Comfort

Comfort. We think about finding comfort in the shelter of our own homes. This is where we can be ourselves and relax. We think about the comfort of our beds when we are tired and sleepy. We think about the comfort of friends gathered around us. We like to ride in comfortable automobiles. And then there is comfort food like peanut butter. There is something about “comfortable foods” that put our tummies at rest. But then Paul uses comfort in a bit different way.  In his second letter to the Corinthians in the first chapter we find these words. “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comforts, who comforts us in all our affliction,” Paul seems to be speaking of the peace that passes all understanding. Does comfort in the Lord go one step beyond that piece? Is it possible that peace and comfort in the Lord mean the same thing? When we feel the peace, we are not at the same time comfortable in the Lord?

REFLECTION
From the gospel according to St. Luke 9:37-43a we find our text to be verse 41. “Jesus answered, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you?’” You will recall that this is the last part of the scripture from the transfiguration experience where are Jesus took with him Peter James and John upon the mountain to witness the instruction given to Jesus for the next part of his ministry. After this fantastic exposure to the spirit of God, the group descended from the mountain to discover the dilemma faced by the other disciples. They were unable to heal the father’s son. After hearing the pleas of the father Jesus responded by telling them in no uncertain terms that they were not able to heal the boy because of their insufficient faith.

How strong is your faith?

Written by Pastor Tommy Markham