A Message from Pastor Rich
Thank God it is a new week!
Last week there was blood and violence everywhere I turned. Our prayers of the church in worship for this past Sunday included the following
petitions, in addition to petitions dealing with support for those with addictions and comfort for those grieving the death of someone close to them,
even if this happened years ago.
Bless the family of Maureen Mengelt, who died in an accident caused by Bishop Bruce Burnside in Madison, WI. Let your healing presence be with her
family and with Pastor Burnside and his family.
Bless the people who died in the Boston bombing, including the MIT Campus security officer, and those who were severely injured. Comfort the family of those accused of being the individual's who set the bombs.
Bless the families of those who died and were injured in the explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas. Comfort all who are affected by this tragedy.
Comfort all who grieve the death of infants who died before they were born because of complications in their development or whatever caused their death.
Comfort all in our community who are dealing with illness, financial distress, unemployment and other causes of anguish. Let your Spirit be present with the assurance of hope for each individual.
There are so many experiences of sadness and grief in our lives! “Why?” is one familiar question. “How could God allow this to happen?” is another
question. In the midst of chaos and death, bloody violence and mental distress, how can we make sense of what seems senseless?
I am thankful that our lessons for this Easter season include a lesson each Sunday from the book of Revelation. This last book of the Bible is
not a revelation of the end times which some may feel like they are experiencing. Rather this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ and is a word
of hope!
Here are some principles that I believe are helpful in remembering this hope.
First, neither the writer, nor God, denies the presence of evil and the devil in the world. There are no simple explanations of evil. It is stated in all of its
horror and grief.
God is present in the midst of the conflict. God does not abandon us! In fact, in Revelation 6 we see Jesus as a “mighty warrior” in the white horse and its rider. Later, in Revelation 19, this horse and rider are fully described as the “King of kings and Lord of lords.” This is not the usual picture that we have of Jesus!
This one is victorious over the devil, sin and death. When Christ comes again in the glory, he will conquer!
In the midst of all that is going on in our lives now, stand up and hold on to the faith. It takes courage to believe in that which we often cannot see when all we can see is violence, blood and discouragement. Yet, I believe that God is with us to give us life abundantly – now and forever.
This abundant life is not only for us, but for all people. In our words and actions we can proclaim God’s love and life to those who are hurting and grieving.
May God give us courage to stand firm in faith at all times!
Shalom,
Pastor Rich
Last week there was blood and violence everywhere I turned. Our prayers of the church in worship for this past Sunday included the following
petitions, in addition to petitions dealing with support for those with addictions and comfort for those grieving the death of someone close to them,
even if this happened years ago.
Bless the family of Maureen Mengelt, who died in an accident caused by Bishop Bruce Burnside in Madison, WI. Let your healing presence be with her
family and with Pastor Burnside and his family.
Bless the people who died in the Boston bombing, including the MIT Campus security officer, and those who were severely injured. Comfort the family of those accused of being the individual's who set the bombs.
Bless the families of those who died and were injured in the explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas. Comfort all who are affected by this tragedy.
Comfort all who grieve the death of infants who died before they were born because of complications in their development or whatever caused their death.
Comfort all in our community who are dealing with illness, financial distress, unemployment and other causes of anguish. Let your Spirit be present with the assurance of hope for each individual.
There are so many experiences of sadness and grief in our lives! “Why?” is one familiar question. “How could God allow this to happen?” is another
question. In the midst of chaos and death, bloody violence and mental distress, how can we make sense of what seems senseless?
I am thankful that our lessons for this Easter season include a lesson each Sunday from the book of Revelation. This last book of the Bible is
not a revelation of the end times which some may feel like they are experiencing. Rather this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ and is a word
of hope!
Here are some principles that I believe are helpful in remembering this hope.
First, neither the writer, nor God, denies the presence of evil and the devil in the world. There are no simple explanations of evil. It is stated in all of its
horror and grief.
God is present in the midst of the conflict. God does not abandon us! In fact, in Revelation 6 we see Jesus as a “mighty warrior” in the white horse and its rider. Later, in Revelation 19, this horse and rider are fully described as the “King of kings and Lord of lords.” This is not the usual picture that we have of Jesus!
This one is victorious over the devil, sin and death. When Christ comes again in the glory, he will conquer!
In the midst of all that is going on in our lives now, stand up and hold on to the faith. It takes courage to believe in that which we often cannot see when all we can see is violence, blood and discouragement. Yet, I believe that God is with us to give us life abundantly – now and forever.
This abundant life is not only for us, but for all people. In our words and actions we can proclaim God’s love and life to those who are hurting and grieving.
May God give us courage to stand firm in faith at all times!
Shalom,
Pastor Rich
