The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2
Amazingly, there are a number of little things that go unnoticed until you can see them with new eyes. Small things, insignificant things. They surround us and cast off a beauty all their own. Until very recently, I have missed so many of these, but thanks be to God, I have been afforded “new eyes” with which to see. Not that I couldn’t see before, but that I simply didn’t notice the wonder of such insignificance.
As we begin the season of Advent, we do so with the opportunity to notice the insignificance of some of God’s smallest blessings, things we most often don’t think about, things we take for granted. The reminders of God’s sovereignty and majesty are all around us. They declare the glory of the One True God who chooses to save his people from sin, death, and the power of the devil. All it takes to see these simplistic icons of grace is to look with new vision, theological vision, having an awareness of God’s presence.
During my first night home following surgery, I was lying back in my recliner trying to fall asleep, but there was a brilliant light shining that just would not let my attention go. It was a small light, insignificant, as I said earlier. It was the little green LED power indicator on my laptop charger lighting up the room. In this instance, I saw this little light in a completely new way. The fact that it was shining meant there was power available. Even as I was weakened after a lengthy surgical procedure, the power of God’s love was lighting up the room.
Lying in that recliner, I could feel something that I had taken for granted for a long, long time. I could feel each beat of my surgically repaired heart. It is much stronger than I remember it ever being. The continued rhythmic thump, thump, thump, played a new song over and over again in thankful praise to our heavenly Father who has the power to save his people.
In Advent, we once again have the opportunity to look with “theological eyes” and see the wonder of God’s mercy and grace made manifest for all believers. It comes to us in a most insignificant way, through most humble means; a baby born into the poverty of a fallen and broken world. A Savior
born into a world in need of saving.
Like that little LED that lit up my room, this Babe of Bethlehem casts a light into the world that commands attention. People who walk in the darkness of this world, seemingly blind to the insignificance of this one child, would one day be gathered into his brilliance simply by seeing him with new eyes. Witnessing his compassion, his teaching, and his love for all that God created, for it was all created through him.
As we complete one more liturgical year exploring the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus, and prepare to embark on the journey once more, I would invite you to take notice of the humble means through which God gets your attention reminding you of his ever-present love. These “icons of grace” as I have called them are all around us. I invite you to enter into a deeper, closer, more intimate relationship with our Lord and God. His is a beauty and wonder that draws us into the brilliance of the light that shines through even the darkest moments of our lives.
This Advent, take time to slow down, pray, and notice the presence of Christ walking alongside as he fills your life with the blessing of his power and love. See the icons of God’s grace with new eyes and enter into the wonder and mystery of the God who takes upon himself human flesh and dwells with his people. He came to save us. He continues to come to love us. His power and glory are made manifest even in the most insignificant ways. He is there for us to notice with every heartbeat and breath we take. To God be the glory forever and ever.
From the Pastor’s Heart Archive
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 1, 2024 By adminFrom Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminMy son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22
As you all know, I have been dealing with a serious health issue for quite a while. It was serious enough that I had to cancel my annual trip to Congo. It hasn’t been a secret that I have been diagnosed with blockages in my heart. When the news was first delivered to Angela and me, we didn’t really know what to do. The doctors who were tending to me were not comfortable in making a definitive treatment plan. After a few tense days, I decided to get a second opinion. Not that the doctors who saw me weren’t good doctors, I don’t believe that for a second. I’m sure they are quite capable. But this being the first time I have had to deal with such an issue, I prayed for guidance and comfort. The answer to my prayers came in the form of a complete stranger suggesting I see a doctor in Charlotte whom he had been treated by. One or two calls later and I was in the loop.
In Charlotte, I met a team of doctors who truly give Angela and me confidence and assurance that the prescribed remedy will be my best option for future good health. Thus, I have agreed to undergo bypass surgery where it is likely two main arteries will be repaired. I truly appreciate the care I am receiving through the doctors and nurses in Charlotte. Angela and I are completely comfortable with the decision to proceed with surgery.
