It was the New Testament theologian, William Barclay, who once said, “We live in a world of broken hearts.” Indeed, at this moment in time, it is overwhelming the amount of news and information that speaks of such brokenness. And it is discouraging! It is discouraging going on social media, for example, and it is discouraging hearing what we can say and do to each other. We can easily feel frustrated.
But here’s the deal: we don’t need to let such discouragement or frustration win. We have alternatives as Christians: we have the Gospel! We have gifts like faith, hope, and love. And we have treasures like Holy Communion and Baptism. We have the fruit of the Spirit to bear like joy and patience and kindness and self-control. And we have a God who is for us and not against us. We worship a God who, in Christ, raises us up from the pits of discouragement and who promises to execute justice against those who deny justice to others, especially among the most vulnerable (as justice belongs to the Lord).
Nehemiah depends on this truth, even as he tries to continue the work amidst all the challenges of rebuilding – letting God provide the resources and allowing God to have God’s way! For in the end that is the only Way that matters! In time, God will have God’s way: not in death, but in life. Not despair, but forgiveness. Not threats, but promises. That’s Gospel! That’s the Way!
So dear church: please know there is another Way: There is another alternative!
So let the building continue! Let it continue! Even now!
Pastor Andy Kinsey
But here’s the deal: we don’t need to let such discouragement or frustration win. We have alternatives as Christians: we have the Gospel! We have gifts like faith, hope, and love. And we have treasures like Holy Communion and Baptism. We have the fruit of the Spirit to bear like joy and patience and kindness and self-control. And we have a God who is for us and not against us. We worship a God who, in Christ, raises us up from the pits of discouragement and who promises to execute justice against those who deny justice to others, especially among the most vulnerable (as justice belongs to the Lord).
Nehemiah depends on this truth, even as he tries to continue the work amidst all the challenges of rebuilding – letting God provide the resources and allowing God to have God’s way! For in the end that is the only Way that matters! In time, God will have God’s way: not in death, but in life. Not despair, but forgiveness. Not threats, but promises. That’s Gospel! That’s the Way!
So dear church: please know there is another Way: There is another alternative!
So let the building continue! Let it continue! Even now!
Pastor Andy Kinsey
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