“Why”
“Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why does a cow go moo? Why…” Why is the favorite question of most toddlers who are able to speak. As small children, we are hungry to learn and understand. As teens, we question who we are, our identity, “Why do I need to take advanced math that I will never use in the real world? Why am I here?” As we grow older, our questions reflect our search for answers and understanding, “Why do people hate each other based on the color of skin? Why did Grandpa/Grandma have to get Alzheimer’s? Why is there cancer? Why didn’t Noah squish those mosquitos?!” Job, a righteous and godly man in the eyes of both people and God, demanded answers from God when his children were killed, much of his wealth either destroyed or looted, and when he lost his own health. He asked God, “Why have you made me your target? Why have I become a burden to you? Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?” Job 7:20b‐21 Why, a question that resounds through human history and across cultures. Whereas some answers come easily; many “why’s” have no answer in this life. Just as we seek to understand who we are and establish our identity, our “why,” so do institutions and organizations. Netflix, the online streaming service, knows their “why” is to “connect people with stories” and in doing so, they meet a “core human need.” The Susquehanna Conference’s own Mission Central, knows and understands their why, “connecting God’s resources with human need.” In 2020, they distributed almost $11million worth of God’s resources to more than 3million people. Knowing your why isn’t just for individuals and large organizations. It is important that each local church also know and understand their why. Why does the church exist? Is it to feed the hungry? Sure, but so do fire companies and the Red Cross. Are we to clothe the naked, heal the sick? Sure, but so do the Rotary, the Lion’s Club, Kiwanis, and many other civic‐minded groups. So, what makes the church different? What is our why? We are here to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior. We are here to “love God with all our heart, soul, strength, mind,” and to “love our neighbor as we love ourself.” (Mark 12:29‐32) Simple enough.
God’s Blessings, Pastor Laura
PS. Be on the lookout this summer for the Turquoise Table – coming to a front yard near here! For more information, look up Turquoise Table or the Front Yard Movement on the web.