Parakalein

G K Chesterson said, "when tragedy and loss strike we are tempted to turn form God, In heaven's name to what?  This past weekend we were in MIddleburgh, NY which had been devastated by the flood waters of Hurricane Irene.    I was preaching in a Lutheran Church that as a testimony to their faith and to their community, gathered in Worship in the presence of the ravage of the storm. They turned to God in grace.

In Genesis 6 the account and goal of the flood was not to destroy the creation as destructive as it was, its purpose was to call people of faith to gather together and affirm their faith, love and hope as God's purpose always is.  Noah, saw grace in the eyes of God so he found grace in his day.  That is what worship is:  looking into the eyes of God and seeing God's grace greater than all the storms, destruction and trauma of life.

My wife and I were privileged to be part of the wonder and witness of Grace in this devastated part of the world.

God was full of grace before the flood, in the flood and after the flood.  As I spoke those words to this congregation I could see the pain of loss on their faces embraced grace in this place and space.  There are three things that last for ever and they are faith to see beyond the loss and pain, love to help one another in the loss and pain and the hope to know and experience the Grace of God in fullest measure.

Not only are these people demonstrating the faith of grace, they are acting in faith toward all around them.  True Christianity does not just receive undeserved grace but it extends to all regardless of what they may or may not deserve, Grace!  Grace in living and grace of living make Christ present in the darkest of hours in the most loving ways.

Grace to you all.