And now a word from Pastor Brian….
“Brothers and sisters, we were separated from you for a while physically but not in our hearts. We made every effort in our desire to see you again face-to-face.” ~1 Thessalonians 2:17 Common English Bible
To the church of Emmaus that is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace to all of you.
In writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul laments the difficult position of being separated from friends and family in the faith. He’s eager to hear from them: to hear how they’re doing, to know if there’s anything he can do to help them, and to share a word of encouragement and appreciation. These Christians missed one another terribly and they thanked God for each other constantly.
Sound like anyone you know?
There’s so much we’re trying to figure out right now. I have yet to hear from anyone going about their day just as they did a week ago. Many are worried about health and safety. Social distancing and social media are wearing on some. Schoolchildren and work-from-home parents are doing their best. I really do wish I had more of an answer for you than a 2,000-year-old letter.
But, that letter – which we take to be a Spirit-breathed message from God – is an enduring and unchanging word of hope: hope that sustains in us a remarkable perseverance. And all those letters, gospels, poems and prophets – which we affirm as the life-shaping sole standard of doctrine and faith of the Moravian Church – call us to: comfort the discouraged, help the weak, to be patient, to pursue the good for others, to rejoice, pray and give thanks in every situation… (1 Th. 5:12 – 24)
Present situation included
Not because of any special readiness or ability to respond we possess.
But, because the One who is calling us is faithful and will do this (1 Th. 5:24).
Thanks be to God!
In the hope and practice of Lent,
Pastor Brian