Pilot Knob Lutheran Another Test? 9/28/2022
Tests were not my favorite thing in school or college. At times they were very difficult and required a lot of studying and hard work which in the end usually paid off. I was ‘happy as a lark’ when I finally received my degree and tests were a thing of the past, or so I thought.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are often tested, not to see how much we know, but to reveal the depth of our faith and our faithfulness. This is especially true when we can’t see or feel God’s presence and love, when evil appears to have the upper hand and justice is a thing of the past. Will we be offended and give up on God?
For example: John the Baptist was thrown in prison for speaking truth about Herod’s adultery, divorce and remarriage to his brother’s wife. Meanwhile, Jesus is demonstrating His power to heal the sick and raise the dead. Sadly, He doesn’t use His power to free John the Baptist causing John to ask the question: are you really the Messiah or should we look for someone else? Matthew 11:2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” John the Baptist was on the verge of being offended and facing a crisis. After all he had done, standing firm, announcing Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and pointing people to Jesus as the Son of God, would he then fail, or faulter, and forsake his faith? As you know John the Baptist was beheaded, there was no last-minute reprieve.
Our heart response to God in trying situations are critical. In these times it is important that we are willing and able to overlook an offence and pass through the hurt and disappointment thus showing our allegiance. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Know this; God will not always rescue us from trouble or persecution. While that may seem unfair, ask yourself, did the Father rescue His Son from the cross, the disciples from persecution and martyrdom, or Dietrich Bonhoffer from the gallows?
Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his Servant? If such men walk in darkness, without one ray of light, let them trust the Lord, let them rely upon their God. Isaiah is saying, when you are walking in the darkness press in on Him, not away from Him. Difficulties in life can leave us wondering, where is God, why doesn’t he do something, it’s just not fair!? More important than answers to the why’s is that we must survive the test and remain faithful to the very end.
What we do prior to a time of testing will largely determine our response to God. We are never in a position to tell God what should or should not be, or that He is wrong. Lean into God now and learn scripture, a good hymn rich in theology and hope, pray more often and worship faithfully.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 confirmation class. 6:00 New Member class.
October 2, 9:00 Morning worship and Holy Communion. Stand Tall, Keep the Faith. 2 Timothy 1:1-14
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
October 9, 10:15 Congregational meeting regarding the sound system.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
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