We also take comfort in knowing that God is the one who enables medical personnel to do the work of healing. Truly, only God could provide the wisdom and skillset to accomplish such miracles. As Solomon said in the Proverbs, God’s Word is “life to those who find [it] and health to one’s whole body.”
My surgery is scheduled for November 7th and I will be away from the church for about three weeks after that. On Sunday, November 10th, our elders will lead worship and distribute Holy Communion with bread and wine consecrated the week prior. I have arranged for Pastor Leon Rawl to supply on November 17th and 24th so there will be no interruption in the celebration of the Sacrament.
I hope to return to St. Jacob’s (albeit in a reduced capacity) on Sunday, December 1st with some restrictions on driving and lifting. My doctor supports this line of thought and sees no reason not to expect a favorable outcome to this procedure and complete recovery. I am thankful for the prayers many of you have offered on my behalf and look forward to improved health following recovery from surgery. This has not been an easy article to write. I’m not used to sharing such news about my personal health. But through the years so many have shared their health concerns that God has convinced me, now is the time to do the same, share with the ones whom you love, for this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart, figuratively and realistically.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart – Spiritual Gifts
Posted October 1, 2024 By adminEach of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
This month I would like to spend a little time talking about stewardship. The mere mention of the word “stewardship” might solicit several reactions, most of them being feelings centered upon money. Some will read this month’s pastoral offering intently and think seriously about their role as stewards of God’s blessings. Others might skip over this column entirely, figuring they already know that the pastor is going to talk about money and the church’s need for more. I pray the majority of our members see themselves as part of the first group I mentioned, for we really do need to think about how we are to be good stewards of all that God provides…and I do mean ALL. Still, the “s” word conjures up many mixed feelings, so it is perhaps good that we focus on the scripture passage above before we dig too deeply.
One of the things Christians must always understand is that God is able to provide us with every blessing in abundance, so that we have enough of everything, and we may share it abundantly (2 Cor. 9:8). Sadly, too many Christians understand stewardship as being a means for a congregation to pay the bills. In so many congregations, the mantra becomes, “If we don’t start bringing in more members, we’re going to have financial trouble.” or “We can’t cut much more out of our budget, there’s nothing left to cut.” The problem with these statements is they place the focus on the church building and programs first and the giver second, without ever mentioning God’s role in providing what is necessary to do His will. This is in direct opposition of what being a good steward really means.
Stewardship is NOT a means for the church to collect money. Rather, stewardship is a way for God’s children to grow in relationship with the One who is the provider of all that we have…again, ALL. Focusing on the institution’s need for funds and the giver’s responsibility to provide them gives humans the false notion that they are the possessors and God’s church is the possession. If you think for a moment, you will quickly see how this is played out in churches all across the land, even St. Jacob’s.
We have all heard statements made to the effect that the church should be run like a business. Nothing could be further from the truth. Businesses have one focus, to maximize profits for the sake of their shareholders. The heftier the bank balance, the healthier the business. Churches, on the other hand, exist for the sake of their non-members, those who are the neediest among us. The Church’s focus is its ministry to the gospel, proclaiming the good news of God’s salvation and meeting the needs, both spiritual and physical, of the needy within the surrounding community and world. A healthy church is not necessarily one with a hefty bank balance, but one that has an appetite for growing in faith and a thirst for God’s Word. Healthy churches understand that the blessing of treasure is one to be openly and generously shared. As Christians, we have to believe that God will provide what we need in order to do the work He has called us to do. In fact, God has already provided us with such blessings.
There is an old joke where preachers give congregations the good news and bad news concerning the need for funds. The good news is that God has provided all we need. The bad news is that it is still in your pockets. Think for a moment, there is some truth in this statement. Christians are called to tithe the first fruits of their labors, giving the first fruits of what God has provided for the sake of the gospel. It’s not simply a suggestion; it is a precept of God for the people of God. Thus, being a faithful steward and a cheerful giver means realizing all we have belongs to God, who entrusts such blessings unto us for the sake of those whom God places within our midst. The first fruits of our time, our ability and yes, our treasure, therefore, are to be generously and cheerfully shared so that the message of the gospel becomes reality for those who are in need of God’s saving grace.
