Pastor’s Pen

Eyes to See

We are in the season of Epiphany. It is a season that helps us look at the inbreaking of the kingdom of God, both in the birth of the Word made flesh and in our everyday lives as people of faith. Its themes have mostly to do with light breaking into the darkness. How has Jesus’ presence made itself known to you these days? On the surface, it seems as if God is absent. The world seems to be in chaos and out of control. It is hard to imagine trying to carry on with life in many parts of the country. People’s inhumanity to each other is rather breathtaking, and on top of that, this violence is done with a belief that it is God-ordained. What have we come to? The refrain from one of my songs goes, “What have we come to? Where is the love?”

However, our faith calls us to look at the world through different lenses. Rather than accepting the chaos and the fear, we are called to see what is going on in the midst of it all. Can we see the stories of those who live out their lives in the love of neighbor? Can we see the communities that are standing with those on the fringe of society? Can we hear the voices that give voice to those who do not seemingly have a voice? If we can begin to see how people are being courageous, in the face of danger, to live lives of love for others—and even for enemies—then we can begin to see how the kingdom is among us. It may even give us the courage to take one step ahead this day in the name of love.

My prayer for each day is that God gives me new eyes to see the world through faith eyes and then gives me the courage to live in that love.

May you be strengthened to love.

Peace,

Pastor Tim