September 13

Today we conclude our series on the Book of Hebrews, entitled “Following Jesus No Matter What.” As I reflect upon where our study has led, I get a picture of a God that loves and redeems us, desiring that we be “at one” with God and others. The writer says that Jesus was “at one” with us, facing temptation and adversity in a world similar to ours. Jesus’ love led him to the cross to begin a work of reconciliation that continues even today. The final chapter of Hebrews, chapter 13, begins with the command, “Let mutual love continue.” What might that mean? The writer explains as follows: • Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. • Remember those who are in prison. • Let marriage be held in honor by all. • Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have. • Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. • Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. • Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. • Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. “Let mutual love continue.” That is a relational command, a vision of God’s desires for this community. In a week which we remember the tragedy of 9/11, continue to experience the horrors of people being displaced from their homes (over four million in Syria alone!), and know that kids in our community are going to school hungry, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” In a time when mental illness forces many into the streets, prisons are full, law enforcement under attack, and marriages challenged, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” In a time when loneliness is rampant, materialism is manifest, and public discourse is often uncivil, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” The Good News is that as Christians and as worshippers at Eastminster we have a rich tradition of love and generosity to draw upon. We have the model of Jesus to follow. We have a community of faith to encourage us and to lift us up when we are low. We follow a God who takes the “fish and loaves” of our hospitality and blesses in abundance. In a world of adversity and temptation, sometimes it is best to keep it simple. Follow Jesus no matter what. Let mutual love continue. I look forward to sharing that love today … and next week with those who are invited to “Back to Church Sunday.” Blessings,