Tithing is not simple, it takes discipline. It takes prayer and requires a shift in mindset that in all matters of life, God will provide for our needs. Yet, truly, not all are able to tithe ten percent, but all are able to give of their first fruits. Working together as a congregation, we can learn what it means to become good stewards, learning how we can share our time, talent and treasure for the sake of the gospel. As we become good stewards and cheerful givers, we will soon realize we can overcome the “business mentality,” and further our focus on growing in relationship with God. As Christians, this is our duty and our goal, that we offer God what He has first provided us, ourselves, our time, and our possessions, these signs of His gracious love.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart – Spiritual Gifts
Posted September 1, 2024 By adminFor it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Matthew 25:14-15
Several years ago, I led a “Spiritual Gifts Inventory” for the congregation I served in Salisbury, NC. I have asked several folks here at St. Jacob’s about such an inventory and has there ever been one done here? The answers I got were of a mixed bag, but what I was able to glean from these questions and answers is that, if the congregation has participated in a spiritual gifts inventory, the number of members participating was smaller than hoped for.
God blesses his Church with gifted members for the sake of the church’s ministry and mission. Some of you may have participated in such an inventory, maybe even several times over the years. But it is always worthwhile for congregations to explore how God has gifted them and how or if our collective spiritual gifts are being used. Responding to many questions and statements, the testing group seeks to help the person participating to determine what their gift (or gifts) might be. One of the passages sometimes used in these evaluations is Matthew 25, the parable that tells the story of a wealthy master who went away and left three servants with different amounts of money to invest. Most of us have heard plenty of teaching on this passage even before it became popular to conduct spiritual gifts inventories. For context, Read Matthew 25:14-18.
The most common translation of the word used for what the master left his servants was “talents”. Talents were not a specific kind of coin but were understood to be a prescribed weight of a bag of silver. Each bag of silver would amount to the value of one year’s worth of daily wages. The word “talent”, however, is particularly useful when talking about the various gifts God has given to each of us.
The first two servants in today’s passage took the bags of silver that their master had left them and invested them. Thus, they were able to give their master a return on his investment. They saw themselves as stewards of what had been put into their care. The “wicked” servant, however, did not use what was provided. In effect, he wasted his gift. He provided no return on his master’s investment. Not all the things God has provided to us are monetary; in fact, most are not. We are born with certain “natural” abilities, such as the ability to run fast or an ability to sing well. We also have abilities and qualities that God has blessed us with at the time of our Baptism. These abilities which God has given us which are not necessarily something we could be expected to be able to do on our own, like the ability to know certain things, or possess the gift for compassion, generosity, or having keen insight into certain situations. These are spiritual gifts.
These gifts aren’t simply given to us; they are entrusted into our care to use in serving God. Operating in the gifts God has given us is not optional; it is God’s call to stewardship of what He has put into our care. Many churches use this as a way to staff programs but these gifts are not primarily given to us so we can fill the slots in our church programs; they are ways God has chosen for you and me to serve Him in our world.
Before too long, I am hoping to work with the Stewardship Team to conduct a spiritual gifts inventory here at St. Jacob’s. I am also hoping there will be a significant number of our church family members who participate. If you are reading this, then you are one I am hoping will attend. I pray each church family member will take a few minutes to think deeply about what gifts God has given you to use for Him. Once the inventory is complete, you may be surprised to find how you might bear fruit for God’s kingdom. Most people who participate in such inventories realize they have not been serving in ways God has gifted them. I pray we would all be good stewards using the gifts and talents God provides.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted August 11, 2024 By adminWe give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
So far, for many people this has been quite a summer. For some, the days have been dreadfully hot and dry. For others, summer has brought with it an opportunity for vacation and travel with family and friends. And for those who are apt to volunteer, it has been a summer filled with church work. I can count several people for whom this has been a summer of recovery from illness or medical procedures. We have members of our church family for whom this has been a summer of mourning and grief. In all of these, I can say that as your pastor, it has been a summer of prayer.
