Breakthrough Within: In-between Persistence and Doubt

3.16.2025

2nd Mini Easter

[Texts]

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17—4:1

Luke 13:31-35

God’s peace and grace be with you, holy and beloved siblings in Christ,

I continue inviting you to enter Lent and reflect on the theme: Breakthrough Within. Last Sunday, we were reminded that true transformation occurs when life emerges from within—like a chick breaking free from its shell or a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. However, when external forces prematurely intervene, the transformation is hindered, which disrupts the new life God intends for us. Through the story of Jesus’ temptation by the devil, we saw a powerful example of transformation, as Jesus chose a path of trust and steadfast faith rather than engaging in a transactional relationship with the devil. In moments of despair, this story reminds us of the importance of fully trusting in God’s promises.

Last week, we delved into the tension between hope and despair. This week, we will reflect on the struggle between persistence and doubt, exploring how faith can guide us through this dynamic challenge. At the end of our Lenten journey—both individually and as a community—our prayerful goal is to embrace the transformed life in Christ with open and trusting hearts.

“Don’t get me wrong! People just don’t listen!” a church member exclaimed during my first week as their interim pastor, defending her impulsive reactions toward those who didn’t follow her directions. A few weeks later, another member candidly remarked, “Pastor Jade, I like to tell things as it is. That’s just who I am.” Still later, someone confided, “Pastor Jade, I’ve thought about leaving this place. The church might close someday. But I want to give it one more try.”

The truth is, as we know, the body of Christ is the church. It can never truly close. Furthermore, no one can fully “tell it like it is” without bias—only God sees all with absolute clarity. Lastly, entitlement has no place in the church, for we are called to serve, not to be served.

In those moments, I often found myself simply listening. Yet as I listened, I couldn’t help but reflect: how often do we miss the depth of God’s justification? How often do we overlook our new identity as holy and beloved children of God, justified by grace through faith? Or worse, how often do we doubt the authority and power of God’s justification entirely?

Why do we feel the need to justify our actions? We often blame circumstances for our behavior, while attributing others’ actions to flaws in their character. This tendency can stem from our need for acceptance, our fear of criticism, or our desire to protect our ego. Sometimes, we even alter our memories to make our actions appear more justifiable.

In Luke 13:31-35, we see this inclination to justify. The Pharisees warn Jesus, “Go away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” On the surface, their words seem protective. Yet their true motives may be less noble, perhaps aiming to hinder Jesus’ mission—much like Peter’s attempt to dissuade Jesus, for which he was rebuked: “Get behind me, Satan.” Our justifications often echo the belief that we, somehow, can save Jesus.

Earlier in Luke 13:22-30, self-justification also emerges. People justify themselves by claiming proximity and association with Jesus. When Jesus speaks about the narrow door and the need to strive to enter the kingdom of God, some respond by saying, "We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets." Do we see the danger of self-justification based on outward actions or association with Jesus? Have we ever missed the deeper transformation and commitment Jesus calls for?

This brings us to the challenge of believing in the authority and power of God’s justification. How can we embrace this divine gift while wrestling with our own doubts? Doubts emerge when we question whether the body of Christ—the church—can endure or survive. They arise amidst conflicting narratives, leaving us unsure of whose story matters. Doubts also surface when our expectations, entitlements, or presumed proximity to Jesus are challenged. Yet, while doubt can feel unsettling, it serves a purpose. It encourages self-reflection, urges critical thinking, and can ultimately lead to transformation.

Last week, we confronted the sources of our despair. This week, let us breakthrough within our doubts. There is no need to justify despair or doubt, for they are the friends of the devil, or as St. Paul’s words in Philippians, they are the enemies of the cross. Doubts reveal resistance to the death of our old selves—a death that is necessary for transformation.

Before God, all we need is to show up fully and allow the Spirit to lead us. What does transformation require? St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans: it requires letting our old selves die.

Did Jesus’ disciples fear for Jesus, who journeyed into Jerusalem and carried the weight of the cross? Jesus certainly understood our fear of dying just as God knew that the Israelites likely feared as they faced the Red Sea under Moses’ leadership or the Jordan River with Joshua.

That was why Jesus expressed his deep sorrow for Jerusalem, comparing himself to a mother hen longing to gather her chicks under her wings. Jesus endured it all—shame, rejection, and death—once and for all, so that we might experience new life. He carried us through what we could not, remaining steadfast despite rejection or resistance to God’s justification.

We witness God’s unwavering persistence in Jesus throughout the story of salvation, as revealed in the Bible and in our weekly gatherings. Despite humanity’s doubts, God remained faithful, continually renewing His covenants.

For example: In Genesis, God promised Noah and all living beings never to destroy the earth by flood again, sealing this covenant with the rainbow. To Abraham, God vowed to bless all nations through him and his descendants. In Exodus, through Moses, God set the Israelites apart as His chosen people, granting them blessings for obedience. In Numbers, God established a lasting priesthood with Phinehas and his descendants, honoring his zeal for divine holiness. To David, as recorded in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, God pledged an eternal throne, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Week after week, we honor these covenants—empowered by the Holy Spirit—through reciting the creeds, praying the Lord’s Prayer, and partaking in Holy Communion. In these acts, we reenact God’s sacred promises and humbly embrace God's justification. Thanks be to God for the persistence of Jesus, who fulfills and sustains these divine promises.

As St. Paul writes in Philippians 3:21, this is how we are transformed in humility. It is as though Jesus whispers to us: “Fear not. Cast aside your doubt. Come under my wings.”

With hearts full of gratitude, let the people of God say, “Amen.”