Embracing God's Immutable Love

 

Embracing God's Immutable Love

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35

By Dr. Russell M. Morrow

On St. Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, the magnificent Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, has withstood the test of time, enduring countless storms and environmental changes. Its sprawling branches offer shelter and refuge to all who seek its shade, standing as a testament to resilience and endurance. Just as this ancient oak remains steadfast and unyielding, God's immutable love has endured from the beginning of time through every age.

In our scripture reading, we witness Jesus facing significant challenges. His family thought He was out of His mind due to the intense demands of His ministry, and the scribes accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Despite these false accusations and misunderstandings, Jesus responded with patience and explicit teaching. He dismantled the scribes' claims by explaining that a divided house cannot stand and emphasized that His power to cast out demons signified the arrival of God's kingdom. When told that His mother and brothers were seeking Him, Jesus redefined true kinship, declaring that those who do God's will are His true family; this highlights the inclusive nature of God's love, transcending biological ties and embracing all who seek to follow Him.

Reflecting on this passage, we see the immutable nature of God's love—a love that remains steadfast and unchanging even in the face of opposition and misunderstanding. Like the Angel Oak, which has weathered countless storms and stood the test of time, God's love endures through all circumstances. The Angel Oak, with its sprawling branches offering shelter and refuge, serves as a living testament to God's love's enduring and protective nature. Jesus' actions teach us about inclusivity and the redefinition of family, showing that God's love is open to everyone regardless of background. Furthermore, His commitment to truth and reconciliation in addressing false accusations demonstrates that God's love guides us toward understanding and unity.

As a church, we are called to emulate these principles by responding to misunderstandings with patience and compassion, respecting diverse viewpoints while staying united in our mission, and creating a community where everyone feels valued and included. In doing so, we reflect God's unwavering and protective love, much like the Angel Oak tree symbolizes endurance and shelter. Let us commit to being a beacon of God's immutable love, ensuring that our church is a place of healing and refuge where everyone feels welcomed and cherished. Through our actions and attitudes, may we continually reflect the steadfast love of God in all that we do.