Second Chances

Second chances often provide wonderful opportunities.  Sometimes a second chance is a gift of grace and forgiveness as relationship is restored.  A second chance can provide occasion to try again in the aftermath of poor performance.  A second chance may provide someone a different perspective about you that they may have overlooked the first time.  Occasionally, a second chance allows one to participate in something he or she missed taking part in.  One does not always get a second chance, so when the opportunity is afforded, one is wise to take advantage of that opportunity.

 

This Sunday morning you will have a second chance to celebrate something many of you missed.  The first two Sundays in March were terrible weather Sundays with snow, freezing rain, and bitter cold.  Our children's choir presented their "Spring Fling" music on one of the those Sundays and several of our congregation were absent, so we are being given a second chance to enjoy a wonderful program of children's music during morning worship this Sunday.  Like most second chances, this opportunity is only enjoyed if you take advantage of it, so plan to be in worship this Sunday and invite a friend or neighbor to join you..

 

Second chances often bring blessing and provide opportunities to be a blessing.  Be alert to these opportunities today!

 

Jim Abernathy 

The Dis-ease of Accidie and the Joy of Hope

Benjamin Pratt, in his book, "Short Stuff From a Tall Guy," speaks of an ancient Greek word that characterizes a weariness of faith that some struggle to overcome.  He defines the word, "accidie," as follows: "In its fullest meaning, accidie refers to the loss of joy or faith in the goodness of life or the goodness of God."  The circumstances of life, the pressures of our schedules, the demands others place upon us, the cruel and violent nature of the world around us are just a few of the burdens we carry that weigh at times so heavily upon us.  The questions of where, when, and how God works in the midst of these challenges are perhaps only eclipsed by the greater question, 'Why?". 

 

Faith is of little value if questions are not allowed.  Early in my ministry I was scolded by a woman who, in the aftermath of a study on the book of Revelation, told me that one should never question God.  "To do so," she said, "was a sin."  I have thought about her warning several times over the years and come to believe that God is not threatened by the questions that arise in the living of this life.  There are times when joy is lost and faith seems uncertain. 

 

Our Day/Night Bible Study is currently focusing on the Old Testament book of Job where a good and righteous man, by biblical standards, suffers devastating losses that include the death of his children, destruction of property, and the diminishment of his own physical health.  Initially he refuses to question, but over time the weight of his grief becomes overwhelming.  His encounters with God take on a different tone and he ultimately must decide whether he will trust God, even in the midst of what he does not understand.

 

Quite honestly, we like less messy stories, particularly when the mess comes too close to home.  Though it seems tempting to live a life free from such burden. the growth of our faith is often dependent on these messy circumstances.  This is not to say that God initiates the burdens and hardships we encounter, but in these deep valleys we learn a great deal about ourselves and about God.  The apostle Paul is right to encourage Christians to believe that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8).  That assurance of unwavering love is foundational when facing the challenges before us...even when things get messy...even when we aren't sure how God is at work...even when we are threatened by the dis-ease of accidie.

 

Pratt contrasts the complacency and weariness of accidie with the power of the Creator to recreate a new spirit and hope. Citing the 51st Psalm, he writes, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  I'm yearning for the light of a new day. I long for the old courage, the old calling. Now, I'm taking this step in prayer; I'm calling out humbly for just a taste of purpose and passion--a ray of light in these dark times. Fill me, O Lord, with the hope of joy--the joy of hope." 

 

Amen!

 

Jim Abernathy

Bond of Faith

In his book, "The Selfless Way of Christ," Henri Nouwen writes, "What is truly taking place in our lives is not the random ups and downs of our personal and communal lives, but rather the events of Christ's life being realized among us in and through the church.  It is Advent, Christ is coming; it is Christmas, Christ is being born; it is Lent, Christ is suffering; it is Holy Week, Christ is dying; it is Easter, Christ is risen; it is Pentecost, Christ is sending his Spirit. All other events--personal, social, or political--derive their meaning from the Christ event."    

 

You and I share a bond of faith in the living Christ.  The apostle Paul put it this way in Acts 17:28, ‘In him we live and move and have our being."  I believe our shared commitment to Christ as a Christian community is exemplified when we gather and when we go out in the name of Christ.  As Nouwen said, every event ultimately finds its meaning and purpose in Christ.  Yes, we gather in worship, fellowship, and mission, but most significantly, our identity is found in the living Christ and is to be witnessed in everything we do.  We are the church, the body of Christ.  Let us be moved by the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty tomb. These Christ events, as Nouwen calls them, make us who we are.

