Good News
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1
Greetings in the name of Christ our Lord,
Fall has come upon us. Many people enjoy this time of year. The temperature begins to slowly cool down. We gradually begin adding more articles of clothing. First a sweater, then a light jacket, maybe a pair of gloves. As the days grow shorter, the leaves begin to change their colors. Even the air takes on a different scent. It’s refreshing.
But in the back of our mind, we know full well that this nice weather will become something very different. I’m from the west coast and I remember watching the evening news during the winter months. It was hard for me to imagine living in such harsh weather. Now I am living it! I have learned how to adapt to a new climate. It has not been easy but obviously, I have weathered the storm (pun intended).
In the United States the Church is experiencing a new season with its own changes. But change is not unique. The Christian Church has learned to adapt throughout its existence. Just read Paul’s Epistles. He writes to the early Churches about how to live in a changing world that struggles with Christianity. These early Christians knew firsthand what it was like to “not” be popular, to be shunned for their faith in Christ, to be reviled for their Biblical world view. Like changing seasons, society has moved from a positive view of Christianity, to taking a neutral stance, to what we see today, a negative view of Christianity. This is the world we live in today.
“And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me’” (Luke 18:39). Like the blind man who was rebuked by those around him as he called out to Jesus, you too may be criticized, ridiculed, or mocked, because your desire to see clearly reveals the truth that people are blind and walking in darkness.
I and many other Church leaders believe that we are beginning to experience what the early Church went through went it first started. We don’t like the discomfort because we’ve been comfortable for a very long time. Maybe God is getting our attention. Either way, we will continue to be the Church trusting that our God is greater than any drastic change that comes our way. The early Church knew this, they lived it.
God has placed us on His earth to be His representatives (we are made in His image) and we will continue to do just that. God speaks to us with words of encouragement, hope, and comfort because the world can be a harsh place for Christians. So it’s time for us to bundle up, to prepare, and to enter into a new climate where we may not feel as comfortable as we once were.
But God is merciful. He provides everything we need in this life. He gives us His Word that nourishes and strengthens us each day. He provides His Holy Sacrament for the forgiveness of sins, strengthening of our faith, and life everlasting. This is what we need, it’s what we have always needed. It’s all here. So, come and get it. Don’t neglect it. Receive it and rejoice in who you are in Christ. Hear the psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1).
In the Fellowship and Love of Christ,
Pastor Steve Deombeleg
Informer
