Interwoven Across Socio-Economic Structures

An episode of the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church podcast, hosted by WEPC, titled "Interwoven Across Socio-Economic Structures" was published on June 23, 2022 and runs 41 minutes.

June 23, 2022 ·41m · Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church

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Summary

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Today’s weekly update is something of a departure from the normal routine. Normally, I write a short devotion with an eye toward the weekend’s Scripture text(s) and theme. However, in light of all that has taken place in our community and world, this departure seems warranted. In Psalm 13, David sums up the cry of our hearts in a simple, yet moving, lament. How long? How long, O Lord? How long are we going to see violence in our streets? How long are we going to see bloodshed in our schools? How long are we going to see trusted leaders of faith abuse their power and privilege, both nationally and within our own town? There is pain and heartbreak all around us, and we don’t have to look hard to find it. Even David says that he needs, “Light for his eyes, or he will sleep in death.” How many of us relate to that? How many of us need to, “Let the morning bring us word of God’s unfailing love?” With so much darkness, it can feel like the light will never breakthrough. Jesus also acknowledges this as He speaks to His disciples. He tells them that the way forward for them will not be easy. He tells them that they will experience resistance and hostility. He tells them that they may even be put to death. Beyond that, they (and we) will have to deal with many other problems in our fallen world - conflict, anxiety, depression, poverty, crime, divorce, cancer, tragedy, and disaster - a list that could go on and on. Jesus wants us to understand that there will be days and even seasons of life that are incredibly difficult. Scripture never promises that faith in Jesus will make our problems go away - in fact, sometimes the opposite is true. But whatever does come our way, Jesus reminds us that we do not face our struggles without hope. We put our trust in a Savior who died but rose again, and who promises us salvation and new life by defeating sin and death. Theologians call this theme in scripture Christus Victor - the idea that Jesus will triumph over every enemy of God, and that we will share in that victory because of our faith. In Christ, we have hope for the possibility of redemption in this life. Bodies can be healed, hearts can be softened, and lives can be changed. But even if we don’t experience some of the changes we hope for during our lives, we have the assurance that one day we will share in Christ’s victory. David shares in that same hope. He ends Psalm 13 by saying, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Yes, we see pain and tragedy in this world; but we hold on to the hope that Christ has overcome. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest on you this week.

Episode Description

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Today’s weekly update is something of a departure from the normal routine. Normally, I write a short devotion with an eye toward the weekend’s Scripture text(s) and theme. However, in light of all that has taken place in our community and world, this departure seems warranted.

In Psalm 13, David sums up the cry of our hearts in a simple, yet moving, lament. How long? How long, O Lord? How long are we going to see violence in our streets? How long are we going to see bloodshed in our schools? How long are we going to see trusted leaders of faith abuse their power and privilege, both nationally and within our own town? There is pain and heartbreak all around us, and we don’t have to look hard to find it.

Even David says that he needs, “Light for his eyes, or he will sleep in death.” How many of us relate to that? How many of us need to, “Let the morning bring us word of God’s unfailing love?” With so much darkness, it can feel like the light will never breakthrough.

Jesus also acknowledges this as He speaks to His disciples. He tells them that the way forward for them will not be easy. He tells them that they will experience resistance and hostility. He tells them that they may even be put to death. Beyond that, they (and we) will have to deal with many other problems in our fallen world - conflict, anxiety, depression, poverty, crime, divorce, cancer, tragedy, and disaster - a list that could go on and on.

Jesus wants us to understand that there will be days and even seasons of life that are incredibly difficult. Scripture never promises that faith in Jesus will make our problems go away - in fact, sometimes the opposite is true. But whatever does come our way, Jesus reminds us that we do not face our struggles without hope. We put our trust in a Savior who died but rose again, and who promises us salvation and new life by defeating sin and death.

Theologians call this theme in scripture Christus Victor - the idea that Jesus will triumph over every enemy of God, and that we will share in that victory because of our faith. In Christ, we have hope for the possibility of redemption in this life. Bodies can be healed, hearts can be softened, and lives can be changed. But even if we don’t experience some of the changes we hope for during our lives, we have the assurance that one day we will share in Christ’s victory.

David shares in that same hope. He ends Psalm 13 by saying, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Yes, we see pain and tragedy in this world; but we hold on to the hope that Christ has overcome. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest on you this week.