“[People] loved darkness rather than light.”  This phrase from John 3:19 has been on my mind this week in relation to current events. There are other Bible passages about the choices people make when presented with clear and distinctly different options. The crowds in Jerusalem intentionally and knowingly chose Barabbas for release and Jesus for crucifixion. They chose darkness, intentionally and deliberately. How do we reconcile current events with the Bible, and more importantly, with God and with each other when our beliefs and choices are so vastly different and in diametric opposition?

 We reconcile current events with the Bible insofar as we implement the teachings of Jesus in our personal lives and apply them to how we respond to the events going on around us. Current events are what they are, and we have little if any direct control over what other people do or the decisions they make, even about things that may directly impact on our lives. We do have control over at least most of what we think, say, and do. We control how we respond to circumstances we find ourselves in, whether of our own making or because of what other people have done.

 We have our gifts and graces to offer. We have our kindness and love to share. We have the power to resist evil and injustice and to embrace goodness and fairness. Christ will multiply and scale up whatever mercies we are able to extend in even the smallest of ways. So, let’s put in our two-cents worth, shall we?

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Excerpt from the Manuscript of the sermon preached by Rev. Bill Lawson

Preached November 10, 2024, at Briensburg UMC

Bible Readings for Proper 27, Revised Common Lectionary Year B,

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146,

Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44

USING

1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146:1-7, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44
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 Complete Sermon with Bibliography and Notes:
 [ PDF ]

COVER IMAGE: “Child Giving Grapes to a Soldier.” PickPik.  www.pickpik.com/child-soldier-gift-giving-grapes-fruit-140462/  9 Nov 2024. Photograph.