From Our Pastor

Help the Needy: You

 

 

In my new position as circuit counselor, I am pleased to experience very good attendance at the gathering of the circuit pastors.  The circuit ranges from here to Arlington and points south and west of Arlington—about nine churches in all.  Now why do these pastors drive those extra miles once a month, and some twice a month for other gatherings?  To share and discuss Bible passages with each other and learn things they had not known before or had forgotten.  They take that morning which often replaces their day off that week also because they relish the prayers of brother clergy.  They burn up that ever costly fuel on the freeway because they know they will be able to hear a clear Gospel sermon aimed at their needs as pastors.  They take the time to enjoy the coffee fellowship and laughter and friendship of fellow strugglers and pilgrims of the faith.  They leave the house a little earlier than they might because with all the other joys of the gathering the Lord’s Supper is given for their spiritual nourishment. In their discussions they are often challenged with trying a better way to serve and encouraged to be more faithful by the example of another brother.

This we pastors do because we know we are weak and in need of God’s grace and assurance.  It strengthens us to keep going and refocuses us on the calling we have accepted.  We pastors are the needy and we are helping ourselves to the gifts of God that he offers all who are weary and heavily burdened.

The call to worship and fellowship given to each member of Faith is a call from God to come to him for many of the same reasons.  You too are in need of God’s soul sustaining grace. You have the same

needs as the circuit pastors have: a need for the Words of God and his Sacrament, a need to learn, to be reminded, to be strengthened in faith, gladdened in heart, challenged in your walk, that you may better be protected from the spiritual dangers that seek to weaken your faith and destroy your soul.

       And you need to gather in order to make a difference to someone else—to witness with your presence, your purse, and your praise the glorious things of God so that others may be blessed by his mercy as you are. And that you don’t have to drive so far is a bonus.  So help the needy: Help yourself.  I’ll see you in Church where we will both be helping our needy selves to God’s gifts.

 

With Christ’s love and mine,

 

Pastor Tom Konz