Good afternoon:
A few days ago a large, colorful brochure arrived in the mail from the local recreation department. In it was a listing of all the community programs being offered this summer. There is everything from water aerobics to computer classes to bus trips to sports activities. Included in the descriptions are details such as when and where the sessions will be and the cost to participate. Signing up is a parttime, limited commitment. You set aside Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9-10 a.m. for six weeks. You pay the $25 fee. After the sessions you go on with the rest of your life until the next class.
Some imagine following Jesus to be like that—a parttime, limited commitment. Go to church once a week and put your “dues” in the offering plate. The rest of the time, life continues as usual. But the Apostle Paul paints a much different picture. He writes, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Jesus came to earth, lived, died, and rose again in order to make a permanent, twenty-four hour-a-day connection with us. Through the Spirit’s work in the Word, he comes to live within every believer continually.
Anytime day or night we can go to him with our prayers of repentance and receive the peace he won for us on the cross. Our old self was buried with him in our baptism. His victory is ours. Whether we are at home, work, school, or out of town, he is there to hear whatever is on our minds and hearts. Not just a few hours a week, but our entire life is connected to Jesus. He lives in us, and we in him. There cannot be a closer connection. His will is ours. We love because he first loved us. The Christ connection is our source of life and purpose every day. May it be seen in everything we say, plan, and do today.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Our spring work day begins tomorrow (Sat.) at 9 a.m. There is plenty to do inside and out. Your help, even for a short while, is welcome.
The Sunday service begins at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday school and adult Bible class at 10:15 a.m. The Bible class will look at a man whose connection to Jesus led to his boldly preaching the Word and his death by stoning.
