Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

In, around, and among our congregational family there is a lot of fear, anxiety, suffering, and struggle. If the rapid change and chaos in our nation were not enough, many of our members’ lives are very hard right now. We have members dealing with job loss, forced retirements, organ transplants, cancer treatments, terminal illnesses, chronic pain, grief and anxiety. I try very hard to remember that I never know what someone else is facing, and to try to show up in ways that are compassionate, curious, and open. But that can be difficult when we are tired, stretched, or hurting.

As we work our way through Holy Week, we are reminded that God does not promise that our way will be easy, or that things will work out the way we want them or need them to work out. Every one of us will know times of suffering and grief, and all of us must face our own deaths. No one gets out of this life alive. And almost no one gets through this life without significant suffering, hurt and grief. And even though we confess faith in a crucified Savior, Christians somehow have come to expect that Christ will suffer FOR us so that we can live pain free lives. This is a cultural lie. To be human is to be limited. To be human is to hurt and to be hurt. But to be a follower of Jesus is to be forgiving (of ourselves and others), and to be compassionate and kind even when we suffer. This – in my experience – is almost impossible to do without God’s love working in and through us. In Christ, God came to earth and took on human limits and the consequences of our sin. Jesus has suffered as we suffer, and his words from the cross were “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” These words do not mean that Christians should not advocate for justice nor accept suffering as passive recipients. Instead, these words teach us to expect suffering and to prepare to suffer for the good of the world and for the good of those God loves. In Christ we see the power of love to redeem evil. Jesus showed us that the real power of God is not in domination or control, but in love and service.

Easter is unnecessary if evil is not real. Easter is sentimental if we do not know pain, grief, or suffering. But Easter is oxygen for those who grieve. Easter is hope for those who feel crushed by life. Easter is assurance for those who realize that they are not in control of the world or their own lives. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we look our own limitations, our own sin, and our own pain in the face, and we lift it to God. And on Easter morning, God gives us instead hope, joy, and real life. Those of us who know that we need God will be worshiping the source of all life on Easter morning. I hope you will be worshiping with us. Bring your whole heart. God can handle it.

Holy Easter!