In his letters to various churches, the apostle Paul consistently begins by lifting up prayers of thanksgiving for the saints to whom he is writing. Whether he is writing to Christians just coming to faith, a church needing encouragement, or a congregation mired in conflict, Paul gives thanks for the faith of those who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. In doing so, Paul sets a wonderful example for Christians in all places to follow. When I read Paul’s words concerning his thanksgiving and prayers for others, I usually find myself spending a good bit of time in prayer for St. Jacob’s.
As some of you know, I like to begin my week in prayer for our church family. One ritual is to take the Sunday worship bulletin and pray for those on our various prayer lists. One by one, the names of people who are sick, recovering or home bound stand out. I pray for the various friends and family members who are not members of our congregation but listed as those needing continual prayer. It’s humbling to know that, even as we pray for others we do not know, through faith, our prayers are heard and received by our Father in heaven.
Another prayerful activity I enjoy is going through our church directory and simply praying for church family members whose names randomly come to the forefront. I sincerely believe that as I look through the listing of families, God calls me to pray for certain individuals or families for whatever circumstances they may be experiencing. Sometimes, I will send a card to those for whom I pray so they know their pastor prayed for them. Sometimes, people will tell me that the card came at just the right time; that they really needed to know someone prayed for them. For this reason, it is important that we keep up our relationships with our prayer partners.
I think that in this summer of prayer, the thing I have enjoyed most is knowing how many St. Jacob’s church family members, and members of congregations in my past, have prayed for me. This summer has brought challenges to my health that I had never foreseen coming. Like many people to whom I have ministered, I find myself facing the realization that our bodies do not last forever, and that they truly do need the care and attention of those whom God has gifted for medical procedures.
Needless to say, I’m likely not the most agreeable patient, and I truly don’t like sharing such personal information. But in order to practice what I have preached for nearly twenty years, I have softened my stance and learned that there is no weakness in asking for prayer. In fact, it takes great strength to open up and solicit the prayers of the faithful.
I’m thankful for the blessing of being your pastor, and in the words of St. Paul, I give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in my prayers. Thank you also to the many who have prayed for me. We are all blessed with the gift of God’s love, especially as we share his love with one another, giving thanks in all circumstances for the grace God makes available through his son Jesus Christ. As always, I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted July 7, 2024 By adminGo therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
The time has finally come when Pastor Kalonji and I must begin packing bags, confirming reservations and making final preparations for our flight to Kinshasa. As usual, there have been several tense moments worrying about travel visas and working with embassies. At this writing, all the paperwork is finally in order. I have received the necessary visa to enter the country, flights have been arranged and I am ready for my visit with our good Christian friends in Congo.
Looking back on all the preparations that have to take place each time we travel to Congo, I am truly amazed at the goodness of God as he blesses Pastor Kalonji and I with the privilege to do his work in such a place. Before meeting Pastor Kalonji in 2014 and hearing his presentation to our Mission District Convocation, I would have never dreamed of traveling to such a place.
I was just a young boy, when in school I first heard of the Congo. We learned about jungles, rain forests and also the regions of the hills and plains. But the thing I was most fascinated with was the Congo River. Since that time as a child, I was intrigued with the thought of seeing the Congo River, but I never dreamed it would actually happen. Many years later, all of that changed; I saw the river I had learned about as a child. I ministered to people whose life and livelihood are closely intertwined with the river. They depend upon it for food and transport of basic supplies.
Now, God has blessed me with another opportunity to see this great river and to reconnect with friends I’ve made throughout my several missionary journeys. I remember the first time I traveled to Congo I was a bit apprehensive. The country is not one that is on the well-traveled path of tourists and commerce. I didn’t speak the language of its people back then, and I still don’t today. Back then I wondered how easily we would be able to find food to eat and water to drink. All these years later, I still struggle with this. Back then, for me, Congo was simply a great unknown in a place called the “Dark Continent.” But these days it’s not so unknown to me. I have friends there, people who are eager for my visits. I have fellow pastors whom I work alongside proclaiming the Gospel and ministering to men, women, and of course the many children we will encounter. From the time we are met at the airport to the first prayer that is said, it becomes quite evident that, even in such a far off place, I am not alone. God is with me…and so are all of you.
