Pastor Eric’s sermon explores the question: “How can people maintain conviction when great personal sacrifice yields uncertain, unclear outcomes?” This question is brought into sharp focus through the story of John the Baptizer, who, while languishing in prison under Herod Antipas, sends a desperate message to Jesus, questioning if his entire ministry had been meaningful. Jesus responds not with chastisement or a guarantee of victory, but by directing John's messengers to the quiet, observable signs of change and healing occurring in the world. Pastor Eric uses this historical example to advocate for a form of “hope divorced from a specific outcome,” suggesting that steadfast faithfulness does not rely on achieving a specific outcome. Instead, this powerful conviction is rooted in choosing to act on one's duty, love, and conscience regardless of the consequences, a commitment exemplified by activists and figures like Nelson Mandela. Ultimately, the message asserts that God's transformative work is ongoing, and faithfulness itself is the achievement, even if injustice persists.
