The Accelerating Escalator of Change
Dear Friends,
It’s no secret that we live in a time of accelerating change. Someone once suggested that what we are witnessing today is like watching a hen trying to lay an egg on an escalator. Just when she settles in and gets comfortable, the bottom drops out from underneath her! That, I think, is an apt description of the kind of change we are witnessing in this unsettling time.
As a result of this change, some of the institutions that we may have trusted would “always be there,” are now struggling to survive the ever-accelerating escalator of our time. Certainly, what is taking place within the Church is one example of a massive shift in the traditional role that is used to play in the life of our culture. The Church that we thought would “always be there” is suddenly, struggling to survive the current sea change in attitude toward religious structures in general and the Church in particular. In the wake of it all, we are left to wonder where we can place our trust and confidence.
This week in worship, I will be reflecting upon the reality of change in our world and the unpredictability of life as we know it. In our Gospel lesson from Luke 21: 5-19, the followers of Jesus take special pride in the prominence and beauty of the temple in Jerusalem. For them, it is a source of both identity and pride. It not only provides them with a sense of who they are, but also, a sense of what they can depend upon in the future that lies before them. In their minds, the temple will always be there to sustain them.
Jesus, however, offers a different perspective, one that is unsettling to say the least. He informs them that the time will come when the temple will crumble and not one stone will be left standing upon another. As it turned out, the Romans would level the temple after the Jewish insurrection that took place in the year, 70 C.E. Jesus’ words would then find new meaning among the people that Luke was writing to as they searched for meaning and direction in the wake of this great upheaval.
If you read this text (and I highly recommend it!), you will note that Jesus then goes on to describe the nature of the chaos and confusion that lies ahead. His description has an apocalyptic flavor to it as he speaks of wars, famine and plagues to come. He also suggests that any who chooses to be faithful will be tested and even persecuted for their faith. Not a pretty picture!
This passage then concludes with Jesus’ invitation to “hang in there” and “keep the faith.” Those who endure these changes and challenges will discover that they “gain their souls.”
This is, I believe, a critically important message for us in this time and place. It suggests to us that while our institutions may come and go, there is one thing that will not change and that is the promise of God’s faithfulness to us. Our challenge, therefore, is to keep our balance and our perspective as we endure the accelerating escalator of our changing times. The temple may crumble and fall, but God’s love for us will remain unchanged. And this understanding will be enough—enough to enable us to gain our souls.
As you prepare for worship this week, you might want to reflect upon the nature of change as you have experienced it in the course of your lifetime and just where you are inclined to place your trust. In the institutions that have surrounded you? Or, in the God whose promise of faithfulness will never fail?
See YOU in Church!
Grace & Peace,
Ron
Rev. Ron Dunn
REMINDER! NOVEMBER 23RD IS AN IMPORTANT SUNDAY TO KEEP IN MIND…
PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY: Bring a jar (or a case) of peanut butter to worship with you for our special peanut butter offering for the Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM).
REMINDER: Next Sunday, November 23rd, after church we will be decorating the Sanctuary for Advent/Christmas. Please stay and help before the Charge Conference at 1.
CHURCH CONFERENCE WITH OUR DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT: We will have our annual Church Conference with D.S. Mike Harrell at 1:00 p.m. This will be a time to conduct the business of the church while celebrating our accomplishments over the past year. All are welcome!