Another Man In The Fire

In today's world it seems like hope has become an unrealistic ideal. Nowadays when someone is questioned in the midst of a difficult situation and asked if a resolution can be found, the answer is often "I hope so." The response appears to lack optimism or belief that there will be an end to a particular challenge. For example, the ongoing covid pandemic has left many people physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted and feeling like the pandemic will never end. There are many voices calling us to follow this person or that program to find the answers to our problems. Even the recent journeys into space by Jeff Besos and Richard Branson appear to suggest that space flight is "the final frontier" as the old Star Trek television series declared. The thinking is that if technology is able to get to the point of rocketing people to other planets, there is hope for the human race.

INTO THE FLAMES

 In the book of Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were Jewish men who were set to watch over the affairs of the province of Babylon. The King at the time whose name was Nebuchadnezzar, set up an image made of gold on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then decreed that everyone should bow down and worship the image. The penalty for non-compliance was death in the form of being thrown into a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego soon found themselves in a difficult situation as they refused to follow the King's decree and remain faithful to the one true God. The King summoned the three men giving them one last chance to comply. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm declaring to the King, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your Majesty's hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18 NIV) Notice the firmness of their response in the midst of a situation in which their backs were against the wall. There was not a sense of "I hope we get out of this dilemma" or an attempt to try and negotiate with the King. The fact of the matter was even though Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego may perish, there was only one King they served and to whom they would bow down. King Nebuchadnezzar's fury at their response was matched only by the heat of the furnace which he ordered to be heated seven times hotter than usual. The flames were so intense that the soldiers who were ordered to throw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace were killed by the intense heat and flames. However, to the King's amazement a fourth person whom the King described as "looking like a son of the gods" was walking around in the fire. (v.25) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were ordered to come out of the furnace and they exited unharmed. King Nebuchadnezzar then issued a new decree that any people or nation who spoke anything negatively against the one true God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble for he declared, "no other god can save in this way." (v.29) The King then promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. 

HOPE IS ALIVE

The challenge for us is how do we react when faced with impossible odds? When a season of life seems like it will never end, where do we turn? When we are figuratively speaking "facing the fire", where is our source of hope? There is "another man in the "fires of life." His name is Jesus. He stands with us when others are against us. He supports and upholds us when the bottom drops out from under us. And even when we are staring death in the face as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, there is another who walks with us through the "valley of the shadow" and delivers His followers safely to their eternal home. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 NIV) Rejoice! Hope is real and alive in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior for no other god can save in this way!

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree

We Remember

 "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:19-20 NIV)

The scene is a familiar one. A family is gathered around the table sharing a meal. However, this gathering feels different. There is a sense of heaviness in the hearts of those at the table. Nonetheless, there is some discussion, a little bit of laughter, and a few tears. The family recognizes the next day their lives will change forever. They had hoped and even prayed that the circumstances could be different. However, the family has to acknowledge that someone they love has made a choice which may not be popular or ideal but necessary. This scene has been repeated over time across this nation as families released their loved ones to go and serve their country overseas. Every year we set aside the last Monday in May to give thanks and remember the sacrifice made by men and women to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this country. The shed blood of these soldiers reminds us of the high price of freedom. Sadly, those lost in conflict will never sit around that family table again. Their loved ones will have to live the rest of their lives, clinging to their shared memories. How will they carry on without that person? 

A New Family Gathering

Over two thousand years ago there was another family gathering. This meal also felt different. There was a sense of heaviness as the Leader of the family told them He was going away to die for a higher purpose. He tried to help them understand that His death would set them free in a way they could never imagine. They would experience a freedom that reached beyond their present circumstances into the realm of eternity. The family recognizes their lives were going to change forever. What would they do without Him? How would they carry on? The good news is they would be with their Leader again, not on this earth but in the new world He promised to create in which all of His family would dwell. He would rise from the dead so they would not solely be left with memories but with His Presence. Furthermore, they would be able to carry on in His absence by the power of the Holy Spirit which He would send to them.