In preparing for this trip, many of you have taken part in the ministry we are called to share. You have adopted Bibles to share with people who have none. You have made donations to help us free mothers and their babies from detention in hospitals and clinics. And you have provided funds to feed malnourished children who wake up each morning wondering if they might have a meal that day.
A central part of our ministry in Congo is showing compassion toward caring for children. In this same compassion, our children here at home have embraced those who are far away. Through noisy offerings and their children’s offerings on Sundays, they have raised money to purchase food for kids they will likely never meet. Last year, they made cross necklaces to remind the children of Congo that they indeed have a Savior in Jesus Christ, and they have children in the United States who pray for them. I am pleased with the relationship that has sprung up between our kids and those so far away. One day, in the kingdom of God, there will be a meeting of these children and all of heaven will sing in thanksgiving.
Thank you to everyone who has made contributions to this year’s mission trip. Thanks also to those in neighboring congregations who have offered funding and prayers. But most of all, thanks be to God for his grace that comes through Christ Jesus, and for the opportunity to share the Good News with the people in Congo. Even as I go, I do not go alone. God is with me, and so are you.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted June 21, 2024 By admin“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Everyone wants to be loved. Everyone needs to be loved. Sadly, not everyone feels they are loved. We hear so many stories these days about kids who have run away from home because they feel unloved or unwanted. We hear even more stories about people who, for one reason or another have fallen out of grace and become shunned for something they’ve done. The sad truth is, the world is filled with people who perceive themselves to be misfits, outcasts and undesirable. “If only I were good enough, someone would love me.”
Have you ever tried to convince someone who fits the above description that they truly are loved? Have you ever been faced with the difficulty of giving someone the assurance of God’s love? It isn’t as simple as it sounds. People who are convinced they are undesirable have built up walls surrounding them that are nearly impenetrable. Breaking down the barrier of doubt and low self-esteem is a dauntless task. Change is needed; transformation must take place for both, the unloved and the community that shuns them.
Several times in my reading this morning I have come across a commonly used sentence that always seems to give me trouble. “God loves you just the way you are.” This sentence gives the connotation that, even though I am not good enough for people, I am good enough for God. Now on the surface of this statement there is an element of truth, God does love us unconditionally. But simply telling someone that God loves them just as they are does not tell the whole story.
Ever since Adam and Eve bit the forbidden fruit, a barrier has existed between God and humanity. Sin is the great separation, the deeply driven wedge breaking the relationship between God and people. There can be no mistake, God hates sin and we are sinners. God does not love us just the way we are. God does not love us as sinners continually turning away from the relationship he established with creation in the beginning. This is a difficult message to hear and even more difficult to accept.
Certainly, God loves us. After all, we are people created by his hand in his image and likeness. But God does not love us just as we are. God does not love our sinful human condition. In order for God to love us just the way we are, change is needed. Transformation must take place. The deeply driven wedge between God and people must be removed and the wounds of sin healed forever. This is why God sent his Son into the world.
One of the aspects of the Lutheran Church I cling to is our emphasis and focus on the cross of Christ. Even as Jesus was fully human, subject to the same temptation, hunger, and pain we feel, he did not surrender unto sin. Jesus accomplished what humans cannot; he remained obedient to God even unto death. God loved Jesus just as he was; sinless, blameless, perfect.
