It is said that once in Earth’s time the Sahara was bursting with green; forests and plants of every kind. Scientists have shown in the marks on the Earth that a great covering of ice reached down on our continent and dug the five Great lakes, a marvelous reservoir of fresh water. Who did this? Who caused these changes to happen? And, who continues to make the Earth, and the people on it, a different, and changed place; a different and changed people?

Isaiah speaks to the question; he pictures God asking: “Who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters?” God then goes on to say: “I am about to do a new thing... I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people whom I formed for myself ... that they might declare my praise.”

The Psalmist cries out: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.” and assures by offering. “Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.” When we change and hold fast to our Faith, good things happen.

Paul tells the Christians at Phillipa, of the dramatic change he made in his life; moving from being a persecutor of the Christians, to become the strongest of believers, with the boldest of faith, that Christ has made him his own. That is the change we can all make, and the goal we can all achieve, with change.   

The journey toward Jerusalem and all the events that were to happen; the accusations, trial and Jesus being condemned to death on the cross were interrupted six days before the Passover, the last supper. Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for Jesus. Lazarus was one at table with him. Mary took costly perfume and anointed Jesus feet. The house was filled with the fragrance. The whole company had changed to accept Jesus as the messiah, and they honored him.  

That is all but one, Judas Iscariot, the keeper of the common purse, from which he sometimes stole, having little concern for the poor. Judas complained about the lavish use of the perfume, which he said could be sold, and the money be given to the poor. He wanted that money for himself. Judas remained unwilling to change; his thievery and avarice would not let him. His reward came a few days later, in the form of 40 pieces of silver; which purchased his own grave.

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.