BY PASTOR ZACH KINGERY, UNITED PARISH OF ALPENA, WESSINGTON SPRINGS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 It is a difficult truth to realize, but essential: sometimes the answer 'I don't know' is the most suitable in the moment. When a person asks, tears in their eyes, “Why Grandpa?” Why a young mother of four? Why him and not me? Why Estrellita?
There are days, many days, where I am thankful I do not have complete answers to heartrending questions; where hope, faith, and love sing louder than reason or shallow folk-saying-based spirituality. May our answers be heartfelt, may they be founded in the truth of God’s word, and may they point hearts to Jesus.
We celebrated the resurrection of Jesus two weeks ago and hopefully it is something every believer celebrates each day. Yet, with celebrating the resurrection of our Savior we also await His return. A time which will bring about a new heaven and new earth; a time where those who by faith are children of God will be reunited with God. Until that time we catch glimpses of resurrection, and God’s glory, as if we are watching reflections in a mirror in a dimly lit room for we are still living in a world of brokenness, illness, fear and suffering.
Celebrating our risen Savior and placing our hope in the promise of new and eternal life does not flippantly dismiss pain, grief, or sorrow but rather acknowledges it, accepts it, while simultaneously clinging to the promises of Jesus with every part of our heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Remember, whether it be with shouts of joy or with tears of sorrow, you share the light of Christ.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:3-5