2-25-2022

 Good Morning All,

Revelation 1: 17-18; “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

    The dogs of war are barking loudly again. The talking heads will bloviate, the politicians will wring their hands and pontificate but average, every day people will suffer and die. Today it is Ukraine which, sadly, is just another in a long list of places where wars were fought, and people suffered and died. We do not know where this one will go. It may be a flash in the pan and over. It may simmer and smolder for years or it may all blow up in everyone’s face; I do not know where it is headed. I do, however; know the One who does know.

    John received his vision in the Book of Revelation at a time of great uncertainty within the Church. The Church was being harshly persecuted with exiles, property seizures and executions being common. They were fearful of the events of the time. There are many today who are fearful of the times. We have political and civil discord in this country. We have economic uncertainties; we still have questions and concerns with a pandemic and now there is a wicked war raging. So, we turn again to God’s Word for some comfort and reassurance.

    As Jesus speaks to John in our verses, we see some things to cling to. John is terrified but Jesus tells him to, “Fear not,” that oft repeated encouragement from Scriptures, “Fear not.” Yet this is an admonishment that many make. FDR said, “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.” We are told we can over come our fears with certain specific mental exercises that for a mere $19.99 +shipping and handling can be yours. There is no lack of life coaches who will tell you to not fear but they never tell you why you should not fear. Jesus tells us not only to “fear not” but why we should “fear not.”

    The reason you and I should not fear is because Jesus is in control. That is what it means when it says He “holds the keys of Death and Hades.” Later, He will speak of “holding the scrolls” and repeating the idea that Jesus is in control. He rules for the glory of His Father and to protect and benefit the Church. He allows these wars and other things because He has turned sinful man over to himself and do whatever perverted things he wants, yet His Church He has marked, with the waters of Baptism, as His own and He will bring us through the rivers, through the fires, through the deep waters, through the tribulation to safety and to glory with Him for all eternity. We do not have to fear because our loving Lord Jesus is in control, and He desires to bring us into His holy kingdom.

    So, what do we do? First and foremost, we pray. For peace, for healing, for an end to tyranny, for justice and for the return of Jesus, these are a good place to start. But do so in confidence, not in fear. Be confident that our Lord hears us and will protect us until then end.

Gracious Lord, we ask that You send your Spirit of peace to the wars of the world especially to the people in Ukraine. Give them strength to endure. Strengthen our hearts that we may proclaim the truth of your peace and hope. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret