The Sermon Stands Among Us

“The Savior Who Comforts the Afflicted and Afflicts the Comfortable”

February 16, 2025

The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

Luke 6:17-26

Rev. Teer Hardy

We see this when Christian symbols are wielded in ways that justify violence, when the gospel is reduced to a tool for cultural dominance, and when faith is used to demand power rather than to serve the least. We see it when people conflate their country with the kingdom of God, as if God’s blessings are limited to one people over and against another.

If our faith leads us to seek power rather than serve, if it makes us comfortable while ignoring the suffering of others, if it justifies hatred rather than love, then it is no longer the faith that Jesus preached. And Jesus has one thing to say to us when that happens, “Woe to you.”

Jesus’ blessings and woes are a direct challenge to every form of Christian nationalism. Because Jesus does not say, “Blessed are the strong.” He does not say, “Blessed are the victorious.” He does not say, “Blessed are those who dominate.” He says: "Blessed are the poor. Blessed are the hungry. Blessed are those who weep. Blessed are those who are hated."

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