As I think about this week, I am mindful of the many pastoral cares and concerns that people in our congregation are facing. School has begun for some, teachers are beginning to engage in the new semester, young adults are getting ready to leave for University, some have health issues and there are employment stresses. And as a community we are adjusting to continued social isolation and learning to be the ‘scattered church’ in these uncertain times. Recently, I came upon a sermon -a 1930 sermon that the young German Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached. It was during a time of widespread fear, danger and uncertainty. Bonhoeffer wanted followers of Christ to know where to turn – he said this - “God stands above all . . . his Word unstayed,” He preached, “The overcoming of fear—that is what we are proclaiming here. The Bible, the gospel, Christ, the church, the faith—all are one great battle cry against fear in the lives of human beings. Fear is, somehow or other, the archenemy itself. It crouches in people’s hearts. It hollows out their insides, until their resistance and strength are spent, and they suddenly break down. Fear secretly gnaws and eats away at all the ties that bind a person to God and to others, and when in a time of need that person reaches for those ties and clings to them, they break and the individual sinks back into himself or herself, helpless and despairing, while hell rejoices.” Bonhoeffer 1930. We are living with a lot of uncertainty and change. But may we never forget that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:7 May we remember the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 May we remember the words of Jesus when He spoke to the disciples during a storm in Matthew 14:27 -Jesus immediately said to them: “Take Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” There is much that we can fear. But may we always remember that we are not alone, that God promises never to leave us nor forsake us and that He is the Great “I Am” -and He is with us. Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
Blessings, Pastor Michele