Pastor’s Corner: Sometimes Following Jesus is Hard

September 6, 2017

Sometimes following Jesus is hard. Darn it.

A few days ago I wrote these words to encourage people to turn out on Monday, August 28^th, and bear witness for racial justice:

“We repudiate the voices of race supremacy and segregation. We declare that a blessed society is one that nurtures all people, not just some. We raise our voices for justice throughout the land, and we raise our voices to oppose those who would privilege themselves at the expense of others.”

Despite my awareness that we were demonstrating precisely because white supremacy has been marching openly in the nation, I utterly failed to anticipate opposition to our interfaith gathering to stand along a sidewalk and hold signs testifying to love and justice. But something in those words above provoked a reaction.

And now following Jesus is hard. Darn it.

It’s hard to keep my focus on the goal – a just and loving community – and off my fears and anger. It’s harder still to summon compassion for those who challenged us when I imagine them linking their protests to power. I find it much easier to pray for those persecuting me than I do to pray for those who might persecute you.

Following Jesus is hard. Darn it.

This is why we are a Church, however. We don’t have to do all this hard stuff, this following of Jesus when it’s difficult, by ourselves. I’m going to need your help to summon that compassion and those prayers. Encourage me, please, when I falter! I’ll do the best I can for you, too.

Because following Jesus is hard. Christ, bless us, and help us love!

Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Eric