Today, May the 4th, is also known as Star Wars day. If you know anything about the franchise, you probably realize that the greeting used for Jedi knights is “May the Force be with you” – similar to “May the 4th be with you.” Therefore, May 4th is often regarded as a special day of the year and in 2025 it happens to fall on a Sunday… The “passing of the peace” in church took on the Star Wars vibe this morning, with the response, “And also with you…” I couldn’t help but chuckle with the little bit of levity added for the benefit of those who grew up with the Star Wars franchise. The congregation was loving it.
But today was special for another, more important reason. Our daughter, Kristin, who has been a lifelong student, recently completed her coursework for ordination in the Presbyterian Church. She also has an earned doctorate, but the Presbytery requires certain courses and modules be completed to qualify for a pastoral leadership position in the church. This has been one of her aspirations for a number of years and today was her first sermon, leading the worship service for the congregation. Janet and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She really gave a terrific message. Clearly, Kristin has answered her calling to preach and teach the word of God in addition to all the children’s and young adult ministry initiatives that she leads.
Kristin’s message this morning was titled, “A New Hope”, a nod to the first Star Wars movie, as well as a reference to the conversion experience of Saul on the road to Damascus. As you may recall, Saul was struck blind and had an encounter with Jesus. Saul, later known as Paul, completely changed his life and put his trust in our Lord and Savior. For him, it represented a “new hope”, a vast departure from the life that he had led persecuting Christians as a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling class of the Jews. In fact, Paul had been taught by the top rabbi of the time, Gamaliel, and it was more than amazing that he went through such a conversion experience, dedicating his life to Jesus.
When George Lucas was planning the Star Wars movies, he was moved to create a “force” that could be looked upon as a spiritual awakening. It became the cornerstone of g00d vs. evil – the Jedis against the evil Empire that permeates the scripts of all the movies made by Lucas. Clearly, it is a reference to the good vs. evil that we encounter every day in recognizing Christ as our Lord and the constant fight against Satan, the evil in our world.
Every person who has put their trust in God has “a new hope” – just as Saul and countless others throughout the ages have found out. The congregation of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church also has “a new hope” in the additional ministries that Kristin is now able to officially lead.
Interestingly, when we moved to Carmel in 1982, we actually attended Orchard Park for six years or so. As I sat in the front row today I was taken back to when Kristin and Jill were in the kid’s Christmas nativity program; and Janet was in charge of the costumes. Who would have thought that I would actually be watching Kristin stand in the pulpit, 43 years later, borrowing one of my stoles, delivering the message and attaining her goal of being ordained in the church that she serves.
After the service, I was approached by a number of people I know who attend Orchard Park. Without exception, it is clear that Kristin is loved by the church membership and it was gratifying to see her excel in her giftedness and calling. I have taught Bible studies with her a number of times and it was clear to me that her education, dedication, love and commitment have taken her to another level in her service to Christ. How could we not be proud!
It is clear that Paul’s conversion experience convinced him that our hope is in Jesus. In fact, that truth became one of the cornerstones of Paul’s ministry. Our verse for tonight highlights the claims that Paul makes in the first several verses of his letter to his young pastor friend, Timothy. In his opening, Paul claims apostolic position as a result of the command of God and indicates that Jesus is our hope. Not one of many hopes, but “our hope”, our only hope! Paul tells Timothy, in 1 Timothy 1:1-2, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
My encouragement this evening is that Jesus wants us to know that He is the “way”, the truth and the life… He is a force like no other and is our shield against evil. My prayer is that we will always turn to Christ in times of trouble, realizing that our hope lies with Him. In conclusion, may the 4th be with you this Star Trek Sunday! Congratulations, Kristin! We love you and are proud of you. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…