6 minute read
Faith
RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D.
Guest Writer
There is no question that change is di cult, nearly impossible at times. We humans are creatures of habit. What is more we seem to constantly refer to the past as though it was something magical. Our past is glamorized for any number of reasons; not least of which is we were, of course, younger. Things were new and exciting, and in most cases, being younger meant we were also healthier.
Our past reminds us of a time when life was not yet revealed. As we get older, our dreams tend to fade into the reality that this is now our life. We come to grips with the realization that some of our earlier ambitions will forever go unfulfi lled.
What is true for an individual is often true for a community. One of the chapters in Scripture illustrates this point; the People of Israel have been escorted out of Egypt by God. They have witnessed fi rsthand the ten plagues infl icted upon the Egyptians that eventually freed them from their captivity. While in the desert on their journey to freedom, to a new land, and a new beginning, they were protected by God with a “pillar of cloud” during the day and a “pillar of fi re” at night. (Exodus 13:21-22)
That generation had witnessed God’s presence in the most intimate way imaginable: from the Exodus to Mt. Sinai and beyond. In spite of all that they had witnessed, the Israelites’ yearnings for life as they once knew it in the slavery of Egypt overpower them. The people yearn to return to their familiar, safe, although miserable lifestyle. (Numbers 14:4)
When the opportunity for change confronts the Israelites, a change that will only enhance their lives and national standing, they romanticize their past, as unbearable as it was, and they object to the change.
So after having witnessed the most amazing experiences one could possibly imagine, the Israelites complain bitterly to Moses saying: “Were there no graves in Egypt that we were taken to die in the desert? What have you done to us by taking us out of Egypt?”
At this point in the narrative one has to feel sorry for God. No matter what God does not seem to matter. (Exodus 14:11)
Some of us can identify with the reluctance to make changes. The unknown can be daunting. It is easier for most of us to travel the familiar route through life. Slavery may be lousy, but at least our next meal was guaranteed.
Honestly, with all our twenty-fi rst century sensibilities, are we any di erent? We know how hard it is to change, because we see it in ourselves. Bad habits and destructive behavior constantly repeat themselves.
Our chosen profession may be terribly stressful, even painful, but it pays the bills. We, like our ancient forbearers, are caught between two inseparable tensions in life: constancy and change. The unknown of the future entices us while at the same time scares us.
In fact, sometimes it is painful. Is it not ironic that, for example, moving is considered one of the most stressful things a person or family can do, especially in later life? Scripture in its subtle way is teaching us this most di cult lesson, and it is experienced by our own generation today.
Even here, in our little corner of the world, we see change-taking place right before us. Our understanding of our lives has changed dramatically. Some of our friends have left us either through death or because of the need to move on. What was necessary yesterday does not seem necessary today.
The one constant, however, is that we are a vital link in the chain of continuity. For that reason alone, we need to cherish and maintain that which we inherited.
As we get older, perhaps we should remember that change is necessary for continuation, not stagnation. If we stayed the same – well, there certainly would be no excitement or anticipation.
So, now, more than ever, we need to adjust our thinking to accommodate all the change we can absorb.
That is the lesson of growth and evolution Scripture endeavors to translate for us. And for sure, it is the path we should be involved with in these later years of our life. We connect because of comfort, and we expand those relationships because, as Scripture reminds us through various exchanges, there is no future without change.
Rabbi Irwin Wiener D.D. is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregatoion.
Faith requires courage, open mind, strong heart
BY REV. MARVIN ARNPRIESTER
Guest Writer
Steven Charleston has written the following which I believe speak to the present realities we are living in and through: Faith is a risk that keeps testing us.
Do we believe good will overcome evil?
Do we believe healing can happen?
Do we believe people can change?
Do we believe we can make a di erence?
There are a thousand questions we confront in a thousand di erent ways, all asking us if we are still willing to dare to believe, even in the face of long odds and contrary evidence.
Having faith takes courage. It takes an open mind and a strong heart. We are not observers of life, but participants. We act on what we believe.
We put ourselves on the line for our faith. The risk is real. But so is the power that moves us to accept the cost of love and this price of freedom.
I respond to his words with this prayer: Lord I believe, help my unbelief…
Rev. Marvin Arnpriester is senior pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.
GriefShare begins in September
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is once again o ering GriefShare, a 13week grief recovery program starting Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 4 of the Education Building.
The program is designed to o er help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. GriefShare serves as a support group to help rebuild one’s life after a loved one dies.
There are three components to each GriefShare session: a video presentation on some aspect of grief; a time of discussion following the video; a workbook ($15) for taking notes and for completing between sessions.
For more information or to make a reservation, call the church o ce at 480-895-8766.
Chandler United Methodist Church
Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES NOW IN-PERSON AT 8 AM & 9:30 AM Reservations are required and are available on our website or by calling the church office. If you are more comfortable in your car, we will be broadcasting morning worship on 1680AM for both services from the church parking lot.
480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
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