The View From Here

Though our nation is in turmoil with questions about racial justice along with the uncertainty of the Corona virus it might be good if we all take a breath and remember some things we have to be thankful for. With July 4th celebrations just around the corner remember that our founding fathers began this American experiment with the revolutionary idea that all men were created equal and were given rights, not from any government but from God. Though none of the signers of the declaration were perfect; the direction that they pointed us to as a nation has been a beacon of hope for people around the world. My own grandfather came at 16 years old in 1913, escaping the poverty of Messina Italy that had been devastated by the great earthquake of 1908 that left over 50,000 dead.

Today I think of our Nepali friends who came as refugees escaping ethnic cleansing just 10 years ago. Before we lose hope imagine where any of these would have gone if America were not here.

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! – Inscription on the Statue of Liberty

Whatever Happened to Mercy?

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy Matthew 5:7

Whatever happened to mercy in our political arena and in our community? Where is forgiveness clearly messaged towards people who don’t agree with us, live up to our standards or fit in with our tight knit circle? When we are anxious to pick up stones to throw at people we might want to be careful of whom we hit. The person who is today’s vicious opponent may one day become a missionary like Paul. The liar we contend with at work could one day become a pillar of our church like Peter. Skeptics who question all we believe in could one day be like Thomas who traveled all the way to India bringing the message of the gospel!

Looking at racism, looting, and violence it is easy to begin to feel that some of those people really don’t deserve mercy. But that misses the point. Mercy cannot be deserved! Mercy is the attitude that reflects the undeserved second chance that God has given to anyone who comes to Him. Mercy is the action that says there is always hope for someone else’s life. Especially for we who call ourselves Christians, mercy should always be our first response rather than our last resort. Jesus teaches us that mercy unlocks God’s blessing. There is still hope for God’s blessing on our community because of mercy. No one is too far away for God to reach. God’s mercy can reach every hard angry and rebellious heart … even our own!

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

Heaven’s Hotline

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;         Psalm 46:1-2 KJV 

The story of the children of Israel leaving Egypt reminds me a lot of our situation in America today. Just like us they were fearful because of the crises they faced. Every time they faced an emergency the people ran to Moses in a panic and demanded answers. Moses in turn knew that he didn’t have the answers, so he dialed God’s hot line. And every time Moses called for God’s help, whether it was about the Egyptian army, the lack of food in the desert or the bitter water at Mara God worked another miracle. It might seem strange that no matter how many times God delivered them they never trusted Him the next time, but are we really any different? Instead of chariots, hunger and bitter water we face the Corona virus, Antifa and economic disaster. Just like the people of Israel it seems as if the world as we know it is about to fall into the depths of the sea. But in the same way that God answered His heavenly hotline for the children of Israel, He is still ready to answer us today 

Though, it feels like running away from our problems would be the safest solution; the real truth is that the only safe place is in Jesus Christ. He offers us a gift of life that cannot be taken away. He makes available a citizenship in a kingdom that will never be overthrown. He is making plans to adopt us into His family where we will be loved and accepted forever. Why not trust Him as refuge and strength in whatever trouble you face? Before turning on the morning news, remember that He is guarding the doors, of both our homes and our hearts. Even when mountains are falling into the sea, He will be with us. He has promised to walk with us both through fire and through the flood. He is our refuge and strength and in Him we don’t ever need to be afraid again!Â