Pastor's Notes:

October 12, 2008

     How many times have we heard in the last two weeks, "We need to restore trust and confidence in the financial system"? It almost seems as if they are saying there's nothing wrong with the way we've done business; the cure is simply a change of mind, a more optimistic approach, a positive attitude toward the financial wizardry we rely on. In reality, we need to change our behavior as well as our minds.
     On the other hand, the present troubles remind us that much of life revolves around issues of trust and faith. It's not enough to understand budgets, investment instruments and monetary policy. We also need to be able to count on the integrity of our neighbors; and our neighbors includ business and government.
     When the light turns green, I depend on other drivers at the intersection to have maintained their cars with dependable brakes and to stop for the red light. Good laws, licensing requirements and adequate enforcement all help to keep me safer as I travel. But, safety still requires a measure of trust among all of us on the roads.
     The genius of scripture is to pull us toward a more trusting relationship with a God wiser and more powerful than the market, more creative than our favorite broker, and ultimately dependable. The God who brought Israel across the Red Sea is the God who makes a way when there is no way. The God who raised Jesus from the grave is the Creator of life. The Christ who forgives our sin restores us to healthy relationships with God and with each other. And, the One we worship today will see us safely through another week and another year. We can depend on that.
                                                     David