01/25/2026
Greetings from the frozen tundra of Flint Hill,
With an internet connection that is a bit sketchy, and my ability to upload, download, becoming an exercise in overload, this email is the best I've got for you in place of a sermon.
My hope is that this pause, for those of you who do not have to be out of the house, has given you some time today to read some scripture and reflect on the beauty of how snow has the ability to cleanse the landscape of blemish and even out many of the rough edges. For those of you who have to be out in it, I hope and pray that you are safe, dry, as warm as you can be, and still able to pause and marvel at God's majesty when snow falls and covers the imperfections.
Some of you may guess where I might be going with this! The Lord says through the prophet Isaiah "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isa 1:18b and c) God is responding to his beloved people who have strayed and rebelled. "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me." (Isa 1:2b)
Where are we as a community, a state, a nation, when it comes to the things of God? Are we attentive to God and a willing participant in God's kingdom here on earth? Are we expressing our faith through intentional action, or has our faith grown lukewarm or cold as reflected by neglecting scripture, neglecting worship, or neglecting each other? How do you rebel against God, neighbor, or your faith?
This first chapter of Isaiah defines that the community is failing, where corruption, lawlessness, bribery, neglect of the poor and most vulnerable, neglect of the widow and orphan, and all these evils that are prevalent may seem irredeemable. But God issues an invitation to a sinful nation, to a sinful community. "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isa 1:19-20)
Obedience is a continual Old Testament theme for a people who have the Torah, the law, yet continue to rebel and disobey. Obedience is a New Testament theme and a distinctive demand from Jesus. "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46)
As I reflected on this today, as the sleet pellets ping on the tarp covering the firewood, and as I panned out to see the white purity of the snow, I thought of God's invitation for us; that of purity and holiness, which can come from our obedience that listens to what Jesus says.
Where is your obedience? How is your obedience to Christ reflected in your actions and in your demeanor with others, especially those with whom you disagree? God invites us to obedience. Christ defines the ultimate in obedience on the cross. And when the work is complete, Jesus says, "Tetelestai" (It is finished) (John 19:30) which, on the surface, might indicate simply that Jesus dies, end of story. But the Greek tense makes all the difference where English fails us. The Greek tense indicates that the task of Jesus is fully completed yet has ongoing consequences or effects. For us, this means that "It is finished" is not an end but is something remarkable that is ongoing, that is, the ongoing effects that you and I are offered as the free gift of salvation! Truly amazing!
This snow will linger for quite a while, smoothing out the imperfections. Jesus does that for us when we abide in Him. May the snow be a reminder of the ongoing action of being made clean through the blood of the Lamb and let us respond with obedience and do what Jesus says. Amen.
May it go well with you all in the coming days and week, and may God be with you in all areas of life. May God protect you, direct you, and guide your steps past any "imperfections" you may encounter.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
A United Methodist Church Charge comprised of three Rappahannock County, Virginia, churches. At the Rappahannock Charge, we are "United through our Faith in Jesus Christ". Worship with us each Sunday!
