Last week Marilyn and I watched this sunset over Bogue Sound and exulted in the glories of God’s creation. What a welcome respite from the agony of the news from the last two weeks! The continuing scourge of Covid-19, the murder of George Floyd, the protests and violence, the conflict between protecting our health and restoring the economy – it all is so overwhelming that it is nearly impossible to remember God’s love and care.
Two weeks ago, my heart was broken on Saturday night as I watched a peaceful protest turn into conflict, destruction, and looting. How could our community, which we thought was so peaceful and harmonious, mutate into such horror? And this afternoon I watched portions of the George Floyd’s funeral. It was heartrending.
Paul reminds us, in Romans 5, that suffering is unavoidable. But, at the same time, he frames this within the context of faith and encourages us mightily with this formula: “suffering produces endurance; and endurance produces character; and character produces hope — hope of sharing the glory of God. Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (This has special meaning to me, because during my years as a music administrator I coined the departmental motto “Suffering builds character” to exhort my students and faculty colleagues. They were never quite sure how to take this, but they quickly learned that it was encouraging rather than threatening.)
When he commissions the disciples to become apostles and carry the good news of the kingdom of heaven throughout Israel, Jesus also warns them of dangers ahead: wolves posing as sheep, persecution, arrest, betrayal, torture. Both opportunity and suffering lie ahead. Does this warning speak to us in the midst of plague, death, riots, rebellion, anger? If so, we may find hope in the rest of Jesus’s commission: expect hospitality, take the opportunity to testify to the authorities who arrest you, know that the Spirit will provide the right message when you speak; those who endure to the end will be saved. (Check it out in Matthew 10.)
As I attempt to navigate these turbulent waters, I take great comfort in the assurance so visible in God’s creation. New life and resurrection surround us: new growth of trees, flowers, and vegetables; bright young people celebrating milestones of graduation; beautiful spring weather; birds singing their hearts out as they celebrate new life. Not to mention that sunset over Bogue Sound. God’s love is evident all around us. Yes, beyond the suffering there is hope.
In the words of the great hymn by Joachim Neander (Hymnal #665):
All my hope on God is founded, all my trust he shall renew;
he, my guide through changing order, only good and only true:
God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Rev. Dr. David Lynch