Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
In his last years, Paul Gaugin inserted three questions into a painting that had stayed with him for years. D’où Venons Nous? Que Sommes Nous? Où Allons Nous? [“Where do we come from? What are we? And where are we going?”]
Isaiah begins his prophetic work: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” (Isaiah 1:1, ESV)
Gaugin’s questions are a reflection on his life. However, they mirror Henry Allen, a commentator in the Wall Street Journal, who began a piece with, “For the first time in my 72 years, I have no idea what’s going on.” Knowing where we come from, what we are, and where we are going is critical knowledge. Our children and neighbors need this knowledge to navigate the storming spiritual seas of the coming days.
Isaiah’s introduction concerns the nation and people of Israel and Judah in the days leading up to the calamity from Assyria and Babylon. The rulers and the people placed far too much faith in their political leaders and political solutions. Isaiah reminds them they are God’s creation, God’s children. AND God is faithful. God has provided for and protected His faithful people. They need to return to Him. Of course, they didn’t, and calamity ensued.
We live in godless and tumultuous times. Of course, we are far away, out here on the prairie. But consider the number of our neighbors who suffer despairing lives and, more importantly, the number of children who come to school unprepared by their despairing parents to live and thrive in a society that has lost God.
When I write “tumultuous,” I mean spiritually. People despair when they lose their spiritual anchor, there’s no safe harbor, only escape, and there’s little hope for the future – they do not have Christ. Yes, they might say, ‘We believe in God and Jesus and all that,’ but they do not know the hope we have in Christ, they do not know the salvation we have in Christ, and they do not know the peace we have in Christ.
This is why we study the Bible, God’s word, and Christ’s promise for our lives. We are in training to hand those in need a life preserver, which is God’s Word and promise for us. I believe God’s word is given to guide His Children in stormy seas, and Christ’s promise is given to light the way in the darkness of confusion and deception.
If you agree, begin praying for your neighbors, especially those you don't know well, to attend church with you. And when they come, let’s make them feel safe and at home. Invite children to Sunday School to hear God's promises for them.
your pastor,
Dennis.
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
