12-10-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 10, 2023
In the last month or so, I have obligated Cypress Creek Christian Church on a few occasions without actually asking the church. No, I did not buy a new piano for the church with an IOU. But in a note I sent to the Rabbi at Jewish Community North, I expressed my concern for his congregation and also for him. There is growing hate, including hate manifesting itself in violence toward those we do not understand. It is utterly baffling to me that such a thing is happening. In the note, I told the Rabbi that if there was anything Cypress Creek Christian Church could do for his community, that he should call me. You may remember that immediately after the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, our church was one of the driving forces to have other people of faith join Jewish Community North for the first Shabbat service after the tragic event. CCCC had a strong representation of solidarity. In II Corinthians 1, we read:

God is the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble.

Whether someone is Jewish, Muslim, atheist, or some religion we do not know, the Apostle Paul does not limit where we are to go or to whom we are to go. We all know what it is like to feel alone or fearful, ostracized or anxious, yet when someone makes the effort to come alongside us, it makes all the difference. I hope you don’t mind me obligating you. I did so because I trusted that you understood what it means to be a person who is striving to Put Love First In All Things, a lot like Jesus.

As you have comforted me with your immeasurable love and mercy, O God, I seek to be a source of comfort and encouragement to others. Amen.