The surprise phone call comes late one afternoon. Friends are in town and would like to drop by for dinner. You tell them that yes, they should come. You’d love to see them. But as soon as you end the call, panic sets in. They’ll arrive in an hour and you have no idea of what to serve them. The fridge has nothing but leftovers and there’s no time to grab something from the grocery store deli. The stress compounds with each passing second, yet your spouse and children seem strangely unconcerned. It’s almost as though they know something you don’t. Finally, they take pity on you and explain that they knew all about the visit and that there’s no need to worry. The guests were bringing the full meal with them.
If you knew something of vital importance for the eternal wellbeing of others would you share it? How could we not? All around us at work, school, and in the neighborhood are those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. What they do see and know is that the world is violent and life unpredictable. They know that many things are completely beyond their control. At times their conscience keeps them up at night reminding them of the hurts they have caused others. They wonder if they will be punished or if there is some way to set things right. “‘There is no peace,’ says the LORD, ‘for the wicked’” (Is. 48:22).
What if you had the answers and the key to peace of mind and heart? Would you share them? By God’s grace and the Spirit’s working, we have the good news of salvation in Jesus. We know that the Baby of Bethlehem is God’s only begotten Son who came to be our Brother in order to give us His righteousness and to take our guilt upon Himself. We know there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We rejoice in perfect peace with God. We know that the future is in His hands and that all things in this new year have to work together for good to those who love Him. Best of all, we know that the crown of glory is waiting for us at the end of this earthly journey.
Keep the news to ourselves while so many are lost, stressed, and fearful? How could we? Why would we want to? Peter writes, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). In His Word God has revealed a secret meant to be shared with all. May we make every effort this year to do just that! How may you do it today?
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at both services. Sunday school is at 9:30 and adult Bible class at 9:45 a.m.
The public school confirmation class meets at 12:15 p.m.
