For today’s worship please go to: https://www.stmarkknox.org/sermons
Or you can view via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stmarkknox/
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. – Psalm 67:4
This is one of those Sunday’s that come along that has more to talk about than can really be addressed, especially in a single sermon, so I hope I can hit a few high points here in our devotion.
First, it’s memorial day weekend. A time to remember and give thanks for those who fought the good fight for our freedoms, but did not survive the battle. It is the time to remember our brave men and women who truly gave all that they had to give for the freedoms we enjoy. We are thankful for such sacrifice, and I believe such sacrifice is in line with the command for Jesus, who say: “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends” (John 15:13).
Secondly, it’s memorial day weeken, which for many marks the unofficial beginning of Summer. Memorial day marks the end of school, and the beginning of summer break. Yes, we all know that kids have been out of school for a couple of months now, but I must confess it was still hard going to school to pick up our kids belongings, and registering another for kindergarten next year. For those older, it should have been graduation season. I am thankful for those who sent in and helped compile the information on the many graduates from St. Mark. I hope you enjoy how we have honored them in the service. We continue to celebrate their wonderful accomplishments, and pray for their next steps as they enter a new chapter of life.
Thirdly, in the church calendar it is ascension Sunday. The day we remember that Christ, 40 days after the resurrection, left the disciples and ascended into heaven. He gave them instructions to wait on the counselor, the Holy Spirit, and to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Jesus ascended into heave to sit at the right hand of the father, and we know one day he will come again to sit as judge over all the earth.
Fourthly, I want to say a quick word about reopening church. I know we’ve seen and heard reports of churches opening, or given timelines and guidelines for opening. We’ve even heard a statement of churches opening from president Trump. In a statement from our Bishop, Dindy Taylor, that was released May 23, 2020. We are still closed. She has a taskforce put together that includes medical professionals, pastors, and others who are looking into how we can reopen. Her statement said we should have more information coming by June 1, 2020. For now, please continue to be patient as we await these next steps. Know that I truly miss you and congregating at church for worship. This is something I never would have expected, and I am grateful for the ways in which we have continued to remain connected even while apart. I am hopeful that one day soon we will be able to return to in-person worship, but for now, realize that our closure continues, and this closure is out of care and protection of each one who would come and worship.
Finally, our psalm speaks of a God who calls many nations to sing for joy, for his rule is equitable. God is fair and just says the psalmist, but more so we know that God is merciful and graceful. This time of coronavirus doesn’t seem fair, especially as it continues to keep us apart. However, I know that God is going to lead us to a better place, we need to trust in God’s timing, believe in God’s healing of the nations, and understand that our salvation will still come.
I hope you have a wonderful, joy-filled Sunday.
Grace & Peace,
Sam