Aaron Austin | November 4, 2024
There's a sign in Richmond that I've been driving past since I was in high school. It's a small sign that someone placed by their mailbox that reads “the wages of sin is death.” Growing up in a religious household, I knew the scripture well, but it always felt a little heavy-handed. It was many years before I realized that the other side of the sign actually had the rest of the verse, “the free gift of God is eternal life.” Unfortunately, the more hopeful message is only visible across a couple of lanes of traffic. There's little chance that folks are going to get the other side of the story.
It's easy to get caught up in a singular way of seeing and miss the broader narrative. On Sunday in the Living Well class we talked about the difficulties of this election season and how we might find the way of Jesus in this tumultuous time. We shared hope and apprehension. We shared faith in God's presence and love, and the responsibility to join in God's good work. We recognized the reality of how policy affects lives, especially for those on the margins, and also how God brings true and lasting change through love. We considered how Jesus did not cling to power, but challenged injustice with courageous acts of love and peace. In worship we heard stories of ordinary saints who made a difference in the lives of family, congregations, and even strangers.
Central Baptist family, your light and love continues to illumine the way of grace. As we look on this election together, I hold in my heart the certainty that no matter the outcome, our work remains the same. We can cherish the dignity of all people. We can be a refuge for those who have been marginalized. We can be a place of homecoming for folks who have been wounded by religion. We can hold the many different sides of this story together and know that God is with us in every step. So here's a prayer for the election today to get us started. Your light makes me see the world differently. May we continue to trust in the work of love together.
Eternal God,
all space and time beat within your heart,
and you sit beside us in this very moment.
At this threshold we find your outstretched hand.
The richness of your voice invites us to take
one more step into love.
While rumors run wild and stories swirl around us,
your quiet truth is steady.
Your kingdom lives and breathes among us.
Your strength resides in weakness.
Your courage steps with patience.
Your truth works in silence.
Your power moves with love.
Help us walk in the way of Jesus,
Redeemer of All,
who did not cling to power,
but trusted in the work of love.
Help us see the hidden field
of grace that binds us all together,
the photons of love that spark in every heart,
the waves of understanding that unite us.
Help us see the dignity of every person,
no matter what vote they cast.
Help us trust the work of love.
Help us see beyond this day,
trusting that your love never gives up,
knowing that no shadow can cover up your light.
Remind us that the work of love goes on
whether we find ourselves rejoicing or saddened.
Remind us that these earthly seats of power
are only part of the currents that move this world.
Help us trust the work of love.
We offer to you this day our hopes and fears,
our joys and griefs, our worries and our faith.
We offer to you our hearts to fill with your love,
our hands to move with your kindness,
our ears to listen with openness,
our feet to go where there is need.
We walk together in the way of Christ Jesus
who teaches us to trust the work of love.
Amen.
Peace to you on this day,
Aaron
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