August 16, 2024
Dear Friends
Over the summer I have been taking a look at Jesus’ Beatitudes. This was followed up last week with another portion of the Sermon on the Mount which comes right after the Beatitudes in which Jesus says to his disciples “You are salt…so don’t lose your saltiness” and “You are light…so let your light shine… to the praise of your Father in heaven”. This week we will explore a difficult topic that perhaps is very relevant in our world today which Jesus also teaches about in the Sermon on The Mount. In verses 38-48 Jesus commands his disciples to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Really? Yes really! I must admit this is counterintuitive to how we respond to those who want to hurt or harm us. Now Jesus is not suggesting that we are doormats to injustice or abuse or bullies. But with a closer listen, Jesus suggests an alternative way to handle these behaviours. Forgive, pray for, turn the other cheek, give the clothes on your back, and walk the extra mile. In other words, don’t retaliate but love your enemy through these acts which go over and above “seeking an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” The offence of the cross was not simply that it was a shameful death, but that it was showing forgiveness and love to those who did not deserve it. That I realize is me as well. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Jesus not only talked the talk but walked the walk. He calls us to be “perfect” meaning that we, by the grace of God, can also be fully human in how we treat even those who would do us harm. It is not easy. But when the time comes, God gives us the Extra Grace Required. So please join me on Sunday as we explore this very relevant teaching of Jesus.
Congratulations to Craig and Emilie who will be united in marriage as husband and wife tomorrow (Saturday) in a ceremony at Glenbrook. We also extend our congratulations to the rest of their families.
We continue to pray for Margaret R. who is now residing at Ian Anderson House (Hospice). We also pray for her family at this time that they may know the peace and the hope of Christ.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study will resume on Tuesday Sept 3rd @ 10 am. (All Welcome)
Christianity Explored will resume on Wednesday Sept 4th @ 7 pm. (All Welcome)
This Sunday after the service at Glenbrook I will be moderating a congregational meeting at the Mississauga Chinese Presbyterian Church as they will be electing new elders. This has been a goal for this congregation over the summer and I, along with Johanna Raycraft (Glenbrook’s rep elder for Presbytery) will be overseeing the vote.
I will be going on holiday for the next two weeks August 19th -September 2nd. I am pleased to have Dr. Victor Shepherd preaching for us on the upcoming Sundays while I am away. Gwenna and I hosted Victor and Maureen for dinner a couple of weeks ago and we learned not only that Victor is currently teaching at Tyndale University/Seminary (Theology), that he is a mentor and friend to one of Glenbrook’s former students Rev. William Min, that he has been in pastoral ministry for many years, that he has written over 15 books, but also Victor is an avid biker and earlier the same day he cycled a “short distance” of 26 km! Welcome Victor.
Please call the office for any pastoral care concerns while I am away, and Sam will be available to help where needed.
Have a great weekend
Pastor Ian.
