The 180 Church Podcast with Dr. Sammy and Friends

Life is of battles and blessings. Whether you’re in either season, it may feel like no end is in sight. Psalm embraces some of David’s darkest emotions in his battles. Yet, as God was with David in his valley, He is with us. If we feel we’re in a valley this season, God is there, will walk with us, and will not leave us broken. It’s an opportunity to become more whole, in community, and under God’s leadership. Other times, we may be on our hills, feel absolutely sated, and without want. This can lead us down the wrong path where we feel like we’re better than others. David experienced his cycles of his hills and valleys, but never gloated and boasted in himself. Whether a battle or blessing, how do we remember worship and humility? In either place, we need look up to God and to others in moderation, community, and grace.

In the season of Pentecost, we commemorate the gift of the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles. It was an event that the prophets, revered representatives of God to the people, had foretold centuries ago. That was, however, not all they had foretold, for there was also an invitation to call on the Lord to be saved. The Lord would be the one who triumphs over death and ascends to heaven, and it is revealed through the resurrection that Jesus is Lord. This season, then, let us focus on Jesus, and let him lead our lives.

When we talk about sin, we can be quick to think about the blatant moral failures that are easy to spot. However, certain sins aren’t so behaviorally obvious, and often lie undetected beneath the surface of the lives of “good” people. Hubris, self-righteousness, and smugness can inflict untold damage to the relationships around us. But how can we fight against sin that goes unseen and without accountability to correct it? The saving grace of the gospel is that where we lack the eyes to see the hubris that crowds out love, the community of God can restore our hearts by encouraging contriteness and humility, so that our righteousness can be measured by our capacity to love rather than our right-ness.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus imparts pivotal instructions on loving one another, emphasizing the necessity of mirroring his own love. Through encounters like that with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus courageously delves into sensitive topics, illustrating a love that surpasses societal barriers. Likewise, in the poignant story of the adulterous woman, Jesus combines truth-telling with forgiveness, demonstrating a harmonious blend of justice and mercy. His vulnerability and selfless acts, such as comforting Lazarus's sisters, alongside his humble example of washing the disciples' feet during the last supper, stand as powerful demonstrations of love in action, providing a guiding light for navigating a world hungering for compassion and empathy.

After Jesus died, the disciples did not recognize that this was not the end. In fact, it was not until Jesus rose and appeared before them that the disciples realized this was just the beginning of an amazing story of redemption. In the same way, we too are part of that story, whether we recognize it or not. We have a supporting role in that story, and through our experiences, through triumph and hardship, God is preparing us for that role. Indeed, even in our darkest times, we can rest assured that God is with us all along the way.

“After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas reacts with anger, demanding tangible proof of Jesus’ wounds before he believes. Feeling left out and skeptical, Thomas voices his frustration, but Jesus later appears and invites him to touch his wounds, resolving Thomas’ doubts. Through this encounter, Thomas realizes the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and acknowledges him as Lord. This narrative highlights the theme of faith amidst doubt, emphasizing that it’s not about Jesus asking us to blindly accept everything he says, but rather an invitation to see for ourselves.”

Easter is the day in the Christian tradition by which the resurrection of Christ, after his crucifixion, marked the single defining event of the faith. Where in contemporary times Easter could appear to be a celebratory pronunciation of faith, this tradition didn’t begin with robust belief, but rather, incessant doubt. In fact, the Easter miracle was met with raised eyebrows and skepticism from those who couldn’t believe this day would ever come. What we learn from the first disciples, is that God doesn’t wait for us to come to him in darkness and amidst doubt, but brings his great love to us. The good news is that he has risen while it was still dark.

Palm Sunday, the day Jesus was celebrated upon arrival in Jerusalem, commences the most significant transition of Jesus' life: his journey to the cross. Unlike Jesus, we are not privy to the details of how our life's transitions will play out, and perhaps that is God's blessing. Throughout his life, Jesus knew of the suffering he would face on the cross, and he still chose to turn to the Father with his anguish, sorrow, and fear, and surrender to His will. Even fully understanding his impending crucifixion, Jesus modeled practicing faith to move forward in times of anxiety and uncertainty, to trust that God is working in our lives and that He will bestow crowns of beauty for ashes.