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Grace Lutheran Church 1212 Jefferson Brenham, Texas 77833 (979)-836-3475 Worship: 8am & 10:15am SS & BC: 9:15am
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“We preach Christ crucified.” |
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From the Pastor October 2008
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Hurricane Ike has presented us a myriad of opportunities to reach out to those in need and express the caring love of Christ our Savior for our fellow man. From provision of basic needs like food and water, to dealing with those who are emotionally and spiritually broken the Church has mobilized its people and resources to respond as best it can. The pictures and accounts of the devastation and destruction make it look as though the task is insurmountable and there no doubt, is a great deal of discouragement and dissatisfaction with relief efforts on the part of many. For, no human being can adequately respond and provide all that is needed or wanted in a time of crisis. God however, is all powerful and always more able and ready to give more than we can imagine or ask. With God all things are possible. It is difficult to understand why God allows such tragedies to occur or to see how anything good could come from such widespread carnage of lives and property. That is a function of the limitation of human reason. Yet, just as God brought good and blessing from all of the afflictions of Job, He surely can and does accomplish the purpose of His goodness and mercy in the midst of sorrow and hurt also today. In one respect, it may seem callous to say that such devastation is minor compared to the threat of eternal judgment, but there is a lesson to be learned from the comparison. All of the earth and its wealth will be consumed in fire at the last day. People however, their bodies and souls, are eternal. Every individual in this world lives forever, either in the glory of heaven or in the fires of hell. That is why the good news of Christ’s death on the cross and His mighty resurrection is so important, especially now! God can and will use this event to reach the lost as Christian people reach out with help and the good news of Jesus. I am always mindful of the compassionate work of our Savior as He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and raises the dead. Yet, His loving mercy is not confined to these miraculous acts. Who could possibly accuse God of being so indifferent toward the eternal welfare of man that He would heal their physical maladies without offering eternal mercy? Now is our opportunity to forward this loving mission of our Savior. As we bear the burdens of our neighbors and help with their worldly needs, let us also be mindful of their greatest need and joyfully share with them the eternal love of Jesus. Pastor Jacobs |
