Fields United Methodist Church

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

September 22, 2020

“Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.”  Nehemiah 9:31

In the Book of Nehemiah, Ezra stood before the Israelites proclaiming the “Lord their God,” who led them to freedom, kept them safe, fed them in the desert, and was gracious towards them. But the people, even though it was God who gave them life, went in a different direction and drifted away from God’s Word that sought nothing less than to offer them grace and life in the abundance of God’s love.  Here is the Good News that was with those in the days of Nehemiah and is alive and well today in Jesus Christ; in the midst of life’s journey, the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ is offered to all people as we travel along the way. Though this note is being written on the first day of Fall, I am reminded of going swimming as a child. There were times when our playing in the pool became a bit more active than was safe so the lifeguard on duty called us out of the pool to think about what we have done. After what seemed like hours, we were allowed back in the pool and began to celebrate the coolness of the water and the joy of playing with friends on a hot summer day, in a different way.  The Word of God at times calls us out in times of falling away from living life in the fullness of God’s grace, but hardly gives up on us, quite the contrary in fact! Through Jesus Christ, God is gracious and merciful to all who turn back to the One who created us, redeemed us, and has showered us with grace and mercy all along the way. This is not only “Good News,” it is “Great News,” really great news. God does not have to put up with us, but does for no other reason than you, me, and all people for whom Christ died are loved beyond measure. During this season of pandemic, social unrest, isolation, and just a strange time in general, never forget that God loves you, is gracious and merciful and seeks only the best for you, especially you. Today, you are given new life, another chance at getting this thing called life right; God has not given up on you, and never will as Jesus promises, “I will be with you, even to the end of the age.”

Rev. Tom Joyce