Philippians 4:2-7: I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
A favorite modern day parable is of Twin Maples, twirling to earth. They landed near each other. One fell on a fertile lawn, the other was deposited into a crack of concrete sidewalk. In the first year, the Lawn maple thrust out roots and raised an 8 inch sapling while the Sidewalk maple had trouble staying alive. Being well fed and watered, the Lawn maple jumped to an incredible height of three feet, that second year, while the Sidewalk maple grew a mere three inches. In year three, the Sidewalk maple finally widened the concrete crack and came to earth but because of the dry, unfertile ground below, it did not have a leafy crown as the Lawn Maple. Instead, the Sidewalk maple had to push its roots down into the deep underground water vein. Then, in year four, a drought occurred, and the Lawn maple withered and then lost its leaves in July. The Sidewalk maple, however, stayed brilliantly green. In the fall, the Lawn maple, who never grew deep roots, died, but the Sidewalk maple turned a glorious and triumphant red.
I like to think that Christians for whom life has been a struggle are often like the Sidewalk maples. They are secure in knowing God, who offers rich life and hope of eternal life through Christ. They dig deep into the Bible to discern who God is and what God is all about! They spend time in prayer and meditation. They exert energy in serving others, they trust God to care and provide for them, and they praise God for the blessings they have.
Their song is a reflection of Philippians 4:4, 7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” They find wholeness in the benediction, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When you get right down to it, it just doesn’t get any better than that!
Lawn Maple Christians are equally loved by God. Perhaps the gift Sidewalk Christians can give to the Lawn Maple Christians is to befriend them, pray for them, and find ways to encourage and enable them to draw closer to their common God of love over the long haul. To create a reserve of hope and God’s love in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, when I struggle in my faith walk, give me nourishment and hope. When I persevere in following you, give me faith growth. Knowing you will do what you have said, I rejoice and give thanks. Help me not to hoard your hope and love but to share it with others. Amen.
Song: “Give Me Jesus” An African-American spiritual ELW 770