God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Dr. George Sweeting tells a story about an event that took place in Russia in the 1920s. Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to address an anti-God rally in Kiev. For an hour he took apart the Christian faith – ridiculed it. He spoke until it seemed as though the whole structure of belief was in ruins. Then questions were invited. An Orthodox priest rose as if to ask a question, but then turned, faced the people and gave the Easter greeting, “He is risen.” Instantly the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back perfectly loud and clear, “He is risen indeed!”

This story resonates with me because it reminds me that even when we can’t believe – or won’t believe – even in the face of the abyss – faith lives on. It lives on because God lives on. Century upon century, generation to generation – God’s love never fails.

I pray today that when you find yourself in those dark places – when faith seems to be far from you – may you remember that even there, other people hold the faith for you – and even then God is faithful.

Let us pray: Eternal God, we remember today the words of the psalms… that your steadfast love endures forever! And, we claim the promise from the book of Romans that nothing can separate us from your love – not persecution, not atheism, not secularism, not corruption or disbelief. Nothing. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for the way your love has brought comfort and strength to so many people for centuries.

Today, we hold the faith for those who cannot hold it for themselves. We pray especially for those who are unable or unwilling to believe for whatever reason. Draw near to them, and grant them your peace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.