Across the pastor's desk for August 25, 2006

The signs are quite evident that another season is coming to a close. The State Fair has begun another run, soybean fields are beginning to turn golden, and stores are advertising their back-to-school specials. All too quickly the summer has fled. As much as we might want to hold on to it, it races by and a new season approaches. Such is life lived in this world, filled with change and the flight of time. In the midst of such change, it is good to be reminded that there is one constant and that constant is the love that God has for the whole of God’s creation.

It is often said with some cynicism that the only certain things in life are death and taxes. However, the most certain thing is that God is deeply invested in and connected to God’s creation. Unfortunately, God needs to use human beings to help communicate that certainty and as a result of sin and its affects, human beings do not always do well at sharing this truth with the world. All too often those who would speak for God speak of wrath and death and condemnation. One has to look very hard to find any sign of God’s love or grace in the message that is being shared.

This has certainly become more apparent in recent days with comments and predictions being made regarding the destructive conflict in the Middle East. The death of innocents on either side is not the will of God, nor part of God’s greater plan. A quest for human security and greed might be better explanations of what has been occurring. As Christians we would say that God’s greatest plan was revealed in the incarnation of the Savior and his willingness to give himself for the redemption of the whole world. It is at times like this that it would benefit all to listen very carefully to the words of Jesus as opposed to those who would so freely and vociferously speak on God’s behalf.

In the midst of change and uncertainty, whether of the seasons or the frailties of nations and peoples, there is one thing that is certain. That is that God has loved this world and continues to love it and encourages us as people of God to do the same.