Moravian Church in North America
In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.
In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.
Don’t be afraid
Jesus’ death is imminent. Despite the time the disciples have spent living alongside Jesus, learning from him and witnessing to others about God through Jesus, they are confused about the words he is speaking to them. They question Jesus. Where are you going? Why can’t we follow you now? How will we know the way? Please show us God the Father. In these final face-to-face conversations, Jesus continues to comfort, guide, and speak the truth of his existence.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. We have had so many con-versations through which I have tried to help you understand my nature and purpose. What I have been saying all along remains true. I need to go now, but don’t worry. I will not leave you to journey alone to carry on our ministry. Another will come to encourage your faith so that you can live entirely through word and deed in a right relationship with God. It won’t be easy. You have witnessed firsthand how this world has reacted to me. But be assured the ability to live on as my disciples will be yours through the power of the Spirit within you. Don’t be afraid. Love one another. I leave you with my peace.
Jesus lived counter to the culture of his day. Jesus’ words were always inseparable from the way he lived. Today, despite the challenges that may come as a result of truly living as followers of Jesus, we can live God’s love, hope, and peace. As we live faithfully in the way that Jesus taught and lived, we can be assured that God’s Spirit is within and transforming us into the people God desires us to be. Don’t be afraid. Love one another. We have Jesus’ peace.
Jill Kolodziej, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, director, Antioch, Board of World Mission
Friday, May 24 – Psalm 68:19-27
Proverbs 17; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
Jesus said, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name.” Luke 11:2
O High and Holy One, we owe you love, adoration, and worship for your steadfast love and faithfulness. With Jesus’ help we will honor your name in every act, thought, and deed. Amen.
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May 2013
Zinzendorf's Pennsylvania JourneyCount Zinzendorf speaks once again in this collection of sermons preached during his sojourn in Pennsylvania in the 1740s. These sermons, translated by Craig Atwood and Julie Tomberlin Weber, will touch your heart as they did those who heard them more than 250 years ago.