“Just as the changing of seasons from winter to spring reminds us of new life, so does the Word of God. The Word of God not only reminds us of new life, it gives it.“
Hello Gloria Dei,
I pray you’re all doing well after digging out of the snow. I think I heard that this winter is now tied for third in terms of snow amount for the season. Number one was back in 1968-69. I was young back then, and living in California, so I don’t remember that one. A few more inches of snow and this year will take over second place. Congratulations! There is something invigorating about bundling up and getting out to clear the snow in negative 19 wind chills, but I think we’re all quite ready for full-fledged spring to arrive. Can I get an “Amen”?
Just as the changing of seasons from winter to spring reminds us of new life, so does the Word of God. The Word of God not only reminds us of new life, it gives it. We are now in the season of Lent. Lent is derived from an Old English word meaning “lengthen” or “spring season”, because during this springtime of year, daylight is lengthened. During Lent we are reminded that God is God, and we are not. We are mortal. We say on Ash Wednesday, “From dust you were made and to dust you shall return”. And although we are mortal, God loves us and has made us to be just a little lower than the angels (see Psalm 8). Created, redeemed, sanctified. This is what is done for us by the God who loves us.
As we continue to read and preach through the New Testament this school year, we begin this week in the Gospel of Matthew. In telling us the story of Jesus, Matthew presents Jesus in a multi-faceted way. Jesus is shown to be the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, the king who will rule and save the world. In Matthew, Jesus is shown to be a great teacher, even greater than Moses, and in this gospel we find many lengthy teachings of Jesus, like the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5, 6, and 7. Ultimately, Jesus is shown to be the very Son of God, who has come to live, die, and rise again, in order to save and give life to all who put their trust and faith in him. The Word of God gives life.
For this weekend, I encourage you to read Matthew chapters one through four. Happy reading and may the Word of God give you life in Jesus’ name.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
