1. A Message from Pastor Chris French
Dear Grace Community,
As I reflect and consider, not only the events of these past couple of days in Washington D.C. but also the past nine months, I know that the people of our country have felt varying degrees of hurt, sadness, anxiety, division, and mistrust. And while it has been a dark time, I have also witnessed beautiful acts of kindness and stunning words of encouragement.
Yet, I will be honest, I’ve often felt at a loss for words. I have listened to conversations and debates. I have agreed and scoffed over words posted on social media. I have tried to dissect the words coming from a wide range of new reports.
And I have frequently wondered what words, if any, could I share and encourage you with. I have thought, will the words I use sound shallow and empty? Will the words I use stir up conflict? Will the words I use bring peace?
With my words, I want to assure us that there is a way forward. That there is a way to speak and listen. That there is a way of seeking and living that can and does make a difference in the midst of the challenges and difficulties we are experiencing as a country.
The only way I know how to do this is to turn to God’s Word. In chapters 5 through 7 in the Gospel of Matthew, we read the words of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says, “...seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” These are the words that are desperately needed. These are the words that point us back to the only One who can bring restoration and reconciliation.
The way of Jesus is the way forward. As followers of Jesus, let us focus on putting into practice, embodying, and utilizing the words of Jesus’s sermon to shape and form us and lead us into the future.
Jesus concludes his sermon with a simple but profound illustration. Jesus said, 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
As we use words to pray, converse, and debate, let us seek first the Kingdom of God, even if it stands contrary to the ways of the world. Let us use our words to build up and encourage one another, not tear down. Let us turn to God’s Word when we lack understanding and compassion.
Finally, I have heard and seen a lot of calls to prayer. Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Peace,
Rev. Chris French
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