Dear friends:
When commenting on his discoveries in the field of physics, Albert Einstein is rumored to have said, “God does not play dice with the universe.” But most of us aren’t always so sure. In fact, sometimes we feel a bit more like Shakespeare’s Gloucester, who said: “As flies are to wanton boys, so are we to the gods. They kill us for their sport.”
Even David Brooks, America’s self-designated moral philosopher, wrote a dark piece that seemed almost nostalgic for a God we could blame. “Stories of a wrathful God implied at least that there was an active God,” he said, “who had some plan for the human race.”
With wars and pandemics raging, it’s easy to fall into despair, which is exactly what happened to a man named Job. When life as he knew it careened out of control, he told God he was sorry ever to have been born.
This week we’ll continue our sermon series “Wrestling with God: Finding Faith” by looking at Job, what his story reveals about God, and how it can equip us to navigate a tumultuous world. Fair warning: it will probably not be what you expect! As I’ve read Job again this week, I’ve enjoyed gaining new insights, perspectives, and information. I look forward to sharing them with you.
If you or a loved one struggle with questions of faith, especially in regard to pain and despair, this is the week for you. You can read these verses in preparation.
Speaking of despair, I might have despaired occasionally over the last two years that we would never again worship without masks, but that day has finally come! Covenant’s campus is now “mask-optional”, and we invite you to come however you are most comfortable, with or without a mask. Please know that all worship leaders are fully vaccinated, and see the attached letter from our Re-Opening Task Force that explains the details.
Come, and bring a friend (and a mask if you’d like!).
Warmly,
