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| Old Sheldon Church Pulpit |
"I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart." (Romans 9:1-2 NRSV)
This verse never fails to bring a smile to my face. It reminds me of a child when he's trying to justify something he's done by making up some story to cover him or herself. It can be very difficult to know when someone is truly speaking the truth and so we must depend upon the Holy Spirit to help us discern the truth. I do; however, believe that we can believe Paul when he says that he is telling the truth.
Paul is grieved because not everyone who he would have accept Jesus as the Messiah has accepted him. He has come to terms with the fact that some Jews are merely God's people in the flesh and not of the spirit. So; too, many pastors grieve as they look out over the congregations they have served for years and recognize that not all who sit in those pews know Jesus as their lord and savior. They may have been "born" into the church and raised in the church; but, their spirits have somehow managed to not know Jesus.
Paul is grieved because not everyone who he would have accept Jesus as the Messiah has accepted him. He has come to terms with the fact that some Jews are merely God's people in the flesh and not of the spirit. So; too, many pastors grieve as they look out over the congregations they have served for years and recognize that not all who sit in those pews know Jesus as their lord and savior. They may have been "born" into the church and raised in the church; but, their spirits have somehow managed to not know Jesus.
It is hard to swallow that people whom we love do not love God; that they do not even know him. It grieves many pastors; many parents; many a spouse; and, many friends to know that their loved ones do not know the love of God or the peace that surpasses all understanding.
May God open the hearts of all people during this Advent and Christmas season to know; not just know about; but, to know Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
May God open the hearts of all people during this Advent and Christmas season to know; not just know about; but, to know Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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