4215 Melrose Avenue NW, Roanoke VA

Today, I experienced one of the most powerful sermons of my journey, a message aptly titled “Poetic Justice,” delivered by Pastor Chase of New Century Church, the 112th church on this beautiful pilgrimage of faith.

As I clicked on the video link to watch the sermon online, uncertain of what to expect, the Holy Spirit prepared my heart for a lesson I didn’t even know I needed.

Pastor Chase began his message in an unconventional way, immediately capturing my attention and drawing me into the depths of the biblical narrative.

His preaching style, profound yet relatable, humorous yet deeply reverent, spoke directly to me, ancient Scripture with the complexities of modern life.

Without the usual components of a worship service, no music or congregational involvement visible… I nonetheless felt deeply connected. I was sitting alone in my home, yet completely engaged, realizing this powerful message was not only timely but clearly ordained for this very moment in my life.

The sermon revolved around the story of Judah and Tamar, a narrative that is often overlooked, misunderstood, or avoided altogether due to its complexities and raw humanity.

Yet Pastor Chase courageously stepped into the tension, unveiling layers of redemption and grace hidden within. He masterfully spoke through Judah’s moral failures, his deceit, and Tamar’s remarkable courage and resilience, showing us a reflection of our own flawed humanity.

With brilliant insight, Pastor Chase illuminated how even the messiest and most complicated moments of our lives can become platforms for God’s redemptive work.

What struck me deeply, God deliberately chooses the most flawed and broken people to carry out His divine purposes.

The story of Judah and Tamar teaches us that our Heavenly Father is not intimidated or hindered by our mistakes. Instead, He transforms our brokenness into vessels of hope, healing, and restoration.

Even more astonishingly, Tamar herself is honored in the lineage of Christ, demonstrating God’s unending willingness to embrace and redeem the marginalized, forgotten, and misunderstood.

Pastor Chase posed a challenging and convicting question: “Is there an area in your life where the cost of faithfulness feels too high?” As he asked us to genuinely examine ourselves, I found my heart heavy yet hopeful, realizing how often we resist God’s call because the price seems daunting.

Yet, the true cost of disobedience and unfaithfulness far exceeds any temporary comfort we might hold onto. We were reminded that true honor to God requires genuine sacrifice, authentic love for others, and a willingness to surrender our plans to His greater purpose.

Another powerful moment came when Pastor Chase challenged us directly, When everyone and everything around you seems to be the problem, maybe, just maybe, the problem lies within you.

I felt the conviction deeply; we often cast blame, point fingers, or deflect responsibility onto others. Yet this story, and today’s powerful message, revealed the necessity of personal accountability, repentance, and humility before God.

The prayer rose in my heart spontaneously: “Help me, Lord, to stop shifting blame. Show me my heart and help me surrender it to You fully.”

Today, I gained not only a deeper understanding of Judah and Tamar’s story but also a profound revelation of the abundant grace, patience, and redemption that God extends toward each of us.

I walked away feeling encouraged, convicted, and deeply loved. If the Lord could redeem and honor even the most broken people in Scripture, surely, He can, and will, redeem the brokenness in me.

I am so excited to visit New Century Church in person soon, to worship alongside this community and experience the warmth and compassion that radiates even through their online sermons.

God continues to lead me deeper into understanding His love, grace, and mercy through this journey. Each church visit, every sermon, every moment draws me closer to the heart of Jesus.

I thank God for carrying me daily, for His relentless pursuit of my heart, for healing my brokenness, teaching me how to love, how to forgive, and how to fully surrender to Him.

Without Christ, I am nothing; in Him, I have everything.

All praise, honor, and glory belong to God, who writes redemption stories from our greatest failures.

May we trust Him always, confident that He is still bringing poetic justice into our lives!