Meditation Monday – June 7, 2021

“…But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three – sin, guilt, death – are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!  With all this going on for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back.  Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” 

1 Corinthians 15:58 (The Message)

What if St. Paul were to  write St. Luke’s a letter during this point in time? While I cannot officially speak for St. Paul, especially since Zooming him is not an option, I can still wonder what he might say. So I ask you, the reader, to  indulge me as I share an idea of what such a letter might look like. I wonder if it might be similar to something he said in 1 Corinthians 15: 58? 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Luke’s,

I know this has been an unusual year for you. You have not been able to meet in person, but you have thrown yourselves into God’s work and learned how to connect with each other through technology and good old fashioned phone calls. Sometimes you almost lost hope and wondered if this separation from each other would ever end. Yes, meeting in person is something very special. I get it. But rest assured, nothing you have done or are doing now in and for the Lord will ever be a waste of time. I want to encourage you to stand firm in your faith and remember that God is the power in all you do. I urge you to throw yourself into His work. 

You know that Peter and I have been through many difficulties lately. We have been in jail, had rocks thrown at us, and have been called all sorts of names even from fellow believers. But, here is the thing, we honestly view it all from an eternal perspective; these trials are only temporary. I don’t write to diminish the real pain and suffering you and those you love experience—their problems and your problems are real—but please keep in mind that these hard experiences are temporary. I  remind you of the temporary nature of your struggles in order to give you comfort even in the middle of your most trying circumstances.

Above all, my dear friends, I desire that you take to heart Jesus’ words to you in John’s gospel: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, remain in my love .” (John 15:9)

I hope these words have met you where you are today.

Your sister in Christ, 

Sharon R.