 

Eternal Victory

Unlike human conflicts and battles, Jesus fought a battle on another level. It was a spiritual battle for the soul of humanity. Additionally, unlike human conflicts where the battle is not always victorious, Jesus won the victory for all time and eternity! When we remember that last meal Jesus had with His disciples and His subsequent crucifixion, we recognize the high price He paid for our salvation. Each Memorial Day we remember with sadness the lives lost, but in Jesus Christ we remember with gladness the lives won by His resurrection. On Memorial Day we give thanks for the sacrifice of others and everyday we give thanks to God for freedom and eternal life in Jesus Christ!

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Sheree

God So Loved The World

On April 20, 2021 former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts against him for the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. For weeks tensions, especially within the black community, ran high as Chauvin went on trial and the subsequent guilty verdict was returned by the jury. Following Chauvin's conviction, there was a collective sigh of relief and the feeling that justice had finally been served related to the mistreatment of people of color by primarily white police officers. The reactions within the black community varied from shouts of joy and praises to God to others breaking down in tears. Many felt that true justice was a long time coming for people of color and there was some uncertainty as to whether there would actually be any type of conviction. For many there was a sense that justice has been lacking regarding any police officer ever being convicted of unnecessary brutality towards people of color. There were references to the "blue wall" wherein fellow police officers typically did not testify against their own brothers or sisters in blue. However, Derek Chauvin's case was very atypical as fellow police officers could not in good conscience condone the excessive use of force which led to George Floyd's death. 

The God Of Justice

The Bible tells us that God is a God of justice, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will see His face." (Psalm 11:7 NIV) "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing." (Isaiah 61:8a NIV) Furthermore, the Bible tells us that we will experience the consequences of our choices, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV) We have all seen or heard about instances where it appears a person gets away with some terrible crime or injustice and appears to escape the consequences. However, while that criminal may not experience punishment this side of heaven, nothing escapes the sight of our omniscient God. Paul states in Romans 12:19, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord." (NIV) 

The God Of Love

On the other hand, God is also a God of mercy, grace, and love. We read in the Gospel of John the familiar words, "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." (John 3:16 NIV) While much of the focus has been and continues to be on George Floyd and his family, is there any thought about Derek Chauvin? One commentator on a popular daytime talk show expressed her desire to see Derek Chauvin "burn in hell." Is that God's desire? John 3:16 doesn't appear to support such a desire. I am in no way excusing what Derek Chauvin has done. Indeed his actions were cruel, malicious, heinous, and disgusting. I am not biologically related to George Floyd so I cannot begin to imagine the family's overwhelming pain and grief as well as satisfaction with Chauvin's conviction. However, Jesus tells us we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:43-48) How many believers who are praying for the Floyd family and their healing can honestly say they are praying for Derek Chauvin? 

The God Of Eternal Life

Although Mr. Chauvin will serve time in prison that is not the worst of his punishment. He will one day stand before a Holy and Righteous God who will determine Chauvin's eternal fate. My prayer is that behind those prison walls, a faithful believer will share the gospel with Derek Chauvin and give him the opportunity to repent of his sin and seek the forgiveness found in Jesus. Mr. Chauvin's failure to do so will result in a consequence that is far more "deadly" than murdering another human being, and that is separation from God forever. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus tells His followers, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (NIV) As unpleasant and counterintuitive as it may seem, we need to pray for those towards whom we feel hate, do not like, or with whom we may disagree because Jesus died for them as well as for us. The Bible tells us no one is righteous (Romans 3:9-20) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NIV) However, there is hope, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV) Yes, God so loved even Derek Chauvin that He gave up His only Son. We as Christ's followers are not called to excuse, forget, or feel warm fuzzies towards Mr. Chauvin or his behavior but we are called to pray for his salvation and proclaim the gospel to all people so that they may recognize and experience how much God so loved the world.

To God be the glory!

Pastor Sheree