A Lenten Devotion by Fran Bogle
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
It is a hot, hot, hot afternoon in Wuhan, China. Under the leadership of the head of the University of Wuhan Philosophy department some of the cooler Just Peace Players climb the Yellow Crane Pavilion with its “historic and wonderful view!” The big red sign welcoming people to the pavilion read “The People’s Party welcome to this restore treasure. Do not walk or sit the grass.” I was happy to sit on the porch chugging from my water bottle.
After a few minutes, my new Chinese student friend and guide, whose English name was Rachel, said “That’s just like the Party. If we believe in them they will give us all of these things, right here in Wuhan! Isn’t that what Christianity promises too? Just believe and it will all be fine? You will get everything?”
“Oh,oh now what!” I thought for a moment and replied, “Well, I don’t believe Jesus says that he will give us things right here. He says he will be with us and help us work together to create the things that we want and need in our lives and the world.”
“Will you get them in heaven, those things you want?” she asks guilelessly.
I smile. “No one I know has ever been to heaven and come back to tell what it is like, so I don’t know. What do you think heaven will be like?”
“I am not a Christian. I do not believe in heaven, but if I did, I would like a TV, a dog and a big park to play in.” She sighs and smiles.
“Sounds good to me,” I say.
“But I do not want to wait for things. I want it quicker than that.” She scowls. “And I do not want to die to get things. I am very young you know.”
I know, and feel every one of my years at that moment. “So why can’t you have some of those things you want now or work to get them later and seek something else in heaven?” I ask.
After reciting a long litany of parental rules, town laws and Party teachings she says, “but I can hope for them!” and looks thoughtful.
I smile some more and say “Jesus gives me hope. That’s why I am a Christian.”
I can almost see her processing this information. “My father is thinking about becoming a Christian. I will have to ask him about this, and I will think about it too.” She skips merrily up the hill to find her father and I know it is going to be an interesting afternoon. Thank you, Rachel, for giving me a lot to think about.
Thank you holy one for the people who touch our lives in unexpected ways. Amen
Reminder: Tomorrow, 5:45am Sunrise Service
Join us outdoors, beside the sanctuary, around the fire pit, as we celebrate the good news of Christ’s resurrection while watching the sunrise. Stay for a continental breakfast afterwards.
Reminder: Tomorrow, 10:00am Family Worship
Our festival worship will include guest musicians, a flowering cross, a mini-Easter Egg hunt, Holy Communion, and reflections on the meaning of the Resurrection. Come a few minutes early to help create the flowering cross.