Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way:  Words of Grace and Hope.                           Pastor Tom Joyce

September 15, 2020

“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was to go to Municipal Stadium and watch the Cleveland Indians play baseball. Each of us would keep track of the player’s statistics and anticipate whether the next batter would be the one to clear the bases. There are statistics for everything, not just baseball. Statistics keep track of buying habits, worship habits, recreation/travel habits, clothing habits, you name it, we have a statistic for it; not so with God.  There is no holy scorecard for you in heaven, no keeping track of how many times you sinned or how many times you prayed. Jesus does not count the number of times you fall, rather celebrates when you finally realize the path you have been taking does not lead you to the One who offers grace and hope along the way, the One who cries out, “come all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” Funny thing happens when you turn back to God, repent; the joy that is felt and the grace that is experienced heals even the deepest wounds, not only within us but the wounds we have caused in others. Jesus wants all to turn back to him, not just one group or another, but all, and all means all. The outstretched arms of Jesus are waiting for you to come home, “all who are weary come home.”  If you are weary of being judged by others, of being weighed down by guilt and disappointment; if you feel alone or of little value, repent and believe that you are God’s beloved and the heavens celebrate you when you proclaim Jesus as Lord and not all the stuff that has imprisoned you for so long. Pray, “forgive me Lord, for all those things that have kept me away from knowing your love and grace in my life. From this moment forward, help me to love others as you love me; offer me grace and hope so I may offer these gifts to others. Hold me in your mighty hands, and may I forever be one with you and with all those for whom you died. Help me to celebrate new life in you, and witness the same to the world. Amen

Rev. Tom Joyce