Good morning everyone,
I had to smile. Before one of our recent services I watched a dad who was going to walk with his toddler down the hall toward the drinking fountain. Dad held out his hand and the little one began reaching out to take it. But then she suddenly changed her mind and set off on her own as fast as her wobbly legs would take her. It’s enjoyable to see our children become more independent and learn to do things on their own. It is an important part of growing into adulthood.
However, it is also vital to realize, no matter what our age, that there are times when it is not good to go it alone. The toddler was able to make her way down the church hallway for a few steps on her own without any major mishap. But it would have been dangerous for her to try making it across the parking lot on her own. There would have been just too many dangers from cars coming and going. She is just too little and inexperienced. For that kind of situation she needs Dad’s hand.
That is where we are at entering the new year. We might like to believe that we can handle whatever comes on our own, but we can’t. It’s a big world out there and we can’t see what is coming. We don’t know what decisions, challenges, trials, temptations, and surprises may lie in store. What we do know from past experience is that our steps haven’t been all that steady. We have fallen flat on our faces countless times, sinned against God’s holy Word, and made a mess of things. We can’t go it alone and expect to make it.
Thankfully, we don’t have to. Our heavenly Father reaches out and takes our hand in His strong, steady grasp. He leads us to His Son for forgiveness and peace. He steers us clear of dangers to body and soul that Satan puts in our path. He promises to fill every day of the new year with His surprising blessings. When we are uncertain and frightened, He assures us He won’t let go. He won’t let anyone take us from Him. And He does all this through His powerful Word, the same Word we will hear tomorrow. With Sunday’s sermon text (Heb. 2:10-18), the Lord will take us by the hand and show us how Jesus came to be our Brother-Savior.
Don’t try to go it alone. Rather, let’s say with the writer of Psalm 73: “You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (vss. 23-24). May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated in both services.
The adult Bible class will continue its discussion of the teaching and practice of fellowship. It is one of the most misunderstood and in some ways one of the most difficult doctrines to apply in our lives. But in doing so, we witness to our love for the Savior and His love for all people.
The public school confirmation class meets at 12:15 p.m.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor
