“Inside God’s No is a Divine Yes.”From a human standpoint we would have supposed that Good Shepherd had to close its doors due to dwindling numbers. But Reverend President Saunders' sermon indicates a more true and comforting cause.
The congregation in Jerusalem was thriving since Pentecost until God said they would not be allowed to remain in that city. With Roman and Pharisaic persecution the members of the congregation were scattered. As they were dispersed and settled new homes they took the Gospel with them and the Kingdom grew.Paul intended on doing mission work in Asia Minor for good reason. The indigenous religions were full of idolatry and pagan practices. Yet God said no. He would not let Paul go to Asia Minor. Instead He sent Paul and his companions to Macedonia where they preached the Gospel. The result of that work is seen and read in the Epistles of Paul to Philippi and Corinth as well as his fruitful work in Athens. God’s no was expressed in and through His divine wisdom. Inside His no to Asia Minor was a yes to Macedonia.Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Union had intended to be a place of the Word and Sacrament for the souls in that community. Plans were made and executed. For years the Word was preached, baptisms administered, sins forgiven, the Lord’s Supper was officiated and the children of God who attended Divine Service were greatly blessed. Today that all comes to an end here. Did we not try hard enough? Did we not pray diligently enough? Did we not care about seeking and saving the lost anymore? To try to answer those questions is to miss the point of the divine wisdom of God.He has now said no to West Union continuing a congregation. He used the same wisdom to say no that He used when His Son asked if the “cup of suffering could be removed from Him.” No, Jesus must suffer and die to restore us into a righteous relationship with the Father. This is the same wisdom that suffered His son with beatings, mockery, humiliation, nails and the cross. The same wisdom that heard His son cry out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Then he breathed His last with all the sins of the world painted upon His perfect body. He was buried in the heart of the earth only to raise from the dead to declare victory over death and hell.The wisdom of God will continue to bring the heavenly gifts to you wherever you are sent. Whether it be Rochester, Fredricksburg, Fayette or elsewhere; Christ will be there in His Holy Word and Blessed Sacraments to bring you forgiveness, life and salvation. As you go you will also be able to take the Gospel with you. You will serve with new members, sing with men and women you didn’t know before. As you go you will have opportunity to take the Good News of Jesus to new neighborhoods and new faces. Ought we hang our heads today? Ought we shed a tear of shame? I see no reason to do that at all. Inside God’s no in West Union is a Divine Yes wherever you are sent.
Thank you to the saints, formerly of Good Shepherd, whom Christ is now gathering to his altar in other places. Your generosity has helped our borrowed space look like the church sanctuary that it is. We want you to know we included a prayer for you in the Prayer of the Church yesterday:
Compassionate Father, as You have dispersed Your saints from Good Shepherd in West Union, graciously gather them to Your altar in other places that they might remain members of Your Son's body, the Church, and continue to hear His Word and receive His body and blood. We give You thanks for the gifts You have bestowed on us through their generosity and ask that these cloths, plates, candles, and this stand and cross may continue to benefit Your Church and bring joy to those who use them. Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.Thank you again for passing these items along. The saints at St. Silas send their thanks and greetings.
In Christ
Pastor Andrew Richard
St. Silas Lutheran Church
www.stsilaslutheran.org
www.facebook.com/stsilaslutheran
stsilaslutheran@gmail.com
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