Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 69:7-15 and Romans 6:1-11
On Father’s Day, I reflect on my father’s love and grace. The strong father I saw when I was young has disappeared, and he seems to be becoming increasingly frail, so I often feel sad. The memories of upsetting my father sometimes make me feel ashamed. They create regret for me. My father is as old as the age difference between my daughter and me. I can no longer see my father’s arms and shoulders, which were so strong. However, that love is now passed on to his grandchildren and me. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the fathers of this land.
Looking at Romans verse 4, we can see that Jesus Christ rose again in the glory of the Father. And through the resurrection that raises the dead, we also receive the gift of a new life—people who believe in this gain a new way of living and new values. Through the glorious life given by God, we know that the world of life has an overtime period after the regular period.
Since the 2010s, “Early Retirement Extreme” by Jacob Lund Fisker and Peter Adeney’s concept of early retirement through saving have caused a sensation. It was called the FIRE movement, taking the first letters of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE). It is a new value system among the younger generation that emphasizes saving and investing toward early retirement. Of course, through this, I hope our young generation will make meaningful use of the wealth and time given to them. Humans need a longer-term perspective and values regarding such wealth and time. This is because, as we all know, we must prepare together to live in the world after death. You must prepare for life after retirement and the new world after death. It is the life in heaven that we have received as a gift through God’s love. Furthermore, it is a new dimension of space-time that includes resurrection.
In the past, we had no choice but to live immersed in this land’s values, like ordinary people. God saved us. The Creator sent Jesus to humans, who are prone to stumble because of sin. In a world rampant with sin, it is very challenging for us to live as righteous people on our own. This is because my surroundings are full of sin and temptation. These days, I maintain the lawn in my front yard and pull dandelions. However, there is a 170,000-sq-ft park across the road. There are countless dandelions there, and the city manages them. However, I cannot handle the countless tree, grass, and weed pollens that have been flying in over the past few weeks. Even if I keep pulling the weeds in my yard, I cannot keep up with the countless dandelion seeds. Likewise, even if we place several air purifiers inside our house, we are helpless if the air outside is bad.
Similarly, we are surrounded by sin. So, although it is impossible with our own efforts, God sent Jesus to us. Christ was crucified and died for sin, and we also died symbolically with Him. But He promised that we would rise again with Him. Through baptism, we have been united with Jesus. We are called to be new beings. All of this is thanks to the amazing love and grace of God the Father.
Next, through the Father’s love and glory, we can preach the gospel. The prophet Jeremiah warned against Judah’s unbelief. As a result, he suffered from numerous jealousies and criticisms. He prophesied the destruction of Judah and the suffering of his people. This is not an easy task. If the country falls, it breaks the prophet’s heart. Conversely, if they do not repent and the prophecy is not fulfilled, the prophet must endure the nation’s resentment and criticism. The prophet’s proclamation, in hopes of the repentance and salvation of the people of Israel, is like very bitter medicine. It is effective, but they do not prefer it. Every time he warned of judgment and disaster, he was driven even further into a corner. So he vows not to convey God’s warning on his behalf. However, he cannot suppress the passion for the Gospel that burns like fire in his heart.
Likewise, the Psalmist is slandered and suffers hardship because of the things he did with passion for God’s work. Nevertheless, he trusts in God’s great love and sure salvation.
Beloved, we are all united in Christ. Also, in any situation, we can preach the gospel. Why is that? It is because the power of the blood of the cross is within us. And it is because the amazing love and glory of God the Father flow in our blood. It is thanks to God’s great love that even an unworthy person like me can preach the gospel. If I can do it, you can do it too. There are now six months left in 2026. I hope that miracles will unfold in which we share this great gospel of love and grace with our friends and invite them to live such a life. Amen.