The Wrong Ingredients

While we are on the topic of baking bread, can we talk for a moment about using the wrong ingredients? My mom tells the story of a time she was caring for my nephews and didn’t realize my sister-in-law kept her salt in a canister on her counter. Salt and sugar look a whole lot alike. Apparently her pineapple bread didn’t turn out very edible that day.

I’m guessing most of us have made mistakes with our baking or cooking that have left it inedible. I won’t even tell you about the birthday cake I made my dad when I was in early high school. Some ingredients and methods are just wrong for the baked good, especially if we want to enjoy it!

Earlier this week the federal administration threated genocide against the Iranian people. A few weeks ago our defense secretary prayed at a Christian worship service that there would be “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

No where in Christian Scripture is there an endorsement of violence. In fact, we find Jesus wholeheartedly disavowing violence – even if it might have saved his life. Remember when Peter cuts the soldier’s ear off when he comes for Jesus in the garden the night he was betrayed? Jesus was straight forward in his response to Peter: “no more of this!” (Luke 22:51).

In fact, the only course of action that Jesus leaves open to us in response to real or perceived wrongs is this: forgiveness, nonviolent resistance, and love. “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:27-31).

What the world needs now is a prophetic voice from those of us who publicly follow Jesus. It is time to stand up and say that violence is an ingredient that does not belong in the life of faith. What the church needs now is a prophetic voice that takes back its sacred identity from being co-opted to harm or threaten others. We need a reminder that it is the merciful, not the merciless, who are blessed (Matthew 5:7).

My prayers are always with each one of you as you navigate the challenges of living out your Christian faith in a world bent towards violence and harm. Today I pray that you might have the courage needed to be that prophetic voice.

Blessings,

Pastor Amy

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PS – I have made a million muffins in my life. Because my rhubarb has popped up, here’s a rhubarb muffin recipe! Just make sure to double check your salt quantities. 😉

Rhubarb Muffins
1 ½ cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tps baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup oil
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups diced rhubarb
1 /2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Topping
½ cup sugar
1 tblsp melted butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp flour