence was in the person of the Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter 1 shortly before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.....but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:4,6 NIV) Jesus's promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came. The same Holy Spirit that filled the disciples has filled believers in Christ through the ages with the power to complete our mission and will continue to do so until as Jesus states, "..the very end of the age." The television series "Mission Impossible" and the subsequent movie legacy presents a challenge to those tasked to carry out the assignment with a scenario that could not provide assurance that all would go smoothly or end well. However, our task as believers is a "mission possible" because of Jesus Christ. In our own strength alone, the assignment is daunting. However, we don't need to be afraid because our mission albeit challenging, will not fail. Our Lord has called us and empowered us to get the job done. We need to be willing to "accept the assignment" and trust in Him. In Jeremiah chapter 32, God gives the prophet a task to buy a field even though the situation for the Israelites is not looking very hopeful. Despite Jeremiah's concerns, the word of the Lord comes to the prophet, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NIV) We as believers know the answer is with God nothing will ever be a "mission impossible."  

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Sheree

 FREEDOM IS A COMIN’ 

Hello my friends. One of the memories I cherish from my former church, Connections, is our celebration of diversity. We were always pro-active rather than reactive when it came to addressing racial issues. I always enjoyed sharing from the pulpit a message related to the church and race. February is the month set aside to recognize black history and celebrate the contributions of black men and women to this country. It’s sad that we need to set aside a month to recognize these contributions but black history which is a part of American history is often not taught in our schools or at best given a brief, passing acknowledgement of existence. I wonder how many aside from black churches recognize Black History month or even invite guest speakers to share? I know personally my heart is saddened by this silence. Revelation 7:9-10 states, “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (NIV) It is evident in this passage that not only is there no ethnic separation among the saints before the throne of God but unified together they praise God. Why does the church choose not to celebrate the diversity reflected before the throne here on earth? The month of June celebrates a special event called Juneteenth, wherein the last slaves were finally freed on June 19, 1865 two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a significant day in the history of black Americans, yet again rarely mentioned in most churches. In celebration of Juneteenth I share with you a fictional short story that I wrote which highlights the possible feelings of a black woman’s experience of that momentous day and a poem highlighting our freedom in Christ.

I heard the rumors. Somebody was saying freedom was a comin’ But I didn’t believe it. Folks said the president declared us free two and a half years ago but here we are still servin’ the massa. How long is this gonna be? I watched my family workin’ themselves to death, for what? So here I be, followin’ in the same footsteps. Lord, I been prayin’ that my children ain’t gonna go down this same road. I talk to You everyday while I be workin’ in the fields and say my prayers before I close my eyes to sleep. Sometimes, Lord, I wish that I wouldn’t wake up the next mornin’. Our preacher tells us stories late at night after the massa gone to sleep about Moses bein’ sent by God to free the people. People just like me that were slaves. Where’s our deliverer Lord? Who gonna set us free? Our preacher say “just keep trustin’ in the Lord. He sees you and hears your prayers. Our deliverance will come one day.” Is that true Lord? Every day I wake up, I feel the soreness in my body and the achin’ in my bones. I don’t know if I be around when that deliverer come. But I keep trustin’ and believin’ and prayin’ and waitin’ to be free or as the song say “swing low sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home.” 

