Pastor's Column 7/23/2023

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all the commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead, she’s only asleep.” The crowd laughed at Him. But He made them all leave, and He took the girl’s father and mother and His three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, He said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means little girl get up.” And the girl who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.”

Mark 5:38-42, NLT

“There Is Still, Some Good!”

Sometime around the Thirteenth Century an ironic statement appeared in literature, that was unfortunately popularized. The short statement is: “No good deed goes unpunished.” The idea was that good deeds are always accompanied by negative consequences. Most mature minds realize. that is neither true nor absolute. We do realize however; that much good, often is the victim of attack. But there is a moral imperative in the Scripture that points to a just God, who intervenes to make things right. The great Christian scholar, Thomas Aquinas, said: “For as punishment is to an evil act, so is reward to a good act. Now no evil deed is unpunished, by God the just judge. Therefore, no good deed is unrewarded and so every good deed merits some good.” Jesus often was the object of ridicule, threats, and criticism as a result of the good He did. However, none of those acrimonious assaults hindered the divine authority of Jesus over sickness, disease, or demonic forces. The scriptures bear witness to the joy and relief of people and communities to what Jesus did for them. Like the era of Jesus, we too live in a world where appreciation for what is good and meaningful is greatly diminished. Like the religious leaders during the time of Jesus, people seem more interested in dismissing those acts, which could add value to life, and create a better world. Jesus awakened a child and brought hope to a family and community. There’s still, good!