Dear HBIC Family,

Years ago, I remember reading a chilling tale about Civil Rights freedom fighters who were jailed protesting the oppression of African Americans in the Jim Crow South. The names of the people involved are all blurring in my head, but what stands out to me was the songs of praise these activists sang to our God, while being unjustly imprisoned. They loved their enemies by seeking to do good to those who hated them, they blessed those who cursed them, and they prayed for people who were mistreating them. 

One of the activists talked about how, even as they were being physically assaulted, they were struck by the look of pure evil on the faces of the prison guards. And it was in that moment that they knew, oppression and hatred hurt both the oppressed and the oppressor. It was through their story that I relearned that peace is hard-earned, sometimes in blood, sweat, and tears. 

This week it is impossible to escape the horrifying news coming out of Palestine. This remains one of the most complicated problems of our time – an ancient war and conflict that has spanned generations. Everyone has a say, and everyone is sure that they are right. In this fight for sovereignty and supposed freedom, we’re resigned to see so much oppression, destruction, and death. Israel isn’t free. Palestine isn’t free. Oppression and hatred continue to hurt both the oppressed and the oppressor. 

I believe that this is yet another call to prayer for all of us. We must pray for peace for all the people, stand against all violence, and ask God for divine mercy and grace. God’s presence and healing is needed for all people. We must continue to ask our good and faithful God to intervene in powerful and ordinary ways, to bring light and love to all the people. Closer to home, we must continue to model Christ’s love for neighbors, and stand with the oppressed and victimized. This is our call; this is Kingdom work.

This week as we continue our Good News for the Lost sermon series through the book of Luke, we get to see how the oppressed and oppressor can be truly set free in Jesus’ name. Jesus goes to his home base in Capernaum and finds a Roman Centurion whose faith amazes him. While oppression and hatred hurts both oppressed and the oppressor, Jesus’ liberation and love makes all of our healing possible. 

As you prepare for this week’s service, I invite you to read and meditate on Luke 7:1-10. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

• How is your faith presently impacting your world for the greater good?
• How are you interceding for the weak in our world?
• Where do you most need God’s liberation and love?
• Where do you need to trust God to bring healing and peace?
• Who can you bring before God today for healing and hope?

We continue to live in a world that is not as it was created to be. We are reaping the seeds of our sin and selfishness in the darkness, destruction, and death that’s always too close. We are overwhelmed, hard-pressed, out of ideas, and continually pacified and paralyzed. But we are still here. More than that, we are here with our God. We are here with our sisters and brothers. We are here together to be the light, to build, and to bring life. 

Sisters and brothers, may God be our refuge and strength as the Spirit calls us to be safe places for others. May God be our hope and salvation as we live to bring grace and peace to others. May God be our light that lives and shines so brightly in us that our world is amazed by how faithful, good, and true our God is!!

God bless you all!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Luke 7:9)