10-17-2019

Good Morning All,

 Isaiah 54:10; “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

    “I feel your pain.”  With that phrase, a presidential election shifted.  As Bill Clinton campaigned against George H. W. Bush, this phrase, spoken by Clinton, changed the tone of the election.  With this phrase Bush was put on the defensive as a wealthy elitist who was out of touch with the average American.  As most Americans heard this, they began to perceive that the former governor of Arkansas understood their plight better than a career Washington diplomat. 

    Most people like it when someone can empathize with them.  If you have been in the hospital with some ailment, it can help to talk to someone who has already gone through the same ailment.  I find that when someone experiences a tragedy it is most helpful if they can talk with someone who has experienced this type of event earlier.  A widow shows far more empathy with another widow woman.  A person who is experiencing a divorce can receive comfort from someone who has been through one earlier. 

    This is why it is so incredible about what Jesus did for us.  In order for him to know what our troubles, the pain of this life, he came to earth to walk among us and to experience this life.  He walked among the sick and the lame.  He knew the cruelty of oppression.  He knew the loneliness and the emptiness that life can bring.  He saw loved ones die; he held them as they went.  He saw the needs of the people whom he viewed as lost sheep.  By seeing it and experiencing it, he knew what life was like so he knows what your life is like.

    Because of his love he reclaims you.  There is no sin that has to go unforgiven.  He picks you up and cleans you off and calls you his own.  He puts you on the path to salvation that he wants you to walk.  Even when we fail and slip back into sin, he pulls us up and out of the mud and cleans us again. Through all of our battles and struggles Christ has fought for us.  He has given us the victory.  It is because of his grace that we are conquerors, victors over the devil and his ways.  While the struggle may seem intense at times and difficult to see the end, we will be victorious.  Our salvation is achieved, our comfort secured and our hope is ever unfailing.  God is ever with us, through whatever is thrown at us.  God has carried us in the past; he always has and has never failed.  He will never fail you tomorrow.

Gracious Father, you have always carried us.  You have given to us the certainty of your grace.  Empower us to boldly hold onto your holy promise.  Keep us in your mighty arms and defend us from all the devil’s lies.  We pray especially for those whose battles are fierce that you would protect them and give them the comfort that they so desperately need.  Guard and protect us we pray, in Jesus’ precious name, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret