Editorials

Editorial by Rob Vandeman

For centuries, throngs of people sung Psalm 133 on the road as they made the ascent to Jerusalem for festival worship. Our imaginations readily reconstruct those scenes. How great to have everyone sharing a common purpose, trav-eling a common path, moving toward a common goal—that path, purpose and goal being God. How much better than making the long trip alone.

As we come to declare our love for God, we must face the reality that, while we are a family of faith, we are not necessarily one big happy family. We do not immediately stop being sinners the moment we first believe in Christ. Most all of us need some degree of remedial help in gracious family living. But if God is our Father, then this is our family.

Endless Possibilities

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Editorial by Terry Forde

The New Testament account of how Jesus used a small boy’s lunch to miraculously feed a multitude of more than 5,000 is a remarkable story and one that speaks of God’s abundant care for every person, in even our mundane daily needs.

But look what happens next: “When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost’” (John 6:12, KJV). Having graciously provided for their hunger, Jesus now invites His followers and all of the crowd to be part of the next part of the story.

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Editorial by Rick Remmers

These are five life-saving words. When each day seems to bring a heavy weight of chaos, conflict and uncertainty, these simple words of Jesus have a great impact: “I will give you rest.” He prefaces these words with an open invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28, NKJV).

These words are given by the One who spoke and created the world. The One whose voice called out, “Peace, be still,” and the storm stopped and the waves were calmed. This same Jesus is the guarantor of our rest. He is willing and able to provide rest as a free gift, without reservation.

Dominos

Editorial by Renée Battle-Brooks

While the COVID-19 virus continues to cause concern, I’m thankful we are finally addressing the racism virus that has infected America for hundreds of years. For many, this topic causes profound sadness, weariness, frustration and anger. For others, thinking about, talking about or dealing with racism is more frightening than facing COVID-19. And some may still be processing the issue, trying to figure out their role and response to it. But the time for sitting on the fence is over.