Susan LaffertyIn season and out, His servants speak. Of living hope.
And hope breathes. The bright air of the Kingdom making its way in. Countering air heavy with lies of the enemy.
The spoken gospel speaks. Moves. Reveals the power of God to make alive what is dead.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3).
It’s a winter Sunday in Karachi. The late 1990’s. The worship service of the International Church of Karachi closes with the benediction.
Children run outside to play tag on the lawn in the sunshine. And adults filter slowly through the doors onto the patio.
Greeting one another. Stopping to chat and catch up. Pouring and sipping cups of tea in the shade of the carport.
Many linger for these fellowship times after the services. Sometimes for longer than the actual service itself.
Getting to know one another’s stories. Offering encouragement as we navigate the urban and cross-cultural challenges of living in the megacity. Karachi.
The psalmist watches the wicked. And envy almost leads him astray. Almost.
Psalm 73 details what he sees. Chronicles his struggles with the why of their influence and power. Their wealth.
He wonders if the straight and narrow is worth the painful realities of his life.
