GOSPEL MESSAGE & RECORDING
In my last sermon I spoke about how Abraham had strong unwavering faith, making reference to the epistle to the Galatians chapter 4. Indeed, Abraham’s faith was strong and unwavering, but we should be mindful, not to think of faith as some sort of “supernatural” ethos that a Christian possesses to overcome challenges and trials in life. It is rather a “conviction” and “deep-rooted-belief” that God is with us—Emmanuel—and that He will not forsake us or leave us by the wayside. Moreover, faith is action. Conviction or deep-rooted-belief are made null and void if it is not proceeded by a change in behavior.
Today the Apostle Paul speaks to us about the faith of Moses; that is, how various events in his life were shaped by way of his faith; but it should not be overlooked that each event where there was great faith was also an event that faith gave way to action. In fact, the totality of Scripture never separates faith as a conviction and faith as an action. It was always understood that faith is both conviction and action in one. Let me explain by looking at Hebrews 11:23-31.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. (Heb. 11:23)
Moses’ parents did what any parents would have done if they knew their child was going to be hurt. But this speaks to a much larger context: if we as parents have faith how are we putting that into action in the lives of our children? We all want our children to grow up and become faithful Orthodox Christians and participate in the life of the Church, but do we provide that opportunity? I say opportunity because we should NOT force our beliefs on our children. We shouldn’t make them into who we are or what we want them to be. Rather, we should provide an opportunity for them to make their own decisions. That is, as parents do we attend church with our children as much as possible? During COVID-19 even though we can’t make it to church, are we attempting to go over the songs with our children on Sunday before bedtime? Our prayers and fasting being kept at home? If not, how then do we expect our children to grow up and pray and fast? We have to give them an opportunity to see that prayer and fasting are effective. Let us as parents make improvements in these areas for the year 2021.
By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11: 24-25)
In a time when we just go along with what is happening in our society in terms of culture and norms, we learn from Moses that if we have faith, it means that we have to actively pursue Christian values and teachings, not going along with what society tells us is right and wrong. Drugs, sexual pleasures, greed, dishonesty, and jealousy are all a part of our culture and passed off as normal. We don’t need to take part or condone. It might mean that will suffer some afflictions, maybe not physically, but definitely socially. If we say we uphold this Orthodox faith then we have to put it into action by standing up for it.
By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. (Heb. 11: 29-30)
Here the Red Sea parting in two and the walls of Jericho falling are explained as results of faith, but we should not forget that the Hebrews had to walk across the floor of the Red Sea to get to the other side, and the Israelites had to march around the walls of Jericho for it to fall. Again, we see that faith is conviction and action in one. This is also symbolic of our marriages and parish life. We face challenges and difficulties but are we willing to take action where we want to see change. If we want our marriages to improve in the year 2021, then we have to talk appropriately, compromise, and be willing to listen. In our parish, we have seen a lot of great things both spiritually and socially. But we also face challenges as we grow. There will be, possibly, disagreements and misunderstandings, but are we willing to forgive and love each other? Are we willing to cast away our pride and put on the virtue of humility?