The stories of the Bible continue past the pages of Scripture and down through the centuries in the lives of ordinary men and women, through whom God does extraordinary things. Each week, our Advent Café sermon series looks at one of these people who has inspired faith, and we share our preacher’s reflection each week with the rest of our congregation
Saint George and Mark 8:34-38—By Lindsey Wilton
It is not certain just when or by what process the new church took the name of St. George’s, but all references after 1835 bear this title. There is no record of this decision being made by the Bishop or wardens or rector; it just seems to have happened. Very little is actually known about Saint George. It is said that he is one of the saints whose names are rightly reverenced among us, but whose actions are known only to God. What I can tell you is that it was believed he was born to a wealthy Christian noble family.
While living in Palestine, he Joined the Imperial Roman Army and rose in rank. The emperor of the day demanded that the persecution of all Christians be carried out by the military. George objected to this and decided to resign his military post. George in turn was imprisoned and tortured but he would not deny his faith to be released. Eventually he was beheaded in the year 303. Just an ordinary man standing up for what he believed was right.
He was extraordinarily steadfast in his faith and devotion to his beliefs. It is said the torture he endured was extreme yet he did not waver. Right up to the moment he was killed he stayed true to what he believed to be right and I believe found great strength in knowing God was there with him. As his story became that of the dragon slayer, his Martyrdom showed to the people of his time and down through the ages to: 1) Stand up for what you know is right. 2) It is not an easy road to live out the teachings of the bible and to live a Christian life. 3) God will be with you even through your hardest trials to give you strength to persevere and 4) Good will conquer evil.
Today what do we label as a burden to bear? A strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness. Today how do we view the cross? a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love, but in Jesus’ day, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Three things are asked by Jesus in the passage we read, not only of his disciples but of all that were there and even of us today. Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him. To deny oneself does not mean giving up something of comfort such as at Lent. Another way to put this is to renounce our right to ourselves. Turn over the right to run our own lives and leave it in God’s hands. Also reject self-interest and self-fulfillment and diligently seek out how to fulfill the will of God. Have you put aside your own interests to do the will of God? Are there places in your life where you could step out of your comfort zone to do what Jesus would do? I challenge you to embrace those moments of being uncomfortable – when you feel called by the holy spirit to do something. To take up your cross does not mean we should be seeking out pain or death.
Cross bearing is an act of love that we choose to do. I read a wonderful way to associate what it is to be a cross bearer. I am sure you are familiar with the 1 Corinthians passage “love is Patient, Love is kind”. Simply replace the word “love” with “cross bearer”.
We need to be willing to carry our own cross one day at a time to do His will even when the work is difficult. Remember that the cross we bear is not above our ability, and God is there to help. Like Jesus needed a hand carrying his cross, we also can turn and ask for help. We can look for a helping hand, advice, and encouragement from friends, family, clergy, and especially through prayer.
Finally, we are asked to follow Jesus. Are there times you feel pulled in a direction of service but make up reasons why you will do it another time? I challenge all of us to say Yes. Yes, the next time I am called to lend a hand. Yes, to the next time someone looks like they need a kind smile and a listening ear. Yes, to the next time I am asked to do something I would normally always say no to.
Saint George; who better to represent our community of faith than the man who slayed a dragon? The man who denied himself a good job and freedom, bore the cross of standing up for the injustice being carried out towards Christians and regardless of extreme torture stayed true to himself and his beliefs up until his last breath.
Next time you are in the side chapel in our church look up and see Saint George above the door to the left. Remember him and the strength that he represents and hopefully encourages in you. Remember he was just an ordinary person like you and I who decided to do something extraordinary with this life. I hope you feel a little extra proud the next time you say the name of our church, Saint George’s, and I hope you feel encouraged to hoist up your cross with love in your heart and follow Jesus.