Dear friends in Christ at Peace and Grue,
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
How is that possible, especially if our circumstances aren’t good? What fuels thanksgiving when life seems to be one discouragement, disappointment, disease, death, and disaster after another? As Christians we believe there is only one way- Jesus. “Jesus said to [Thomas]. ‘I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’”
(John 14:6).
The best place to see Jesus showing us the way is in the upper room where he “took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19). Jesus’ thanks was not based on his present circumstances, but on the grace and glory that was coming because of the cross and this gave him joy. Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith . . . for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus’ joy was fueled by his belief in future grace.
That’s where God wants your eyes: on the future joy he has promised you.
What is it you have to look forward to? The very best possible future you could ever imagine. You will have the free gift of complete forgiveness for all your sins extending into forever (Romans 6:23). You will never have to merit your justification by keeping the law (Galatians 2:16). You receive all the grace you need to abound in every good work God has for you (2 Corinthians 9:8). You will be raised from the dead and never, ever die again (1 Corinthians 15:52–53). God will complete the good work he began in you (Philippians 1:6). That’s just a small sampling!
With that being said, while I hoped it would be different, in my mind it wasn’t a question of “if” but “when” the Covid-19 virus would be expanding in our area. As of Nov 21st Grant county has had 225 cases of which 83 occurred in the past two weeks; Otter Tail county has had 2514 cases of which 1181 occurred in the past two weeks; and Douglas county has had 2119 cases of which 969 occurred in the past two weeks. In order to minimize spread and keep people safe we have returned to having worship online.
While we will always put the safety of our members first, I want these worship services to be as “normal” as possible. This will involve acolytes, readers, musicians, and possibly someone giving a children’s message, as well as the Pastor. Prayers for healing or other concerns will be included if you have notified the church and have the person’s permission. These services will both be streamed live on Sunday morning starting at 9:00 and also be recorded for viewing later.
During this time, I will continue to be available for visits and Pastoral Care, providing we can do them safely. I will however not be setting them up. If you want a visit please call the church office or my cell-phone (612) 877-0722 and I will be thrilled to come see you. Having taken a break in November, I will again be posting morning devotions (Monday-Thursday) on Peace/Grue Facebook page. As long as the Ashby school continues to have in-person learning, we will continue to have in-person confirmation classes. Online sermon notes are required. Clearly these are challenging times, but remember look to the joy set before you. With the advent of Jesus, there’s no circumstance that can steal your Thanksgiving.
Yours in Christ
~Pastor Dan