I was woke this mornin’ by shoutin’. Somebody sayin’ “Its true!” They best be careful that they don’t shout too loudly or the massa might hear and give them a whippin’ How many peoples have I seen whipped for the smallest thing? For getting dirt on the massa’s shoes without meanin’ it. For not movin’ fast enough when the massa call their name. Now someone shouting loud enough to wake the dead? I pray the punishment not too bad. The shoutin’ keeps goin’ but this time they sayin’ “It’s true we free!” Lord have mercy, they lookin’ to be hung up from a tree with that kinda talkin’. I was fearin’ to go out. I didn’t wanna be punished for listenin’ to such foolishness. Suddenly there came a poundin’ at my door. “Hey in there come on out, we is free!” Dear Lord have mercy! Could it be true? All that trustin’ all that prayin’ all that hopin’? The shoutin’ started to get louder as other voices declared, “We is free, Hallelujah we is free!” I was thinkin’ if this not true then all these people done lost their minds. “Lord, I gonna trust you and open this door.” What my eyes done see, people shoutin’ and jumpin’, clappin' and singin’. Where was the massa? Surely he done heard all this noise and carryin’ on! I looked at the massa’s house and seen some soldiers talkin’ to him. They had some papers they was showin’ massa. Massa and his friends didn’t look none too happy. I thought massa was gonna chase those soldiers off his property with a shotgun but he just stood there without sayin’ nothin’. Hope started risin’up in my spirit. I remember them slaves in the Bible that our preacher talk about. I wonder is this how they feel when their deliverer finally come? This hope within me start to change to joy. It really was true, our deliverer done come. My spirit feel like it was afire as I begin dancin’, singin’, and shoutin’. I done never had feelins like this before. I had neva seen smiles so big on my children faces. I had neva seen so many peoples cryin’ not from punishment or hard workin’ but from the sweet taste of freedom. Some of the peoples was even huggin’ them soldiers. Thank You Lord Jesus for the blessin’. 

What I gonna do now? I don’t know. Some peoples be talkin’ about goin’ north to find work. Others talkin’ about gettin’ their own land and workin’ it. And some even be talkin’ about stayin’ with their massa. I may not know much but what I know for sure is we is free and I gonna celebrate every day the good Lord give me life and breath and I know when that sweet chariot come to carry me home I will rest in peace ‘cause my children and their children will not taste the bitta’ root of bein’ a slave. Hallelujah to Jesus we all is free!

A Poem: Freedom Is A Comin’

Freedom is a comin’

It’s what we’re waiting for,

Freedom is a comin’

Just like He did before.

The hope that we hold onto seems very far away,

But freedom is a comin’ it may even be today.

We all have been enslaved in sin and darkest night,

But freedom is a comin’ bringing radiant light.

Our chains they have been broken, our cry is “free at last!”

The pain that we have suffered will be part of the past.

Freedom is a comin’ and yes, it has a name,

Its not some general, president, or celebrity with fame.

Its Jesus Christ the Lord of lords our Savior and our King, 

Who offers us salvation, true freedom He does bring.

Like the slaves who had been told there is no hope for you,

We can believe that we are slaves and become hopeless, too.

But what sustained those early slaves through even darkest night,

The hope that lived within their souls that one day they’d see light.

And so we take that sacred hope and hide it in our hearts,

That soon one day we will receive a heavenly new start.

Our hearts cry out just like those slaves, “How long Oh Lord how long?”

Until You come and make alright that which has gone wrong.

The answer will come just like it did to those slaves on their freedom day,

Freedom is a comin’ so keep watch and wait and pray. 

The Good Samaritan, A Victim's Point of View  (Luke 10:30-35)  

Many times when we read the stories in Scripture, we seldom think about what a particular character may be thinking or feeling. Recently, I had the opportunity to meditate on the story of the Good Samaritan and was able to focus in on the victim of the story, the man who was robbed and left for dead in the road. The following is my interpretation of the experience from the victim's perspective. 

"Well, I'm halfway to Jericho and it's getting late. My friends warned me that the way I chose to travel was dangerous but it was the shortest route. Wait, what's that up ahead? It looks like a road block. Oh, great! This is going to add more time to my journey. It looks like there are some people up ahead. Maybe they would be willing to help me. Hmm, they don't look very friendly. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" I hear one of them say. "I'm trying to get to Jericho." I reply. "What's in those bags?" they ask. "Some of my wares that I'm taking to sell in Jericho. Please sirs, I'm already late and it's starting to get dark." "Well, let's take a look and see what you've got!" "No sirs, please let me pass." The next thing I remember is the pain of feeling a punch to my face and head then everything went black. I was awakened by the feeling of cold as I shivered. I realized my clothes were gone as well as all my belongings and my donkey. Every part of my being hurt and I couldn't move or call out for help.

