1-8-2024

Good Morning All,

         John 3:17; “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

     We are in that time of year again that is always interesting to me.  We have once again started our confirmation classes.  It is always interesting to watch a group of 7-8 graders think.  The way they process things is a little different and sometimes pretty insightful.  Our discussion the other day was about the “have tos.”  Kids this age just bristle when they think that they “have to” do something.  They are getting to the age where they feel that they are old enough and independent enough to make their own decisions.  They don’t want to “have to” do something.  They are concrete thinkers who want a pliable life; it gets interesting, and I like to make them think once in a while.

    So once again, the questions began.  “Do we ‘have to’ go to church?”  “Do we ‘have to’ say the confession of sins?” “Or the Apostle’s Creed” “or the Lord’s Prayer?” “Or do we ‘have to’ sing the hymns?”  I love these questions; I long for these questions because my answer always throws them for a loop.  Do we ‘have to’….? The answer is “no.”  None of these things will get us into heaven.  None of these things impress God.  None of these things are required of us for salvation.  No, we don’t ‘have to’ come to church, or say the Lord’s Prayer or the Creed or sing the hymns; we don’t have to do these things but because of God’s grace; we get to.

    Because God loves us so much, we get to do these things.  I ‘get to’ come to worship at the invitation of Jesus, to hear his words of love, of forgiveness and of hope.  I get revitalization in my heart and in my soul from hearing those words of his love. I ‘get to’ confess my sins, release them from me and lay them upon Christ’s throne.  They no longer burden me.  They no longer haunt and taunt me.   They are no longer the devil’s ammunition.  I ‘get to’ say the

Creed where I am reminded of all that God has/ is/ and will do for me.  From my creation, redemption, sustaining, fulfilling, encouraging, guiding, comforting; all my needs are met in God and the Creed helps to remind me of this.  I ‘get to’ speak the Lord’s Prayer, and all prayers, to God.  I ‘get to’ enjoy this holy conversation.  I am given the permission to speak to God, the creator of the entire universe, as I would speak to my dear father.  I ‘get to’ do all of this, and more, because Jesus came to pay for my sins.

    The confirmands always kind of shake their heads.  Many of us do.  We struggle trying to keep straight that God’s love for us precedes any action on our part.  Nothing we do will ever make God love us.  He chose to do that long before you and I ever existed, and that love will continue long after you and I have returned to dust. We ‘get to’ live in God’s holy presence and remain in his loving arms.  Because of Jesus, we ‘get to’ have eternal life.  What a deal for us!!

Father, in your mercy you have brought me into your holy family and given to me all the rights and privileges of being your child.  Guide me to know and to use these wonderful blessings that I may grow in faith and serve you in your holy kingdom.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret