Events
Give Back Initiative
We are still fundraising for Mary’s wheelchair ramp. This is something she desperately needs. If you would like to learn more, click the button below.
Podcast
Pastor Alex was recently interviewed on a show titled “GAY with GOD! Podcast.” You can find that episode linked via the button below.
Sermon
We are going to start tonight strong.
- What does it mean to obey God?
- What does it mean or look like to relinquish to God?
Elder Chris sent me a sentence after prayer one night. I saved it in my notes until it became clear how it fit.
“Eyes are open when the eyes are closed.”
The Harry Potter nerd in me immediately thought of the engraved Snitch that Dumbledore left to Harry upon his death. Are there any other bookworms here that know what it read?
“I open at the close.”
For those who aren’t familiar, a Snitch is a flying ball in a fictional game inside the book series. A series that was my childhood obsession, even if I no longer support the author. This particular Snitch is one that Harry caught during his very first match. What is interesting about these balls is they can hold items and will only open for the person who first touched it. It wasn’t until the end that Harry figured out how to open it as well as what the inscriptions meant: “I open at the close.”
The first time Harry “touched” the Golden Snitch was by accidentally swallowing it when he fell forward to catch the thing. That was the first thing he figured out. He knew how to open it. The next was the engraving and why.
He kissed the Golden Snitch and inside was a Resurrection Stone. He was able to see loved ones who passed on before him for mere moments. He knew the reason. He had to open it at the end. When he made a massive sacrifice to save his world by way of his own life. He got to find courage in the end thanks to that stone.
As Yeshua followers, we don’t believe in magic like the world of Harry Potter. But we do have sacrifices. Especially for the greater good. They may not always mean we all ourselves to literally die. But there will be spiritual deaths and other pruning in our journey.
“Eyes are open when the eyes are closed.” This statement speaks of freedom found in letting go. Relinquishing to God’s will, obedience. We can see that with Moses. He did wonders through God, Yahweh. He freed his people from slavery in Egypt. He led them through the desert for multiple generations. He fought for them. He even took the blame for them. Because Yahweh had called him to oversee these people. He was responsible.
Moses laid his hope on Yahweh’s promise to take him to the Promised Land. He obeyed. He hoped. However, the people rebelled against Yahweh. They were punished along with Moses. Even though he had no part. He was still responsible for them. Because of that, Moses would not lead the next generation into the Promised Land. No, that would fall upon Joshua as his successor.
Moses had to let go and trust Yahweh to bring the people to the Promised Land. It sadly wouldn’t be Moses himself but a man who carried the right countenance with God. Moses had to let go. He had to relinquish.
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
It takes so much courage to let go. Even in the face of fear. Even in the face of the unknown. Even when our first reaction is to try and gain as much control over a situation as possible. It takes so much sacrifice to obey the Lord in impossible situations.
“Take good care to observe the commandment and instruction that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, and to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” -Joshua 22:5
We must choose. We must put the Lord first above all else. We must let go of pride. We must hold tight to humility. We must allow Yahweh to sanctify us by way of the Holy Spirit, Ruach Hakodesh. We must be remade not only in His image but in His actions as well. Heck, even in our thoughts. What would Yeshua do?
“Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” –Joshua 24:15
There is a reason we see covenants with God continuing to be renewed in the Scriptures. Every time His people go astray, Yahweh pulls them back to His promises. So, we must make our stand on His covenant at Christ’s Redemption Church. To vow to put the people, Yahweh’s church, above all else. To be humble. To love one another in mercy. In love. On this day, let us choose whom we will serve.
Amen.
Worship Music Used In Services