Suddenly, through blurred vision, I see a figure approaching. "Oh No!" I thought. "I hope one of those men isn't returning to finish me off." The figure approaches and I recognize the clothing of a priest. "Thank You, Yahweh." I think to myself. "You have sent me help." The priestly figure stops momentarily, looking me over with a sense of uncertainty and continues on his way. "Wait!"my mind screams out. "Where are you going?" "Surely Yahweh has sent you to help me!" I fall unconscious again. I'm awakened by yet another sound of approaching footsteps. Another figure approaches. Perhaps this will be my rescuer. As he draws closer, I can tell through my swollen eyes that he is another Jewish brother. "Thank You, Yahweh for not abandoning me." The figure approaches, looks me over, and begins to depart. I am beside myself! "What are you doing?" I thought. I wish I could speak but my thoughts won't come together and my lips are too swollen. "Oh, Yahweh! Is this how it's supposed to end? Left here to die by the roadside? Have You no mercy for me?" 

Once again, my eyes are directed towards yet another figure approaching. I cannot make out who he is. There are no robes or any indication of his background. I wanted to feel hopeful but my despair overwhelmed me and the pain reminded me that I was truly helpless. As the figure approached, I waited for him to stop, look me over, and continue on his way. Instead, to my surprise, he gets off his donkey and approaches. As he got closer, I recognized the familiar features of a Samaritan. My heart began to race. I had heard stories about these people. They were despised as half-breeds and not worthy of socializing with. What's he going to do? Maybe when he realizes I am a Jew, he will finish me off. He looks me over, then starts to walk back to his donkey. He's probably going to abandon me, just like the others. But wait, he's taking some things out of one of the bags on his donkey. He's coming back! I look into his eyes and instead of seeing hate, I see compassion. He begins to bandage my wounds after he pours oil and wine over them. Then he helps me to my feet, cradling me ever so gently to cushion my pain. He places me on his donkey and begins to move down the road. Where is he taking me? Maybe he's going to dump me off a cliff. But why would he go through all that trouble of taking care of my wounds?

I don't remember how long the journey was, but when I woke up, I recognized the familiar inn that I often passed by in my travels. He helped me off the donkey and carried me inside. I thought to myself, "I can't stay here! I have no money." After helping me sit down, I saw him approach the innkeeper. I could only make out bits and pieces of the conversation but I saw the man remove some money from a pouch and give it to the innkeeper. I was able to hear the man tell the innkeeper to take care of me and provide me with whatever I needed. The man told the innkeeper he would cover any extra costs for my care that went beyond the initial down payment. He then looked at me and I saw him smile and those compassionate eyes somehow touched something deep inside my spirit. My swollen face and bruised lips would not allow me to offer a thank you to this stranger, but it was enough that I felt loved and cared for, the way Yahweh had commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In a strange way, I no longer cared about the material things that had been taken from me because this feeling of Yahweh's love made everything all right. Blessed be His Name!"

I pray this story was a blessing to you,

Pastor Sheree

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Popular Singer and entertainer Tina Turner had a significant number of hit songs. Her most recognizable song was entitled “Proud Mary.” However, another popular tune was entitled, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” The premise of the song is an anti-love song about a woman that doesn’t feel emotionally connected to her partner. The song expresses distrust of love and emotion. The refrain of the song states, “What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a second-hand emotion?What’s love got to do, got to do with it? Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?” I believe if we live long enough, we all can experience a “broken heart.” For whatever reason, people can be motivated to emotionally wound another or we can lose someone or something that is heart breaking. Think of all the broken-hearted people who lost everything in the California wildfires. In another verse of the song love is dismissed as a “sweet old-fashioned notion.” In essence the song is saying true love doesn’t really exist. It’s the stuff of soap operas and Hallmark movies. I suspect some of the motivation for Tina Turner’s song stems from her volatile marriage to Ike Turner. Tina’s husband was very verbally, physically and emotionally abusive towards her. She eventually divorced him and went on to a solo career becoming one of the most well-respected powerhouses in the music industry. 

