Fields United Methodist Church

Pastor Tom’s Weekly Blog.              “The Alpha and Omega”          Revelation 21:1-6

October 2, 2020

“Then he said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6

There is nothing more painful, more life-changing than losing to death a loved one. God knows the pain, God’s only Son Jesus Christ hung on a cross to bear the sin of the world. Yet, there is hope, there is healing, there is comfort because there is Jesus. In the midst of loss, Jesus calls us back to our faith, back to the root of all creation; the “Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” Consider the cross for a moment; a symbol of pain and suffering resulting from a world where there is pain and suffering. But something happened, something holy, something life-transforming; Jesus was resurrected to new life, not for his benefit but for ours; the one who was with us at the beginning will be there at the end, and even the end marks the beginning of new life. Jesus calls us back to our faith, our Easter faith, especially at the time of our deepest heartache and loss so that we may with one voice celebrate new life for all those who set their eyes to the hills of their loving Lord.  It is God, through our Risen Jesus Christ who has made “all things new.” Our human loss is real, there is no doubt. Jesus said, “do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid” and that is an affirmation of His eternal presence with you and all those who have “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) This weekend at Fields United Methodist Church we celebrate those saints who now rest from their labors, yet by faith they remain with us in the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” that are with us always. “O blessed communion, fellowship divine. We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.” (“For All the Saints,” #711UMH) Jesus has promised to be with you now and always, as he promises to be with all those of faith who now rest from their labor. This promise continues, “even to the end of the age.”   Thank you Jesus, for the gift of your eternal presence with us, and welcoming those we dearly love to the Great Church Triumphant.  Amen

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church