November 1, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for November 1st: Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 34:1-10,22; I John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12: Theme: All Saint’s Day; For All the Saints UMH 711 Revelation: The book of Revelation was written to a church in crisis. The world was falling apart, and people were looking to their faith for answers. John gave them a vision that was full of answers. Usually, we are afraid to look at the symbolism of Revelation. But it seems that this is a time when our society is at the end of our rope, and we are looking for answers to our faith. Revelation says that the faithful will not only get through the crisis, they will get their answers, they will also get their peace. John starts to describe heaven. He says that he sees a number that he could not count of people from all over the world. We have learned to put aside our differences and live together as a collective people. Interesting that the message is that only those who hold onto and live their faith will overcome the present crisis. Matthew: On All Saint’s Day we are given the beatitudes to ponder. Blessed are those people who hold onto their faith in a time of crisis. This is the same message that we get from the book of Revelation. Life is hard, we go through some challenges. We can let those challenges get the best of us, or we can overcome them. Just because life is hard for us, we are not supposed to make life hard for other people. The hardships of our life should inspire us to work to make life better for others. That is how we get to heaven. Heaven is a place beyond this life, but it is also a part of this life. Heaven is a place that is found in community. It is a life that we build together with others. Heaven is our reward for being faithful. When we are willing to be kind to others, that is when we are closest to God. questions: What crisis do you need to overcome in your life? What crisis would you like to see eliminated from the life of all people? What happens when you show kindness to others? What does it mean to be blessed?