Good Things - The Rev. Martie Johnson
Today’s collect offers a beautiful promise: “O God, You have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding.” We do love God, or at least we try. We wait, not always patiently, for God’s promise of good things to unfold. We imagine gifts of peace and clarity in our lives.
In Acts, Paul stands before the Athenians and speaks of the "unknown God." He proclaims that the Lord is the creator of heaven and earth. Paul explains that this Lord cannot be confined to temples. God is not dependent on us, nor is God small or manageable, nor does God fit neatly into our expectations. Paul continues: "This 'revealed' God calls for repentance and letting go of selfishness. The world will be judged in righteousness.” Therefore, it is a call to transformation.
Saint Peter poses a question that can sound almost pretentious: “Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?” We might answer, “No one.” However, Peter knows better, and so do we. He continues, “If you do suffer for doing what is right, do not be afraid or lose heart.” At this point, we must remember that Christ himself suffered at the hands of the unrighteous. The path of goodness and faithfulness is not shielded from pain. In fact, it often leads straight into it. Yet this path also leads us to holiness; it draws us deeper into the life of Christ.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love is not just a feeling; it is a way of life. Our Lord promises the Spirit of Truth will live with us and in us. However, the world may not see what we see or understand the love that shapes our lives. In fact, it may reject us outright.
All these words of love and faithfulness sound beautiful as we sit here. We are surrounded by stained glass, familiar prayers, and the rhythm of worship. In this space, it is easy to believe that the “good things” God has prepared feel like comfort, reassurance, and gentle peace. But the truth of God’s word is not proven here. It is tested when we walk out those doors.
Out there, love is not always welcomed. Truth is not always well-received. Faithfulness is not always rewarded. Many love God deeply and strive to live with integrity and trust, yet still face hardship, loss, and sorrow. Some speak honestly and stand for what is just and merciful, but are met not with openness but with anger. Sometimes scripture itself is twisted and wielded as a weapon against truth, rather than as a witness to it. In those moments, I ask myself, “Did they read the whole book? Did they miss the heart of the Scriptures?” The heart of our “known” God does not tolerate exclusion or injustice. Our God expects forgiveness and compassion.
The heart of the “good things” God has prepared may not always look as we expect. They may come disguised as endurance, courage, or the quiet strength to keep loving even when it would be easier to turn away. They may come as the Spirit’s presence holds us steady when confusion surrounds us, or as the grace to forgive even when we have every reason not to. The promise is not that we will avoid suffering. The promise is that we will not be abandoned in it.
The question we face is not whether we love God, but whether we trust that what God is preparing surpasses our understanding. This trust calls us to step beyond comfort and ease. We are asked to believe that God’s promise outweighs our fears. The gifts God offers are greater than any material satisfaction we seek. Will we dare to trust enough to follow Our Lord, even though we do not know what awaits us on the path of righteousness? Does our belief in God’s love make us certain we are not alone?
As we leave this holy and peaceful church, may we trust that what God prepares for us may not be found in ease or certainty. It may be found in the quiet, steady presence of His Spirit. This presence guides us to love, endure, and remain faithful, no matter what lies beyond these doors.
Amen.
