Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
Nathaniel was found under a tree. Peter was lifted out of the stormy sea. Mary was freed from seven demons. Thomas [and all the other Disciples] was delivered from doubt and despair and responded, “My Lord and my God.” “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29, ESV)
Thomas’s life-giving proclamation says more than meets the eye. Western traditions think of “Lord” as a king, such as a medieval or ancient human king. But the word “Lord” in the Torah, which was God’s word in Thomas’ time, is the personal name of God, a word so holy that the pronunciation is lost in antiquity, and to this day, Jews do not speak it but say instead, Hashem which means, “the name.”
Thomas isn’t just saying, “I believe.” He is acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord God who saves. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit will reveal the extent of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. For now, it is enough to kneel before the Lord God of the universe.
In May and into June, we will remember how Jesus found Peter and His Disciples and called them to live their lives for Him. Jesus will ask, “Do you love me?” “Are you connected to me like branches on a vine?” and finally, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23, ESV)
What about us? How do we find and respond to God’s work in Good Friday and Easter? Do we merely acknowledge that Jesus has paid the price for our sin and let it go at that? What is our response, and why does it matter?
Jesus came into the world to give abundant life (John 10:10), and He calls us to follow in His footsteps so that people we encounter might be saved from destroying their lives in sin or following the deception of the Devil.
I know May is a busy time for many, but please take time to find and respond to His Word of eternal Life with us on Sunday.
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