What Is True Love?

How do we define true love? Television and the movie industry certainly have their pre-conceived notions. “True love” according to Hollywood always has a happy ending. The happy couple after some challenges rides off into the sunset at the end. There was also a movie many years ago, that came out in 1970 entitled, “Love Story” which starred Ryan O’Neil and Ali McGraw. The story follows a couple who were madly in love then experience tragedy when Ali McGraw’s character becomes seriously ill with cancer and dies. The classic line from the film was, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Really? Never expressing sorrow for anything you’ve done if you truly love someone? In my years as a counselor, a line like that would not be helpful in building a strong relationship! Then of course there’s the day that will be celebrated across the country on February 14th, which is Valentine’s Day. Yes, the day of hearts, flowers, candy and don’t forget the card with all the special words of devotion to that special someone. There are various historical stories that explain the origins of Valentine’s Day. Some say it honors a man named Valentine who was martyred because he helped persecuted Christians during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius II. Other historians suggest that Christians placed Valentine’s Day in the middle of February to Christianize the pagan Lupercalia Festival that took place on February 15th which celebrated fertility. The pagan festival was finally outlawed in the 5th century by Pope Gelasius but it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that Valentine’s Day began to be associated with love. However, there is a painful reality for many people on Valentine’s Day. There are those whose spouses have passed away. There are those who have never had the opportunity to be in a loving relationship. There are some who carry the pain of sexual or physical abuse by a so-called “parent” who was supposed to love and take care of them. There are women who are living in a domestic violence situation. It’s folks from various situations like these who like Tina Turner can ask the question, “what’s love got to do with it?” 

How Does the Bible Define Love?

What does the Bible have to say about love? How does the Bible define real love? When I was in seminary, one of the professors asked our class, “How do you know God loves you?” There was a silence in the room as we students looked at each other to see who would be brave enough to answer first. I believe many of us, myself included were thinking there must have been some deep theological answer the professor was looking for, after all weren’t we in seminary? After a few seconds of awkward silence, the professor responded with four simple words, “Look at the cross.” Yes, the cross! The symbol of death and torture that reflects the definition of true love with the death of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 states, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV) How many of us would willingly die for someone we think didn’t deserve it? Many parents would say that they would lay down their life for their children or a spouse. Some would even sacrifice their lives for someone they truly loved or cared about. How about giving up your life for a thief? Or a murderer? Or a crooked politician? Or a drug addict? We most likely would hesitate or think twice about sacrificing our lives for “those” kind of people. Guess what? Jesus didn’t hesitate or think twice. He gave up His life for all people. John 15:13 states, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (NIV) How about this familiar verse, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV) God’s love does not depend on your race, your social status, your good works, your successes or your failures. “God is love” according to 1 John 4:8. His love is unconditional. He cannot help but love because that is the very nature of who He is and God doesn’t change. Our love as human beings tends to be conditional. If you do this, I’ll do that. If you follow through, keep all your promises, and never disappoint me, then I will love you. If you don’t live up to my expectations, then I will no longer love you as a friend. If your hair turns gray too early or you put on some weight then I will take my love from you, get a divorce and find a more attractive partner. The Bible says that love was never our idea in the first place, 1 John 4:19 states, “We love because He first loved us.” (NIV) Contrary to the popular idea that we often hear that love is a feeling, which it is, love is so much more. Remember feelings come and go but true love that is rooted in Christ, manifests as a commitment to another regardless of what takes place. Whether that person is happy, sad, or angry. Whether that person is physically healthy or seriously ill. Whether that person is emotionally struggling or at peace. Placing someone else’s best interest above our own demonstrates God’s heart for humanity. God loves you simply because you exist. After all He created you out of love and for His pleasure, placing you on this earth at this particular time in history. You don’t have to work for His affection. You don’t have to set yourself straight before God can pour out His love over you. How opposite is God’s love to what humanity defines as love! 

