Hope Rising

This past year we saw the momentous return of Lebron James.  In the days and weeks that followed the NBA All-Star’s big announcement, “I’m coming home,” there seemed to be a shift in the atmosphere in Northeast Ohio.  The sky suddenly appeared a little less gray.  People were happier.  Morale was higher.  There was hope in Cleveland again!

Let’s face it, Lebron is good news for Cleveland.  In fact, it is believed that his return to Cleveland is infusing as much as $215 million per year into the local economy.  Now that’s radical!

But what does this tell us? What can we, the churches of the Parma area, glean from this socio-economic phenomenon that followed Lebron’s return?  For one, it revealed to us just how hungry people are for hope – even if it is just a Championship. Lebron James is someone – something – people can believe in.  Secondly, it also revealed how, in just one moment, an entire region can be emotionally lifted by the news of something special.

Jeremy Kiner

Now this is all great, but we all know that hope in something as temporary and trivial as an NBA title is but a fleeting fantasy.  It lacks eternal significance for anyone’s life.  Nevertheless, it should get us thinking.  What might happen if “real” hope swept our region?  If just one man – a basketball player – can create such a stir across a region, what could happen in the Parma area if the Body of Christ were to become radical dealers of hope.  I’m not talking about “church” as usual, but rather offering love and truth that reaches over the walls of our buildings and into our neighborhoods, touching the lives of those hurt, hungry, and broken, and reconciling them to the one who can actually make a difference in their life – Jesus Christ.  Just think about the transformation that would take place in our community!

You might be thinking, “But that’s our church’s mission already.”  I’m sure it is.  But what are we missing that we are not experiencing a tidal wave of hope and regeneration among our community?

Here’s the crux:  Today, there are approximately 85,000 unchurched people in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills that seemingly do not view the “church” as a place that adds value to their life.  If they did, they would probably already be connected to a local church.  The truth is, while hope is in short supply these days, many people are searching anywhere but the church for answers.  So how can we change this?  How can you change this?  How can I change this?

I know one thing for certain.  We can’t do it alone.  Psalm 133:1 and 3 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity… For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

When God’s people are unified, there is a promise of His blessing.  We need a real hope to rise among us and across our region, but we must first pray and strive diligently for unity among the Body of Christ.  Imagine what would happen if Psalm 133:3 were fulfilled right before our eyes and the blessing of God poured out upon our churches and overflowed into our community.  I believe this can and WILL happen as our local churches work together harmoniously, encouraging one another, partnering with one another, for the cause of Christ.

Pastors, this is a great day to serve together in the Kingdom of God.  With countless reminders in the daily news of the perilous times we live in, I am even more reminded of how sweet our hope is in a God that overcame death, hell, and the grave for our sakes.  There is, indeed, a hope we have, and thankfully it’s not just about a basketball championship.  We have a joy and a peace and a power that can bring about real transformative change and revive our community.

During this next month, will you join with me in prayer to seek God to continue revealing to us what it truly means to be unified as the Body of Christ, and also that God would manifest his love and power through our ministries in greater dimensions than ever before?  I believe that hearts are already being drawn and that we will see an unprecedented move of God across our region.  May the HOPE of God rise among us and shine brightly through us!

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.