From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila

Read John 17:1-26
As a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples (John 13-17), Jesus prays what is known as his “High Priestly Prayer” (John 17) for the faithful men who have accompanied him throughout his three-year earthly ministry. He prays for these men who were once fishermen, or perhaps simple laborers, one was even a tax collector. In the three years they were with Jesus, he called these twelve ordinary men to be apostles; disciples sent into the world with a teaching for God’s people. Though one would later betray him, the apostles became Jesus’ closest friends and companions along the entire journey from Galilee, all the way to Jerusalem and the cross.
Through the prayer Jesus offered on their behalf, our Lord asked that the Father would continue to guide and protect those whom he entrusted to him. Jesus prayed that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles would be one with him, just as Jesus is one with the Father in a relationship of divine love. Not only did Jesus pray for the twelve, but he also prayed for you and me, and for all believers who would come to faith through the witness and testimony of the apostles.
Reflecting on the text of Jesus’ Farewell discourse and “High Priestly Prayer,” I can say with conviction that even as we have to say farewell to our Administrative Assistant and beloved friend, Sherry Floyd, we will continue to pray for her in her faithful service to our Lord Jesus. For over eight years, Sherry has been a partner with St. Jacob’s in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been a faithful worker in the vineyard God planted here in this place, approaching her position each day, not simply as a job to do, but as a ministry she offers in thankfulness to the one who is Lord of all.
In the nearly five years that I have been blessed to know Sherry, she has become one of my most trusted co-workers throughout my pastoral ministry. Sherry and I have been through many wonderful experiences together as we have shared in the ministry of St. Jacob’s. Like it was with the apostles and Jesus, we have also seen our fair share of life’s challenges and emotional moments. I can empathize with the feeling Jesus had for the twelve in that saying farewell to one of my closest companions in ministry is not something that is simple to do. Still, as I know everyone at St. Jacob’s will, I pray for Sherry and Joe, that they will enjoy a time of renewal and restoration in their retirement together. May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord’s face shine upon them and be gracious to them. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon then and keep them in peace.
Blessings,
Pastor David