Helen Edler, LMFT

Celebrating this landmark day for marriage and relationships. Happy Loving Day everyone. #mft #lmft #marriageandfamilytherapy

A Special Reflection The Passion of Jesus 2020 An Introduction to Matthew 24 and 25 Tuesday of Holy Week Headed toward Revelation... With all the division in the world, I think we can all agree on one thing. The year 2020 has been one we will not soon forget and we’re only in the beginning part of June. I saw a meme today which had a political bumper sticker feel which said, Giant Meteor 2020, with the tagline at the bottom Just end it already. Yes, we are going to get into the nitty gritty of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 and 25 where he speaks about the dark times coming for Jerusalem, as well as the signs of his return at the end of the world. I know there are many preachers who are quoting these words, and the various passages in the Book of Revelation, in these trying times. But instead of some reference to antichrist or Armageddon, I want to assure us that we are headed toward Revelation Revelation 7 that is. I believe this chapter speaks loudly to all Christ followers in these days amid the chaos that has characterized 2020. One of my favorite worship images comes from Revelation 7. Every time I read through it, something resonates within me. It is a longing of my heart being pulled toward the reality which awaits us. There will come a day (a theme I often find in the Book of Revelation) where we shall gather around the throne together as one people. Listen to the words of John in verses 9-10, as he describes the heavenly vision he’s been given: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. But it is clear that this oneness will not come through a cloning process where we are recreated as one monochromatic people. It is apparent the makeup of this glorious gathering is composed of every nation, race and language. If I have any white friends who somehow picture heavenly as a Caucasian paradise, they will be in for a big surprise. If anyone thinks it will be a USA dominated majority, once again they’ll have their minds blown. And if any others think it will be an English only print out for the divine liturgy, we’re thinking far too small. The vision is a demonstration of the beauty of God’s creation shown through a redeemed humanity coming together in unity around the throne. Why do I want to go here in Scripture before we move into the end times teachings of Jesus? Because this is what’s coming. It’s the main point of the Book of Revelation after all. Life on earth may be full of difficulties, but in the end, God wins and through Him, we share in that victory. But from here, I invite you to work your way backwards from this reality which stands beyond the end of time, to right now in the opening days of June, 2020. As we rewind our minds, my question to each reader is a simple one, How do we get from here to there? Yes, I totally understand that the vision of Revelation 7 puts Christ (the Lamb) at the center of the throne and boldly proclaims, Salvation belongs to our God. I am in no way suggesting that human efforts will bring about the Kingdom of heaven. It is pure grace through the death and resurrection of Christ alone. But if we are the people of God, are we not called to live out these heavenly realities here on earth? This devotion does not give me the space to go through the teachings of Jesus on the oneness He desires for all His people of every tribe, race and tongue (although John 15-17 would be a good place to begin), or what the apostles like Paul, Peter or John wrote about (although Acts 2, Ephesians 2 and I John 4 might be good places to begin). I realize the divisions we are experiencing in our nation go well beyond the church, but according to 2 Corinthians 5, we as the church are in the reconciliation business, and isn’t this yet another instance where we could let Christ’s light show? I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, and I certainly haven’t discovered them by the postings on Facebook, or the talking heads of the various media empires. On a personal level, I have no idea what it is like to live in our culture as a black man, a Hispanic woman, or an Asian youth (and you could certainly add many others into that list). But can we listen and learn? Can we stand with our brothers and sisters and neighbors and lift our voices when we see injustices carried out in the world? I pray that we can. We know what’s coming. Revelation 7 gives us a foretaste of a feast. Could the Church be a place where we get a head start on that experience and show the say?

Parents, it will be okay.