Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
On hot and humid days, storms are predicted. There are clear skies, but we see them forming on the radar. And when they hit, we were amazed and a little afraid. Thunderstorms, like God, may strike suddenly, but they have been building for a long time.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders from Jerusalem have challenged and tested and goaded Jesus as if He were just a delusional rabbi from backwater Nazareth. In Matthew chapter 21 and following, He is in the temple and in their face.
In the Old Testament, Job describes the paradox that is God. “How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14) When the religious leaders first attacked Jesus, His disciples may have expected Jesus to react in power. Still, for the past three years, He has answered in parables and seemingly avoided conflict. “How small a whisper do we hear of him!
In the same way and at some level, Christians yearn for God to come in power today, surrounded by an army of angels. “The thunder of His power, who can understand?” But Jesus and God don’t work that way, and He hasn’t worked that way in history. However, make no mistake: when God acts, evil is destroyed, and evil empires crumble. Longfellow wrote, “Though the mills of God grind slowly; Yet they grind exceeding small.”
God shows his power in transforming human hearts and spirits to follow Him and live in His Kingdom, one person at a time, like a gentile spring rain that becomes a stream and a river, giving life to the countryside.
Therefore, I submit that God is on the move today just as He was in Jesus’ time, and we who yearn for God’s justice and peace in the world can take heart. Solomon wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). History is filled with kingdoms rising and falling, but the kingdom of God is eternal.
Let me be clear: I do not think the storm is imminent for our country, but I believe it is lurking over the horizon. And I grieve for the many who have fallen for the deception that God is but a myth, His commands have no relevancy in a modern, enlightened age, and His judgments are tales to scare children. Therefore, I think our children need to be prepared with the truth of God’s Word, which is critical for the survival of a free people.
Come join us in church as we explore the ‘whispers’ of God that turned out to be the ‘thunder of His power;’ that changed and continues to change the world. Invite your neighbors – this time is for them as well.
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 dristvedt@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.