As we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, change occurs, transformation takes place. God receives us into the one true body of Christ Jesus and forgives us all our sin. God sanctifies us with his Holy Spirit, claims us as his own and gives us the assurance of his love forever. It is in this truth that humans can rightfully say, “God loves us just the way we are.” In Christ, no longer lost, no longer broken, we sinners who are washed in the waters of Holy Baptism and redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus can honestly say God loves us just the way we are.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted May 9, 2024 By adminWhen the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
On the day of Pentecost, the church celebrates God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. We also celebrate the birth of God’s Church. In our worship, our learning, and our serving, we see God’s Spirit in action. We feel the power of God’s love as the Spirit comes like the rush of a violent wind, stirring our hearts and minds to faithfulness. Such is the theme of Pentecost; it’s the power of God’s Spirit blowing through the lives of His people.
It isn’t about wearing your red dress or shirt to church on Pentecost Sunday. It’s about the mighty breath of the Holy Spirit, rearranging the furniture of our lives and filling us with all the confidence, strength, excitement, and assurance the disciples had in order to share the good news of God’s redemption.
Think about the world around you. Think about the things you have heard and seen. Think about all the times in your life when you thought you were at your wits end. Don’t’ you think the world needs to hear this good news of great joy? In so many ways and in so many instances, God makes his presence and power known in ways so clear that no matter what, people can know and understand His mercy and grace are real and that His love lasts forever.
This is exciting stuff folks. This is the stuff movies are made of…good movies!
The gospel of our Lord is the best news you are ever going to get in your lifetime. The times you first realized God’s grace is for you, that you have been rescued from the consequences of sin forever, well, these are as good as it gets.
When you are young, prom is a big moment. Some of us know kids who have recently gone to or will soon go to their first prom. Guess what, as good as prom is, God claiming you to be his child is better. When you get older, graduation comes with all its pomp and circumstance. Guess what, it can’t compare with all the glory of heaven. There are still bigger moments ahead in your lives. College, your first real job, engagement, marriage, the purchase of a home, and the birth of a child. You know what? All of these are blessings from a loving God, yet because of Christ Jesus, the best is still yet to come.
People of God, all these are wonderful events; they are milestone moments, times of great joy. But if these are the most important times in your life, you’ve missed the boat. None of these can even compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved you from sin and death, made you holy in his sight and prepared for you a heavenly home. Nothing can compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved your life for all time. That’s good news, that’s exciting.
At Pentecost, as we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray that God stirs us into such faithfulness that we cannot help but tell others the good news of salvation through Christ. As we strive to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, may we continue to love others as we are loved, feed the hungry, care for the sick and minister to those who are least of all.
Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted March 28, 2024 By adminWhen the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16:1-7
Finally, our long Lenten journey has reached its unlikely conclusion. Unlikely, at least according to the world’s assumption. For forty days, Christians all over the world have been contemplating their sinfulness and need for God’s intervention in rescuing us from the consequences of our disobedience to His law. For forty days, many have taken up the discipline of reading Holy Scripture, abiding in God’s Word of love, mercy, and grace which brings hope to sin-sick souls. And now, in the most unlikely of scenarios, the once sealed tomb of Jesus of Nazareth is opened for all to see inside; to see that He is not there, for He is risen.
Early on the first day of the week, some of the women who followed Jesus went to the tomb to weep and complete the Jewish burial rite by anointing Jesus’s lifeless body with spices, oils, and perfumes. How would they roll the great stone away? How would they dare to gain access to His body with Roman sentries standing by guarding Christ’s grave so that no one may enter? These and so many other questions must have been running through their minds as they came upon the grave where Jesus was laid. But their questions were soon answered in a most dramatic fashion. An Angel announced to them that Jesus was indeed alive; he is risen! Does this good news conjure up questions in your mind as you stand two-thousand years opposite Mary and the women who first discovered the resurrection of Christ?
Following our forty day Lenten trek across the scriptures to the cross of Good Friday, it would be natural to ask questions upon discovering such a miracle. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean? How must I live my life knowing that Christ has died and arisen from the grave? How do I faithfully respond to the news of Jesus’s rising? All good questions for sure, and all demand answers.
