Dear Brothers and Sisters,
If you read the texts for last week, you may have been horrified—and even depressed—as I was. I shared about this in last Sunday’s sermon (still available on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StMargaretsEmmaus/videos/1466464497193931 if you want to catch up with it). The Prophet Jeremiah was listing the terrible things that had happened to the people. And we heard God’s words of mourning about them.
Psalm 79 didn’t help us feel better, by continuing the concern for how awful everything was, acknowledging the sins of Israel, and begging God for forgiveness and restoration. As a parishioner said to me at lunch, “We’re all worried about the state of the world, and then we come to church and hear even worse.” True. And I did warn everyone that The Weeping Prophet would have more to say this Sunday.
Happily, the next chapter (32) of the story is not nearly as bleak. Last week, he asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” This week, we find out that there is! (Read all of the readings for this week in the Lectionary.) Although Jeremiah is imprisoned in the King’s court and the army of Babylon is besieging Jerusalem, God pronounces that the time is coming when people will once again have their own houses and fields and vineyards. Normal, happy life will be returning, even if it’s not today.
Psalm 91, which accompanies the reading from Jeremiah, is one of the strongest, most positive psalms we have. It gives the assurance that those of us who know and love God will be sheltered and protected from every sort of calamity. In verses 14-16, God speaks directly about the faithful, promising deliverance, protection, response when we call, rescue, long life and salvation. Powerful stuff!
If you’d like to make an interesting spiritual experiment, consider putting your name in place of the “he’s and him” scattered throughout the psalm. What does it feel like to hear, “Laura dwells in the shelter of the Most High”? Or “Because James is bound to me in love, therefore I will deliver him.” Try it. It might change the way you feel about your relationship with God, as it emphasizes how intimately we are connected with the Holy One who loves us and is constantly concerned about our welfare.
Yep. Amazing Balm in Gilead!
Joy to you **all** as we **all** continue to worship and serve together!
Mo. Laura+
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