Pastor's Page

The ancient proverb that: “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers,” was first recorded in 1886.  Since that day the “March winds” was somehow lost leaving you and I with the more recognizable proverb that many of us know by the end of first grade.  “April showers bring May flowers”(originally, “Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers” was part of a poem recorded in 1610).      

But as I sit here, I’m wondering, “Why are we limiting the word:“showers” to rain?”  Is “showers” solely intended to be reference of what falls from the heavens or could there be a hidden meaning or that the author was the pointing the reader to something else?  Could it be possible that: “showers” may also be a reference to God’s love,His grace and mercy? 

Because God’s love is what makes the world spin.  We read: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end (Lam. 3:22).  The love of YHWH is authentic and unconditional.  Additionally, God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).  The love that the Creator offers has the power to give you life, a new identity, allowing you to live eternally with Him as sons and daughters of the Father.  His love calls you to be followers of Jesus.

In the waters, the Father fills you with the Holy Spirit, and now as one who lives with the Spirit, you are an official representative of Christ.  God ’s love has the power to deliver and to free you from anything that seeks to control and enslave you.  The love of God has the power to destroy stereotypes, prejudices, and attitudes that create disrespect and strife between people of different races, cultures, and religions.

The truth is, God ’s love can do anything.  As a marked child of God and a faithful follower of Christ, you have the privilege to voice His amazing love that was put on display through the life, death and resurrection of His One and only Son, Jesus!  This love is amazing because it has it’s origin in God and He is the giver of given to you as a gift.  It’s a love that is alien to our sinful hearts.  The love of God is given; therefore, in no way can be earned or purchased.  This kind of love is powerful because it transforms you.  When it touches your life, it has the power to change hearts, minds and behaviors.

This April we are privileged to witness first hand the love of God.  On Maundy Thursday, we will hear again of the New Commandment which Jesus has given to you, His followers.  The command to love one another as He has loved us.  On Good Friday, we will hear again the amazing story of God ’s love being poured out for you in the death of His Son on a cross.  For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).  This is God’s movement of grace to His creation; faith in Jesus credits to your account His righteousness.  You can now stand confident in God’s presence as one redeemed and forgiven through faith in Christ Jesus.

God has been preparing you for His greatest display of affection.  We come early to the tomb, with the ladies.  But we know something that they didn’t know.  We, on this side of the cross, are blessed.  We know the tomb is empty and that the folded face cloth tells us, He is returning.  Easter is the greatest day of the year because it celebrates the greatest day in history!  The entire Christian faith is based on our Lord Jesus ’ resurrection from the dead.  It’s a day that freed us from the pangs of death and damnation.  It’s a day that proves that our faith is not in vain. 

The tomb is empty, Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead.  This Good News is for the entire world.  The living God has dealt with evil once and for all; satan has been conquered, death is defeated, and Jesus’ resurrection is the promise to all who believe that they too will be resurrected in a resurrection like His (Rom. 6:5).

Please join us, bring your neighbors, friends, even strangers to one of two opportunities for God to shower you with His blessings of Word and Sacrament.  Our neighbors need to hear of the miraculous gift that Jesus death gives to all who believe.

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 6:00pm
Good Friday, April 3, 6:00pm
Easter morning sunrise Divine Service at 6:30am
Breakfast approximately 7:30 - 9:30am
Divine Service at 9:30am

Until next month…Blessings, Pastor Ferch