 

After a wonderful Easter celebration last Sunday, I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday to continue the joy of resurrection and contemplate the wonder of God's love. Invite someone to share this bond of faith with you at Westwood.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Easter Sunday

Matthew 28:1-10

 

^“ He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.”

(Matthew 28:6a)

 

You have probably been tempted to say, “I told you so.”  There’s a certain sense of superiority in reminding another that you are right and they are wrong.

 

The angel’s words here aren’t necessarily an I told you so statement, yet, they remind these grief-stricken followers that they have come to the wrong place looking for Jesus.  The women are encouraged to remember the words of Jesus and recognize that resurrection has come, just as he said.  One understands that grief could cloud their memories, but these women were not alone in their skepticism. Luke tells us that when they told the disciples what they had seen and heard, they also did not believe.  It’s hard to understand this given the extensive record we possess of Jesus’ teachings about his death and resurrection in the gospels.  Of course, they did not have such a record, only their memories…only what they believed.  Belief, it would seem, wasn’t fully realized until proven.

 

We will not see the resurrected Jesus before us today, yet, we believe that death has been conquered, just as scripture tells us…just as Jesus said. 

 

Hallelujah!  Christ is risen!

 

Prayer: The burden and sorrow of the cross, gives way to the joy of the empty tomb, Lord.  You have honored your word.  You have faithfully done what you said you would do.  Thanks be to God! Amen.

 

(Our Lenten journey comes to a close with this last daily devotion.  May God continue to guide our steps as we live in the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty tomb.)

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Good Friday

John 16:32-33

“The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.”

(John 16:32)

Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for what was to come.  He told them what awaited him in Jerusalem, even the part they would play.  Yet, they seemed unable to comprehend his words.  Peter pledged his life to Jesus as did the others, but Jesus knew they would not honor that commitment. 

Indeed, the disciple’s silence is deafening as Jesus is condemned to die, then made to carry his own cross to Golgotha.  A stranger, Simon, does for Jesus what none of his disciples would do, as he carries his cross.  On the cross, his body broken, bearing the sins of the world, it seemed that even God had forsaken him. 

Jesus’ words, however, give evidence to a greater hope, even in the loneliness of what he would face.  “I am not alone because the Father is with me.”  There are moments when we wonder where God is, yet the words of Jesus reassure us that we must ultimately trust, even when the darkness closes in.

On this Good Friday, the power of love is displayed on the cross.  Ultimate hope is found in Jesus’ words of preparation…”I am not alone because the Father is with me.”

Prayer: The cross again reminds me of my own betrayal, Lord.  On this day, give me strength to carry my cross, knowing that you are with me. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Maundy Thursday

Luke 22:31-34

 

“…I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

(Luke 22:32)

 

How would you treat someone who was about to betray you?  Most would immediately distance themselves from that person, either in anger or brokenness.  Jesus did something different.  He offered encouragement.  Peter boldly committed himself to defend Jesus, but his actions exposed an inability to follow through.

 

“Once you have turned back,” Jesus said to Peter, “strengthen your brothers.”  The heaviness of what was about to unfold surely burdened Jesus.  He had tried to prepare his disciples for his death, but they did not understand.  Now, within hours of his crucifixion, as he stood among friends who would soon forsake him, his response was encouragement.

 

This tells us more about Jesus than his betrayers.  He knew what Peter and the others would do in their darkest hours, but he also knew there was something in them that would blossom and grow post-resurrection.  He believed in what they could become.

 

Amidst bold proclamations of faith, Jesus knows our actions don’t always live up to our words of commitment.  Yet, he still sees what we can become and he still encourages…”I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.”  Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!

 

Prayer: Your mercy and grace extend even when I betray you, Lord.  Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy   

Lenten Devotional...April 1

John 12:37-43

 

^“Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.”

(John 12:42-43)

 

I remember loving April Fool’s Day as a child.  The opportunity to “prank” a friend, sibling, maybe even an unsuspecting teacher was too great a temptation to pass up.  Of course, I was “pranked” as well by those who took advantage of that one day each year when it was acceptable to intentionally mislead, all in good fun.

 

April Fool’s Day aside, intentionally deceiving someone is not a very nice thing to do.  But what happens when you deceive yourself?  What happens when you know something to be right, only to disown that truth as a situational choice?

 

John tells us there were many who believed in Jesus in the last days of his ministry. Sadly, however, fear about what others might think kept them for owning that faith publicly…“they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.”  Even Jesus’ closest friends would not stand with him when the shadow of the cross hovered near.

 

Perhaps April Fool’s Day, falling as it does this year during Holy Week, should remind us that we fool ourselves and betray Jesus whenever we become enamored by human glory.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for valuing the approval of others more than I value you. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy