Dear Fellow Children of God,
Many of you know that I shot my first caribou last
month. I finally got a caribou permit
and hunted with friend and church member, Steve Arlow, who knew more about
caribou hunting. The whole experience
was something to remember. I enjoyed the
opportunity to glass with binoculars and look for the caribou. I enjoyed the exercise of climbing the
mountain stalking these majestic animals.
I am still remembering the excitement of the shot. And I won’t forget the scenery on this beautiful
sunny day; as we reached the fallen caribou Mt. McKinley loomed on the
horizon. I even found joy and a sense of
accomplishment in packing the caribou down the mountain. The whole experience
is an adventure I will remember.
Many Alaskans love adventure. I’ve met Alaskans who climb mountains or raft
white-water rivers. Many of my Alaskan
friends enjoy the opportunity to hunt and fish.
Some enjoy the adventure of simply viewing the wildlife and scenery not
seen elsewhere. Unlike any other place I
ever lived, there is a community of people in Alaska who dogsled and even race
their animals. Others find adventure and
accomplishment in prospecting for gold or other minerals. Alaskans I’ve met like to test themselves and
experience challenges that perhaps are not available in this way anywhere
else. It is true. Many Alaskans do love adventure.
The adventures available to Alaskans may be exciting, but
have you ever thought of the challenges and adventure Christians face? First, the Lord God is “King of kings and
Lord of lords” and we get to work in His service. What a privilege! In a world full of pain and sorrow and bad
news, we get to bring good news that the Almighty God loves the world and
offers eternal life in heaven through faith in His Son, Jesus. For some people machines or computers can be
complex and confusing. But in reality
there is nothing more complex than another human being. Christians have the call and the privilege to
love people, to share with them, and to lead them to God’s love with His
help. As Christians serve the Lord there
is constant difficulty in this service because of our own weakness and
sinfulness, and because of the opposition of the forces of evil. But we have the forgiveness and help and
strength of the Almighty Lord of the Universe and our Loving Savior in our
efforts to serve God.
Shooting my first caribou after 21 years in Alaska was a
great adventure, but it does not compare with the adventure of serving our
Loving Lord.
However, as with any effort people can become tired. Even Christians can become tired of the
privilege and adventure of serving the Lord.
I have seen people who are excited and enthusiastic as they begin the
Christian adventure, but I’ve then seen even the most hearty people wear down
at times. A very important part of
Christian living is perseverance, the ability to continue in service to
God. Near the end of the book of
Hebrews, the author tells his audience, “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author
and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In other words, Jesus, the Son of God, endured suffering
for us. His example and His love can
help us to persevere, to continue in our service of our Loving God, even when
we grow weary.
There is a way I also grew tired on my caribou hunt. I guess the knee of this almost 60 year old
man wasn’t up to packing the caribou down the mountain. I’m having surgery soon to repair a torn
meniscus. I hope with a repaired knee I
can go hunting again next year. God’s
love and forgiveness for us in Jesus gives us new hearts to persevere in our
service of our Loving Lord.
A Child of God, Enjoying the Adventure of Serving my
Loving Lord
Pastor Jonathan
****
ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS
FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully
weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am
always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving
this e-mail for the first time.) However, if you don’t want to receive
this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list
for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one
of these e-mails, please send me their
e-mail address.
****
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