"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31
If things get tough today, remember this: God is for you!
We had Holy Communion instruction for our parents of fifth graders and older at church yesterday. Holy Communion is a reminder of two things. First, Holy Communion is a reminder of Jesus's death on the cross where Jesus showed us that God is totally for us. Second, Holy Communion is a reminder from Jesus himself that God's promise to us in Holy Baptism is still true, namely, God is totally for you.
It's not just that God is giving us something that we must respond to. Ya know, like, "Here, ya go. This is for you." No, in Holy Baptism and Holy Communion God is saying, "Hey Kiddo, I not only have something for you, but I myself am for you!"
Knowing that someone is for you makes a difference. Knowing that God is for you changes everything.
I still remember a boy named Brandon on a little boys tee ball team that I coached in a recreational league one summer in college. He played for us at shortstop, which, at that age, means he's the best at fielding the ball. But he missed a ball on one play and was pelted with criticism from a family member. Even as a little boy, Brandon had latched onto the truth and called out to his critics, saying "Coach would say that I did a good job even getting to the ball!" In essence, if I know my coach is for me, I don't care who is against me.
When we are for each other, believing in one another and passing on genuine affirmations, the people around us walk in unheard of confidence and can stand up respectfully to the harshest of critics and the hardest of trying matters.
So how much moreso is it true? When God is for us, believing in us through Jesus's death on the cross and passing on genuine affirmations in Baptism and Holy Communion, well, then who can legitimately be against us?
Walk tall today, friends, walk tall! And if things get tough today, remember this: God is for you!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
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