Striking Up A Conversation

So, last night at my son's baseball game his football coached happened to be walking through the park with his daughter. I saw him from a distance and waved. He walked right over and we greeted one another and asked how things were going with each other. He immediately responded, "Oh, fine." But, I could see in his eyes that things were not so "fine."

Remembering that he attends a local Lutheran church I asked him how things were going at his church. He commented about transitions at his church and how they've welcomed a new associate pastor.

At this point I shared with him that I had resigned my previous call at Maple Grove Lutheran and now was serving part-time at Discover Church (ELCA) in Brooklyn Park and that I was in the call process for a new pastoral position in the Minneapolis area.

I paused. And, he began to share about all his work transitions along with the pain and challenges that come with that. He also shared some family challenges as well. He shared how he ended up in the hospital with stress related physical symptoms. "I know the Lord has a plan through this, Durk"

Knowing what an experienced Christian this man is, I interpreted his comment as his confidence that no matter what happens in life our Lord Jesus Christ is with us-leading us, guiding us in the power of the Spirit, and building up our faith.

Next time you have time and someone responds "Oh, fine" get ready.
Peace,
Pr. Durk

Our Amazing God

This morning for my morning devotion I continued my reading through the book of Isaiah.  Today I read part of a what is known as a "servant song" in which the writer says that the servant was "wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)

What disturbing image of redemption and image of God's love for us in Christ.  As we read the Old Testament with the lens of Christ these words of the prophet clearly point to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

I thank God for His amazing love that moved Him to send Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for our sins and for our wholeness.  

It is hard to imagine how our God could take such a step for us and our salvation. Only one word can capture the "why" and that is love.  

Peace,

Pr. Durk