Dear Fellow Children of God,
In 1986, when I was pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL, I visited with a member who had made some life choices which were obviously contrary to God’s word and plan for His people. I took this member to lunch, expressed my Christian care for them, and shared concern over the situation which was harmful to them, harmful to their family, and harmful to their relationship with God. The person I met with was offended about what I said and stopped coming to church.
Some may think that talking with someone about personal life issues is “meddling.” I’m sure that is true at times. However, I was also taught, that the word “pastor” means shepherd. Pastors shepherd God’s people under the leadership of The Good Shepherd, Jesus. But, “speaking the truth in love,” as God instructs in Ephesians 4:15, is difficult.
Some topics are difficult to discuss because they are sensitive. God gives His law as the healthiest way for His people to live. But, God’s people cannot and do not keep His law perfectly. When others express their concern for our personal and spiritual well-being we can be offended by their seeming criticism, or meddling. Yet, when what seems like criticism is intended for our good, it is wise to listen. Proverbs 27:6 says “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Divorce is one of those difficult topics to discuss. I can count over 5 divorces in my own extended family and remember the pain experienced by those I love. God created human beings male and female (Genesis 1:27) and instituted marriage between men and women at the beginning of creation (Genesis 2:23-25). God intends for marriage to be a lifetime of commitment and love where the husband and wife are a blessing to each another. Therefore, divorce is not part of God’s original plan. As Jesus says in Matthew 19:6, “What God has joined together, let man not separate.” God wants marriages to last for the good of the individuals, for the good of the couple, and for the good of the family. But, because all of us are weak and sinful, divorce is a reality in life.
However, as a father loves his children even if they make choices that disappoint him, God loves His children even when they stray. God gives us His law so we might have guidance. But, God sent His Son, Jesus, to save sinners, people who are lost. In Mark 2:17 Jesus tells the religious leaders of His day, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus plainly taught God’s standard for marriage when He lived on the earth (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:1-9, Mark 10:2-9), and yet when confronted with people whose lives did not meet God’s plans for their lives, Jesus was merciful and forgiving to those who knew their sin and sought his grace. You might read on your own the story of the woman of the city (Luke 7:36-50), or the parables of God’s concern for the lost (Luke 15). I also suggest you read the account of the woman at the well who had been married 5 times (John 4:4-30), and the account of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). So, on the one hand, Jesus teaches God’s plan and hope for His people. On, the other hand, Jesus offers mercy and forgiveness to those who failed.
At. St. John we want to uphold God’s standards. We want husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, children and parents to be strong in love and faith, and healthy in their home life. On the other hand, we want to be there to help people when things fall apart.
Therefore, starting soon we will be offering Divorce Care. Divorce Care is a 13 week program using video and Bible study to give Christian help to people who have gone through a divorce, or who are going through a divorce. St. John member Bev DuBos taught Divorce Care about 5 or 6 years ago and a number of people benefited greatly. However, because the first class was so successful, when subsequent classes were offered there were many less who attended, and sometimes no one attended. Bev now lives in Oregon. This current class will be taught by Ruth Zellar. Ruth attended Bev’s first class with her daughter Kristy, who will be helping Ruth lead the class.
There is a tension and paradox to Christian life. God calls us to righteous and holy lives. Yet, Jesus came to save sinners. (Philippians 1:15-16) God’s church lives in that tension. We teach and uphold God’s will for our lives. But, when we stumble in trying to live as God’s children, as all of us do, God’s church tries to be there to love and care for our Lord’s people.
I am writing this so that anyone who wants to receive the help of this Divorce Care Class knows that this group will soon be offered. There will be a sign-up sheet in the back of the church for any who wants to attend. However, if you don’t want to sign-up, but do want to attend, you can call the office at 745-3338 and let me or our Administrative Assistant, Judy Stahancyk, know that you are interested.
Three years after I met with the member of our church in Jacksonville, about issues that led to a divorce, they returned to church. In fact, when I visited their home they thanked me for speaking the truth of God in a loving way when we had previously met. It was a difficult journey for this person, and a difficult journey for me as their pastor. But, just because some issues are painful or sensitive does not mean we should not talk about those issues. Jesus talks about divorce. Jesus also showed love and forgiveness. Like Jesus we also want to speak His truth in love.
I pray the love and forgiveness of Jesus brings peace and direction to your life.
A Child of God, Seeking God’s Wisdom and Love to Color My Speaking of God’s Truth,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. I will let you know when the Divorce Care
Sessions start. I will first contact people individually to see if they
are interested in this Biblically based support group.
P.P.S. Mia Guhl was baptized in late
worship on Sunday. Here are a picture. https://goo.gl/photos/12owvkDA9i3ipgWBA
P.P.P.S Here are a couple of pictures of a fishing trip for red
salmon on the Kenai River on Sunday night with my daughter Mary. Thank you, Pastor George Rakos for the gift
of time with you in your cabin. https://goo.gl/photos/kFMiM44dMvxL1qfCA
******
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 regularly
adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this
e-mail for the first time.) However, if you do not want to receive this
e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for
this message.
******
No comments:
Post a Comment