Pastor Karl Romeus from Flatirons Community Church delivered a powerful message in his new series, “Behold,” leading up to Christmas. The basic concepts he presented are captured in Matthew 1. He considered the genealogy and the circumstances that shook Mary’s and Joseph’s betrothal, leading us to the categories:
- God uses people with stories of brokenness.
- God speaks into our lives through interruptions.
- God calls us to exhibit mercy over judgment.
All of us are broken, and most of us know we are broken. Even if we had perfect parenting and the absence of evil in our lives, we somehow know we do not always measure up to some standard often set by the culture in which we live. We are disappointed in ourselves and believe we disappoint others. This causes us to develop false personalities that live up to the culture’s expectations.
For me, it was being a shy, introverted kid who had no idea how to live in an extroverted world. My brokenness was fixed by pretending that I did not need or want others in my life. It was not reality, but brokenness avoids reality. It is too painful. Many times, people seek a solution in alcohol, drugs, or stuff. Others attempt to fix their brokenness through work or hobbies. All of us are broken and need a healer for which the science of medicine and psychology has no answers.
Many people have sought faith as an answer, but sometimes this can be tricky. Even those who believe in Jesus have not developed a relationship with Him. We have much difficulty turning our lives over to authority because authority, in our past, has failed us. Trust develops over time as we see the trustworthiness of God. Paul puts it this way: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28.
If God exists, and I believe there is irrefutable evidence that He does, then He also is more powerful than anything in creation. He is in control of all things in terms of final consequences, though we are free to choose what we will believe. I believe God, because I have tested Him and He has never failed, even though I have failed repeatedly.
As their story develops, we see Mary seriously compromised. Joseph knows there is no possibility that the unborn child is his. Mary has a story, but God has been silent for 400 years. It is just too far-fetched to believe. It is a huge interruption in the lives of Joseph, Mary, and their families.
I certainly have had interruptions in my life, mostly due to poor decisions on my part. But looking back over 85 years of living, I can testify that God has worked good for me, through my interruption. When I worked in industry, I was fired because I irritated the wrong person and had used up all my favors with the general manager. That was a huge interruption. I had just been married for a couple of years and had no idea how I was going to support us. I did have an intervening job, but I got laid off from that job. Then it happened. My dream job opened in prison ministry. Yet, the question always remains: Why did God not open the job before I got laid off?
It took several years for the answer to that. I was arrogant. I never thought I was or tried to be. I just was. I am sure God tried to get my attention long before this incident, but I needed some humility to see it. And in the new job, several new skill sets needed to be learned, for which I have no innate ability. I had to develop relationships with Prison Chaplains, Wardens, and even up the ladder to the Governor and other government leaders. I had to become friends with local pastors for support with people and money. In such a situation, with no natural ability, my dependence on the Lord became greater. It was all because of an interruption in my life.
Matthew’s story is not finished. Joseph, even in his judgment, shows great mercy. He was unwilling to hold Mary up to public humiliation, so he decided to show mercy and settle the matter quietly. That is quite remarkable for a person who feels threatened by life’s circumstances. Surely people would know and talk. Joseph took shame on himself for her. I wish I had that courage. I am too easily irritated and defensive. Often, I want to win the argument. God has been at work in me, and I am getting better, though far from perfection.
We can show mercy rather than judgment as we learn about grace. God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough — always available — regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amplified Version).
I now live in a constant state of grace through Jesus Christ. My wife, children, and friends show me more grace than I could ever imagine. It is therefore my privilege to give grace to others. This does not mean I do not judge, but by whatever measure I use to judge you, I now know I will be judged by that same measure. This kind of judgment is more like discernment. But at the same time, I offer mercy as well, through forgiveness. And I do that by remembering that I, too, am broken.
The sermon inspired me to deepen my relationship with Jesus, which affects all areas of my life.
If you are not attending another church regularly, give us a try. We meet at the Historic Park Theatre downtown on Sundays at 10 a.m. We are broken people, looking towards Jesus to heal our brokenness.