Perfect Love Is Found In Christ

What’s love got to do with it? Everything! The Bible from Genesis to Revelation is God’s love letter to humanity. It is a letter that speaks of a sacrificial love that didn’t say only the so-called “good people” were worth dying for or the most popular, rich, or attractive get to heaven. The Bible is the narrative of how humanity betrayed, rejected, disobeyed and time and time again ignored the God who created the heavens and the earth and gave life to all created things including you and me. Yet, God didn’t reject us but gave us the biggest valentine that nothing on earth could match. It didn’t come in the form of a bouquet of flowers, it didn’t come in a box of chocolates, or even a card expressing loving words. Yes, God’s valentine is in the shape of a heart and red in color but it is the color of blood that flows from the heart of a Savior who willingly hung on a cross as His very life flowed from His body. Jesus in His life on earth demonstrated the Father’s love for humanity and He expected those who committed their lives to follow after Him to show that same love to others. He told His disciples in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV) The love that Jesus is calling His disciples to is not the fleeting warm fuzzies but rather an unconditional, sacrificial kind of love. The qualities of love that God defines are laid out in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (NIV) Can we honestly say we love that perfectly? I know I can’t but God can and God does. Moreover the even greater blessing is that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Paul states in Romans 8:38, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV) We can fully trust God’s love for us and emotionally entrust our hearts to Him. So before we get all tangled up in the temporary, conditional expectations of love that are a part of Valentine’s Day, let’s remember what true love actually looks like, to believe in the love God has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ and to reflect that to others. 1 John 3:23 states, “And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.” (NIV) Valentine’s Day is just one day we are given on the calendar to celebrate love but the love of God is 24/7 365 days of the year and it is a love that has no end. So, let’s choose to make Jesus the “valentine” of our hearts. 

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Sheree

Alabaster Jar

Once in awhile I will be moved to write a poem. This poem was inspired by the story in Luke 7:36-50 where Jesus is anointed by a "sinful" woman. This woman was seen as worthless and not the type of person in whose company you would want to spend any time. She was most likely desperate and somehow had heard where Jesus was dining and decided to take a chance and go to Him. All she had to offer Him was an alabaster jar of perfume. In Jesus' day, an alabaster jar was most precious in a woman's life and was typically part of her marriage dowry. However, it was not likely, because of her past, that this woman was married or betrothed. Nonetheless the jar was her security. It symbolized a significant sacrifice when broken and poured out, signifying deep devotion and love. I believe we all have our own alabaster jar. Something precious that we don't want to hand over to the Lord. I know it is true of me. So, I offer this poem as an encouragement to all who are holding on to whatever we feel represents a sense of security. Pour it out before the Lord, that we may fully experience His love for us in the same way that this "sinful" woman experienced Jesus love for her.

"ALABASTER JAR"

Alabaster jar, what do you contain?

Is it joy or sorrow, maybe comfort or pain?

Various feelings locked deep inside,

Some of them I am seeking to hide.

How can this jar contain any blessing?

Holding it sealed will keep others guessing.

What kind of gift can this be for a King?

Who has given me everything.

"Open the jar", the Spirit gently sighs,

I resist, "Holy Spirit, I don't want to cry.

This jar holds everything I possess, all that is holy in me and my mess."

"Pour it all out, the Spirit did call, offer your gifts, offer them all.

Jesus is wanting to draw close to your heart,

Opening the alabaster jar is the start,

To feel His compassion, to know His deep love,

These are the gifts that come from above.

Remember the woman who poured love on His feet?

You are the daughter, He desires to meet.

Worry not about weeping or being afraid,

Your sins are forgiven, the debt has been paid."

I know it may take some time to comply, 

I know that my Lord gives permission to cry.

And so I will pray, Holy Spirit help me,

To feel more of my Savior's love for me.

(Sheree A. Harrington 12/27/24)

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Sheree

                                         (picture courtesy of Michelle's Mosaics)