Devotional Messages

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.  (NRSV)

I had the incredible privilege earlier this week to attend a conference of Christians concerned about the genocide taking place in Gaza and the broader plight of our Palestinian siblings.  I was there representing Disciples Palestine Israel Network, a somewhat dormant group that we’re hoping to revive in the coming months.  I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was pretty sure it would feel like visiting the major leagues without actually qualifying.  I was right.

We were joined by some of the most prominent Christian voices for Palestine from around the world, including Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac from Bethlehem and Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu from South Africa (whose father was exactly who you’re guessing he was).  Rev. Isaac is the pastor who introduced us to the image of “Christ in the Rubble,” during Advent in 2023.  In the midst of terrible suffering, we often ask where God is.  Rev. Isaac was very clear on that: Christ was with the people of Gaza, struggling to survive in the midst of the rubble that Israeli bombs had made of their homes.

There were many scripture verses cited throughout the two days we were together, but this passage from Second Corinthians was one that Rev. Isaac brought to us.  It speaks to the concept of “sumud,” which is the Arabic word for “steadfastness” that has become a central value of Palestinian culture.  Palestinian Christians are more aware than most of us that Jesus did not promise us a life free of suffering.  Yet, their faith in God persists, for God is there with them as they suffer.

Being steadfast doesn’t mean we never stumble.  It doesn’t mean we’re strong enough to go it alone.  It doesn’t mean we don’t want or need help.  Rev. Isaac has been pleading with American and other global Christians to shout out for justice for Gaza for almost two years now.  But it does mean that even one person lighting a candle can revive our hope.  It does mean recalling that Jesus was both put to death and raised to new life.  When we are tempted to give up because our minor league efforts to stop the violence haven’t made a difference yet, we need to remember what steadfastness really means.  Emmanuel is God with us in the rubble.