Do you see a football game here in the picture? Sorry Maryland friends and fans, you might try to argue no football game took place. I had a great time watching Penn State play Maryland over the weekend. I was joined by around 100,000 people. It was great spending a day with friends. It was great seeing some people I had not seen for a while.
It was a good day.
And yet, I wrestle with this. What do I wrestle with? Did I take the day for granted too easily? Do I appreciate what I have enough? Is it OK to enjoy a day like this when there is so much going on in the world?
My oldest will turn 15 next year. I was reminded recently that in some countries this would mean he would be made to join the army and go off to war. One hundred thousand people is a lot of people. Unfortunately, it does not even get close to the many women and children who are victims of sex trafficking.
There are countless other examples that could be given here, examples of ongoing hurt and pain. It is easy to be overwhelmed. How can we even begin to help? How could we even begin to see change?
It is easier still to ignore, not wanting to even think about such things.
The answer I know is to pursue God, to love and follow Jesus Christ. He will guide and direct our steps. Here at Barnitz and Mt. Zion we know that what we focus on matters. This is why we are focusing on Connecting People to Christ’s Love. It is the love of Christ that has the power necessary to transform. It is the love of Christ at work in our lives that will lead us to serve and give in ways we may never have imagined. It is Christ’s love that is so desperately needed in this world.
16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.17 God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17)
We can enjoy life. We can. In the joy we experience though in something as “simple” as a football game, know there is an even greater joy, in this life and in the life to come, for those who love and follow Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
(All scripture cited above from Common English Bible Copyright © 2011)