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Some Thoughts from Pastor Larry Matro
+ June 2009 +
I walked past the Leland Village Green today and saw some young school children enjoying their lunch on the green grass and in the open air. I can only imagine that their minds are looking forward to the end of next week and the completion of another school year!
Those who teach, assist with teaching, maintain the grounds and property, serve in the office and administrate are to be commended for another successful year! I want to especially commend those who are God's through faith in Jesus for what they do:
- Those who serve in public school settings that do not always welcome or allow for open expressions of faith, that their witness through deeds and attitude and in creative ways may be used by our Lord.
- Those who serve in our Lutheran schools, that although often challenged by economic factors, they will still serve with joy and enthusiasm.
- Those who serve children with special needs, that their work would be blessed and rewarding, even as it was a blessing to others.
As the school year draws to a close, the students are being sent home with some increased maturity and knowledge. Perhaps it will be retained and used over the summer months. (Some may not be retained and have to be re-taught in September!) When they return to school in the Fall, they will begin to build on what had been taught and learned before.
In the same way, each week through the Divine Service and Education Hour, information is shared in Christian churches that is intended to be retained and used. What are the most important of these lessons?
- Our Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is the only true God. He is loving and merciful and eternal and faithful and unchanging.
- The True God became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Jesus took our place, dying for our sins and rising to life, victorious for us over sin, death and the devil.
- This message, the Gospel, calls all to believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. This faith is both created and sustained through the Means of Grace: Word and Sacrament.
- Although, because of sin, life on earth is often unfair, confusing and painful, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for all who believe in Him. One day He will return and take believers to heaven!
- The Bible is the revealed, inspired and infallible Word of God. It is able to make one wise unto salvation!
There is much more! One cannot summarize the Christian Faith in such a short space. So, attend a Lutheran Church, preferably LCMS, and listen to these lessons, and others!, over and over again! Perhaps I'll have the privilege of having you in on of Immanuel's pews this summer! (We will have a Wednesday evening service at 7 pm, June 17 - August 26.)
God bless you!
Pastor Larry Matro
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