Pastor Thoughts for November 14th
“…Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us that we might enjoy eternal friendship with Him and all the saints”
As I reminisce on all the friendships from years past, I know that friendship can be hit or miss. Due to careers, circumstances, family life, busyness, relocation etc, it’s easy for these relationships to wax and wane.
Even with the advent of smartphones, tablets, social media and other devices, one would assume that accessibility would be at an all time high. Click on an app, and voila! Video Chat! Click on another app, and again, we are messaging with one another. Yet we live in a time where isolation is at its greatest.
Loneliness is a common struggle for many people today. People long for relationships. God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” Gen2:18. Yes, relationships in general are very important.
Even as a church family, we are important to one another. We are not a country club, or a social network, but rather, we are one body through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, we pray for one another, we study the word together, we listen to sermons together, we receive the Lord’s Supper together. We even cry together, we laugh together, and we comfort and console each other. And as as a family we stick together, united in the Word and Sacraments-“one Lord, one faith, one baptism” [Eph4:5]
However it is easy to detach and become a lone ranger. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” [Heb10:24-25] And quickly we find ourselves all alone on this lonely road. The devil is there trying to convince us that this road will go well with us. But we know that is not the case.
I pray that we may continue to encourage one another through the gathering of the Word and Sacrament. For there we receive the gifts of Christ. His Word, the law, the Gospel, the remedy, the cure- the forgiveness of our sins. I encourage every one of you to attend Sunday Divine Service and/ or Weds Vespers as well as our bible studies throughout the week. There is great joy as we get together and grow together in the unity of the Word.
And through the Word, what a great family we have! You all have been a great blessing to me. And as your Pastor, I am here for you. If you ever need a visit, I’m here.. Your home, my office, at the local coffee shop, wherever it may be, I’m here for you and I’m only a phone call, text, or fb message away.
After all, we are familia!
+PrJ