First of all, “What does the resurrection of Jesus mean?” It means that those who have placed their faith and trust in Him, even though they die, shall live. The grave could not hold Jesus and because we are united with him in death through our Baptism, the grave cannot hold us either. Christians need no longer fear the grave; it’s lost its power. On the day of God’s choos[1]ing, we will receive the resurrection of the body and dwell in the kingdom of God forever.
Next, “How must I live my life knowing that Christ has arisen from the grave?” All believers in Christ Jesus are called to live according to His example of loving service toward our neighbors. This means doing what Jesus did in the ways He taught us. Forgiving the sins of those who sin against us. Sharing the goodness and abundance of God’s blessings with those who have little. Praying for those who are wandering around, lost in this world and have no one to encourage, care, or pray for them. This is what it means to be a disciple of our Lord Jesus.
And finally, “How do I faithfully respond to the news of Jesus’s rising?” Well, simply put – tell others. Share the Gospel of our Lord to those whom you meet. Share it with anyone and everyone, no matter whether they have heard it before, or have not heard it at all. All people need to hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you don’t know how to tell others, or if you are shy about having such conversations, pray. Pray for courage. Pray for guidance. Pray that God would send you a companion who will teach you, encourage you, and walk alongside you as you go in the name of Christ our Lord.
It’s the Easter season. No longer do we travel the road to the cross of shame. For now we travel a much different road. It is the way of truth, and the way of life. For Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted March 9, 2024 By adminThus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:1-3
The world is a busy, noisy place filled with people at work and play. Our culture is one in which we try to fill every moment with the sights and sounds of modern-day life. There is so much to choose from, so much to do, and so little time. The “other” gods of the world demand our precious time causing many to work longer and harder to make enough money to appease them.
The rhythm and pace of worldly living puts us on trial and drives us to unhealthy habits of eating fast food (The defendant will rise), neglecting our families, (Guilty as charged), and not getting the rest needed to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirits. (Bailiff, take him away!)
The world is so busy and distracted that the voices of competition, success, selfishness, pride, and pleasure deafen our ears and fill our hearts and minds with earthly troubles. But as God’s people become quiet and still, we hear yet another voice. Listening in faith, we hear that whispering voice that calls out to us. As we listen even closer, we recognize it as the voice of God’s Holy Spirit.
If we can only break out of the rhythm of life as set by “other gods” we will soon find that it is the one true God who truly sets the rhythm of life. God blesses his people with all they need. He allows six days for work and gives the seventh for rest, worship, and prayer.
According to Luther’s Small Catechism, we are to fear, love, and trust in God, so that we may be rested and refreshed; not only by our taking time away from unnecessary work, but especially by gathering with the people of God to worship, pray, and hear God’s Word as it is preached and to receive the Sacrament of the Altar which is the Holy Communion of Christ’s precious body and blood.
Remembering the Sabbath begins with God’s people gathering as a community. We celebrate the love that God so freely gives to the world. Remembering the Sabbath day means we remember God is the source of our very lives and livelihood. Keeping it holy means we gather with the saints for worship and thanksgiving.
As we consider this commandment, remember to pray for those who are under stress from overwork, sleepless nights, and driven by the urgency of a fallen and broken world. Pray for those who work in this noisy, busy world. Pray for anyone who might feel abandoned, neglected, or lost. Pray for our church family, that we might overcome any differences we have, objections, or grudges and live together in the peace of Christ. And finally, pray that for one day in seven, all may find peace and quiet, so that they may also hear the whispering voice of God calling them to rest, to refresh themselves by drinking from the living water of Christ Jesus, dwelling in his gospel where all may find peace.
As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, we have the opportunity to renew our commitment to striving toward keeping God’s Ten Commandments, especially toward our commitment to keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Let this be our prayer throughout the season.
Holy God, you give your people one day in seven to rest from work, that we may gather in faith to worship you, to pray and to give you thanks. Strengthen us in faith that we may keep the Sabbath holy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
I hope to see many of you as we continue toward the cross of Good Friday and the Empty tomb of Easter.
God bless you all with His peace and presence,
Pastor David Nuottila
