Pastor John joined as lead Pastor at Concordia in Late 2021, relocating from Southern California. He nrings with him his wife Angela and two daughters.
A couple of months ago, my wife and I rented the movie, Conclave. It was a fascinating drama about the process the Roman Catholic Church goes through to elect a new pope. It gives imaginative insight into a mysterious process. Shortly thereafter, Pope Francis died. I...
“My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2 The phrase above is so short and simple, you probably have just memorized it by reading it. That’s good. It’s not “Jesus wept” good, but almost. The short phrases of Scripture can still have a...
Easter is just around the corner. I’ve always liked Easter. The gift baskets, bright and cheerful colors, and brunch with the family after church (hopefully, at the “all-you-can-eat” buffet!). It’s also one of two days of the year that everyone shows up to...
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After the holidays, we could use a little rest. Some R and R. Downtime. Maybe a weekend getaway where there are no pressures or demands.
I have heard people use the phrase, “unplug”, meaning that there is a need for rest after busy-ness. I like that phrase. “Unplugging” refers to pulling a plug out of an electrical outlet. Doing this will turn of a lamp, a microwave, or even your computer.
When a person unplugs, though, they are disconnecting from all those tasks, people and situations that cause them stress. The longer you are able to disconnect from them, the less you feel stress and tension.
Our Lord Jesus had to get away, too. The pressures of His ministry were incredibly intense. He bore the weight teaching disciples, healing the sick, proclaiming good news and even raising the dead. He was under the pressure to fulfill the entire Law. He was in conflict with many of the religious leader continuously.
Add to this that Jesus knew men’s and women’s thoughts. He knew when He was being used as a miracle worker. He knew when people came to Him just for the healing and then immediately leave not understanding that these miracles pointed to Him as the Savior of the world.
He knew that even His disciples misunderstood Him.
I’ll bet all the work He did felt completely futile, at times.
So, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had to get away. Luke records, “… He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Jesus unplugged from the demands and pressures. He went to a different location. He spoke with His Father.