“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Easter was four weeks ago, but there are still memories and signs that are everywhere that are constantly reminding me. Coming full circle through the passion story of Jesus Christ brings the immenseness of the victory that was won for us on the Cross of Calvary and the joy of an empty tomb on Easter morning.
Last Sunday, I watched the online service from my previous congregation in Lincoln, NE and saw the heavy wood cross that they place next to the altar during lent; rough and worn. I still recall going into that sanctuary, early in the morning and sitting in a pew in the calm, still, quiet and solitude spending time with my God, examining myself, giving thanks for what He has done for me, confessing my sins, giving thanks for the bounty that is daily poured into my life and seeking His direction.
There were moments when I felt poor in spirit, recalling times when my path was not His, when my words were not His, when my thoughts were not His and then what He gave for me, in spite of my sinfulness. There is nothing I can do, no amount of work, money or time to right the wrongs that have come from my life; they are only rectified by what He did for me on the cross. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ sealed the deal for me, for you, for the world.
And now, let me explain how this photo reminded me of that. The women in the attached photo are doing their laundry in one of many tent cities in Port-au-Prince following the earthquake. You would have to talk with them to better understand what is going through their lives. Without the tent they are homeless, but they have a Savior. Their children are in a Christian school with a Trinity HOPE feeding program and their lineage will continue to realize what their Savior did for them on Calvary. They like us will receive the Kingdom of Heaven, and prayerfully their words and actions will bring many more from Haiti away from vodou and into the arms of a loving Savior, Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay