What makes something strong? Is steel strong because of its ability to withstand stress from many directions? Is wood strong because of its ability to absorb impact while remaining intact? The temple in Jerusalem was thought to be stronger and more permanent than anything, yet Jesus says in Mark, “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:2). Real strength, however, is not shown in things built by human hands. Real strength is found in the hands themselves. The new, true temple, Jesus’ faithful strength, succumbs in weakness to human-made nails. While the nails lie rusting away, the wounded hands and body rise again to break bread with all on the journey down the path of life. In the same way, Triumphant Love Lutheran Church is not strong because of the building’s beams, stones, and walls. No, it is strong because of the voices that sing, the gifts that are given, the hearts that are transformed, and the mission we share. On this Giving Sunday, we celebrate our calling to Inspire people to live boldly in God’s triumphant love.
image: Judean desert in Israel by Gidon Pico/500px. Copyright © 2022 Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Used by permission.