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This Sunday we begin a sermon series entitled, “The Game of Life.” Milton Bradley created the precursor to the current Game of Life in 1860. It was called, The Checkered Game of Life, not because he was cynical, but because the game was played on a modified checkered board. Bradley created the game with a strong moral message. It was designed to offer participants the opportunity to learn about risks and rewards, as well as decisions and consequences.
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Of course, the most basic rule of a game is that you must play to win. This is true about life as well. Taking action, living intentionally, and deciding wisely is key to finding joy and meaning in life. However, we can be guilty of abdicating our agency in life. As we turn the calendar and welcome the new year, we all get to decide how we will embrace the gift of 2025. Will we allow inertia to prevail and simply continue living like we did in 2024, or will we seek to make alterations that will break greater health, connection and meaning to our existence?
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Our Scripture lesson is from John 5:1-8. It is the story of Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda. While the outcome of Jesus’ encounter with this man is positive, the man reveals that he had lost a sense of agency in his own life. We will reflect upon his situation and hear the gospel’s call to “take our turn” in life.