1-1-2017

Good Morning All,

               Luke 14:4b; “So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.”

    I remember one of the seminary professors talking with us about the different ways to view the Office of the Ministry.  He said that there were even different names that describe the office.  At times, ministers are watchmen, they are under shepherds, they are evangelists, and my favorite; they are a “seelsorger” (keeper of the souls).  He listed others and gave the origins of the names and titles using the Greek, Latin, Hebrew or German origin and how they fit into the Office of the Ministry.  He made a few jokes about how we would be tired at the end of the day filling all those positions, our name tag would never be big enough nor our business card print small enough to list all these names.  His presentation had everyone chuckling.  Then he got to a more important part of the presentation.

    He spoke of how easy it is to get overwhelmed in the Office.  There are always meetings to go to.  There are always presentations that will help you preach or teach or just grow personally.  He told of all the committees of the church and all the civic responsibilities that can appear.  He said, “As you can tell, you will never have a big enough hat rack for all the hats you will wear.  Please remember to always wear the hat of ‘hand holder.’” “Hand holder” should describe all Christians before any other name.

    With the New Year upon us, I was thinking back to this title.  I have held the hand of people as they died; I’ve held the hand of the loved ones who were left.  I’ve held the hand of the sick and the frightened, the worried and the lost.  What is so fascinating is that often times that is exactly what you do; you simply hold their hand.  It is interesting how often in Scriptures, we see Jesus touching people with a loving and compassionate touch.  Now Jesus being the perfect Son of God meant that his touch always worked in the manner he wanted.  You and I being imperfect models don’t always have the same results but the love and compassion of Christ can and does show through.

    All of us as Christians can and do feel overwhelmed at times.  Busy parents, stressed farmers, worried students, tired elders, overworked employees, the list goes on and on and you are probably in more than one category.  Yet in all these things, never forget to be a “hand holder”; someone who shares the love and compassion of Jesus with another human being.  You don’t need numerous degrees or hours of study.  You need the heart of Christ.  You need to share his compassion.

    So, for a New Year’s resolution; let’s all try to be better “hand holders”.  Let the love and compassion of Christ emerge from you as you are immersed in it.  Let the love and compassion of Christ guide and direct your paths.  Happy New Year!!

Father in heaven, give us your heart and your eyes that we may see the hurt and the fear in our neighbor’s face.  Lead us to share your mercy as freely and you have shown it to us.  Guide us by your Spirit to those in most need of your care.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret