Eastertide

May 19, 2023

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen –1 Peter 5:6-11

I toss and turn in the wee hours of the morning, casting my anxiety on the Lord, and God always seems to reply: So what are you going to do about whatever is causing the angst? I wanted God to fix the issue, The Lord wants me to take up my cross and follow, with the promise that God will always be with me. I am a strong believer in Christ calling his followers to take up his cause and finish as much of the work I can bringing the Kingdom of God, the beloved community, to fruition.

This scripture outlines a good plan for living into that calling.  Trust in God first, discipline yourselves, keep alert, and work, when indicated and possible, in groups.

My mother actively attended church until she was 95. She was never one to grip but she did say to me once that she liked the new songs her church was singing but she just wished that once in a while they would sing one of the old songs she love so much. As I wrote this, I remembered one of her favorites. Here is the first verse, this is for her.

Work, for the night is coming:
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling:
Work mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter;
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man’s work is done*.

Prayer: Lord, sustain us in serving you at all times in all ways. Amen.

*First verse of Work for the Night is Coming by Annie Louisa Coghill see at https://hymnary.org/text/work_for_the_night_is_coming_work_throug

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.