Joy, Gentle Friends!
Rev. Tyger Penson is a retired teacher, missionary, mission developer, and pastor. She and Todd (also a retired pastor) live in Alderbrook and are members of Faith.
In our human, power-needy world, it often seems necessary to “prove oneself” if we want recognition, or acceptance, or even just to do something we feel God needs or wants us to do. One time we do not need to “prove ourselves” however, is in connection with God’s love and acceptance of us. That is a gift free and clear. We don’t have to work for it, earn it, or go through any special hoops to attain it. It just is our gift.
A new preaching series will soon begin at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton on Luther’s Catechism, beginning with the 10 Commandments. Many of us learned these commandments when we were in Sunday school and Confirmation classes. As a pastor for many years, I discovered that young people took these 10 Commandments as “the law” or only for what they said, never putting any further thought into their extended meaning. So, a kid might say, “Of course it is wrong to kill. Murder is always wrong!” Another student would say, “My mom would “kill” me if I stole anything!”
Perhaps it is time for us to revisit these Commandments and the rest of the Catechism to reaffirm what are the plans for God’s people. It is a very timely topic for us as we live in a very divided and tumultuous period of history. We are given the opportunity to stretch our thinking, to rectify the wrongs within us and around us, and teach our children and grandchildren how God wants us to live.
“A new year stands on our doorsteps. With fragile caution we move to open the door for its entrance. Our hearts leap with surprise and joy jumps in our eyes, for there beside this brand new year stands our God with outstretched hand! God smiles and gently asks of us: “can we walk together this year?” And we, so overwhelmed with goodness, can barely whisper our reply: “Welcome in!”
At the very moment when we are caught up in the opening of Christmas presents, nibbling on cookies, and bemoaning the separation from our families due to the pandemic, God comes with his great “Ta-Dah” to remind us that in the midst of all the anxieties and activities surrounding the holy day of Christmas, God’s coming in the form of the baby named Jesus, is greater than all these.
When disaster takes place, we sit in mourning and unbelief that such has happened. We cry out in anger, fear, or despair. Is there hope? Does God give a hoot? Yes, says the Scripture. God cares a lot about you and about those who have hurt you and even those whom you hurt. God is steadfast and God’s love never ceases—then or now.
Joy is not a word that denotes giddiness or laughter so much as a deep-seeded experience that brings hope and acceptance. It is the source of happiness even in the midst of trouble or hardship or fear. It is a word and thought we will revisit over time as we read and study God’s Word.
So, the new title of my blogs beginning now in mid-November of 2020 (during the COVID pandemic) is “JOY, GENTLE FRIENDS.” When you come to my home, it is the message with which you will greeted. I hope that as you read these reflections, pray, and meditate over them, you will find insight, peace, and a joy from God that passes all understanding. Joy, gentle friends!
Prayer: God of hope and deep-rooted joy, fill us today and tomorrow. Help us to share your joy with others. Amen.
In so many countries in the world, there are systems in place where their citizens have no freedom to express an opinion or to disagree with a decision being made by the reigning government. Many people live in fear of disagreeing with the ruler or president or other governing bodies of their country. Living in Liberia, we were made aware of the difficulties of living under a dictatorship. There were always those who were out to get a fellow citizen in trouble. Much like what Jesus experienced.
Praise God for the gift of democracy under which we live. Praise God that we have the right to disagree with the policies of our governing entities. Praise God that we do not have to fear for our lives if others do not agree with us. Praise God that we can demonstrate our Christian love to those who may vote or think differently than we do.
I suspect that God also feels abandoned and sad that the message of God’s love lies forgotten as we fill our thoughts and activities with other things—walking right by God even as God cares and loves us and empowers goodness in all of us. Sometimes it takes a novel to wake me up to the miracles of an open grave that signals God present and active.
