Always Searching, Sometimes Finding

By the Rev. George Martin, St. John's, Great Bend. Holy Apostles, Ellsworth

Let us be Devoted to God, and United to one Another.

It was the early church Fathers, who first uttered this prayer. It was a time of schism, a

time of hatred; and also a time of great hunger. Unity among men was a distant hope, and divisions were as many as there were people to divide. But there was a unifying factor that persisted; and worked hard to reassure, through the preaching of Isaiah, what God really wanted his people to do. God wanted his people to follow the law of Torah, the law set in stone tablets.

Isaiah reiterated the promise of God to them and Jerusalem: “I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream.” And again, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; the hand of the Lord is with his servants.

The arguments and transgressions of the new Christian people in Galatia were plentiful; and divisions among the people there were many. Paul saw these confrontations as detrimental, and taught the leaders, those who had received the Spirit, to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. By doing so, by sowing to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Paul further reminds not to grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. The greater message is, whenever we have the opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. For they who follow the rule—Peace be upon them.

The Lord appointed 70 others and sent them ahead in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He was aware of the dangers, the insults, the denigration they might suffer; so he told them what to do and how to present themselves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road, He said. You are to be dedicated to the message. When you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”

They did these things, and they were received. In the name of Christ, demons were dispelled and submitted to them, and they were full of joy,for the power of Satan and the enemy had been broken.

Isaiah called to deliver the Message of God. Paul called to deliver the message of the Spirit. The seventy, called to deliver the message of Jesus Christ. You, in this age are called, also. AMEN.

The Rev. Deacon George Martin

St. John's Episcopal Church

Great Bend, KS.