Faith in Uncertain Times

2020 has been the longest year of my life. Not just my life, though. My wife and I show each other videos on YouTube and TikTok every day of content-creating comedians rhapsodizing about the tumultuous year this has become.

Between the wildfires in Australia that started the year, political escalation and stress around the world, more visible police brutality brought via cell phone video of the death of George Floyd, and the rise and continuation of COVID-19, you can already see how 2020 is going to be a year for the history books.

This weekend, we are going to hear Jesus continue his task to the disciples, from Matthew 10, and about the various difficulties that their ministry will hold.

“Great. More good news…”

At first glance or listen, the words of Jesus are quite scary: things will seem bad when you follow me.

As someone who has dedicated his life to serving God and the church, this text is always a hard one when we read it every three years in the Revised Common Lectionary.

But upon further reflection, I find hope in part of this.

In verse 31, Jesus tells the disciples not to be afraid. That they are beloved by God. That whatever suffering they might endure for the sake of the Gospel won’t be the defining, end-all to their stories.

And this gives me hope; that no matter how dark 2020 may seem, that God is still working through the Holy Spirit. God is calling each and every one of us to to advocate for the oppressed and the systemically disadvantaged. That God is on the side of the persecuted. And, we are to be, too.

In this season of Pentecost, God is continuing to inspire God’s people through the Holy Spirit to give voice to the voiceless, and to speak the hope and promise of God’s beloved community to everyone they meet.

May God meet you in the difficult places, and inspire you to be a hope for others.

Amen.
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