Radical Change

We like change at times and we loathe change at times. Recently a story was recounted to me as a young American soldier in the Middle East had strayed into the wrong zone. Coming face to face with the enemy the American soldier was warned not to proceed beyond this point as he would be killed. The enemy soldier had killed enough and did not want to kill anymore but those behind him would not show the same restraint. Oscar Schindler is best known from the Spielberg movie as a hero to the Jews. Yet, it did not start out that way. Schindler became very wealthy as a manufacturer utilizing concentration camp inmates as a source of cheap labor. Eventually the circumstances surrounding Schindler would lead him to finding ways to spare the lives of concentration camp inhabitants. Even our presidential elections are centered on the promise that things will be different. In each case we are applauding the act of change as positive. But when change affects our comfort zone it is frowned upon. Change requires effort which scares us at times.



Jesus was all about change. Luke 4:14-21 …18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”…. This became a radical change which affected the lives of all people. Isn’t this type of change that which fuels our desire to serve Jesus as faithful disciples? Where would the American soldier be without the radical change of an enemy soldier? I think we know the answer. Where would the Jews whom Schindler rescued be without radical change? Maybe they would be alive but that’s highly unlikely. Where would we be if not for radical change promised by politicians? Slavery might still exist and women may not have the right to vote. Based on a radical change that Jesus creates in us brings about a desire to proclaim the Easter Story every day which allows us to make a difference in the lives of others.



Each and every one of you at Church of the Palms has made a difference in the lives of others and in my life too. From the first day until now I have experienced the grace of God’s love in my relationships with you. You were there to give me a ride when my truck broke down, you fed me, and I have always felt like I belong here. I will miss the Friday morning coffee talk, the Bible study, meetings, and many other events. As the recipient of God’s grace from you it is I who has been blessed. Where would I be without you? Not really sure but I can say that I know have the strength to follow God wherever He leads. Thank you for being that presence of Christ in my life. The grace and peace of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you. See y’all soon.