Fields United Methodist Church

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                   Pastor Tom Joyce

December 30, 2020

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”  II Corinthians 5:17

As 2020 drags on and we all grow weary of this pandemic with life thrown in the mix, there is hope available right now; this very moment. Being part of Jesus is a feeling of being renewed, cleansed of all the dirt that clings so closely as we journey through life.  Many years ago I worked as a beef unloader in a grocery store chain meat commissary. It was hard, heavy work that was physically demanding; by the end of my shift I was ready to go home, take a shower and relax. I remember after a shower putting on clean clothes and feeling ready to take on the rest of the day. When we are baptized, all the stuff that just wears our spirit out is washed away and we feel renewed, revived, and energized to celebrate life, even during a pandemic. Being baptized in Christ does not take away all the challenges of life but it does affirm that we will never be alone in this life or in the life to come; “everything has become new.” We see the people around us differently and celebrate them with grace. We know that every part of us has changed, especially our relationship with God and other people. Life can be hard at times there is no doubt but what Jesus offers is the opportunity to accept a life driven by the love of God that sees the goodness in all people, and offers the strength, wisdom, and courage to overcome all that life may throw your way.   Through baptism, you are welcomed by God into a holy and eternal relationship with Jesus Christ that is life-changing and soul renewing. Life can be hard, heavy work and demanding but you have a Lord that will never let you go, no not ever. Remember your baptism. Remember Jesus loves you and is with you and will renew your strength, “[you] shall mount up with wings like eagles, shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Be revived by Jesus, not only after a long day, but all the way through the day, into the next and even to the end of the age. That is God’s promise to you.

Rev. Tom Joyce