CREDIT: Dennis on Flickr

Dear Saints,

This is a sad time of the year – the baseball season ended when the Astros won the World Series. For us, especially my wife Shauna, that means no more baseball to watch. While the Hot Stove Season, with all the trades and signings, is interesting, it’s not the same as watching live games. So, it’s a sad time as we head into winter. But there’s good news! Spring Training starts February 24th – a little over 3 months from now!

We’re coming up on other endings too. For example, though we don’t think much of it, we’re at the end of the Church Year. And our readings focus on another end – the end of time. For many, the end-times are not only sad, but scary because, unlike a baseball season, we have no idea when the Last Day will be. But Jesus informs us, “Heaven and earth will pass away … For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21:33, 35) And these days will not be easy. They’ll be filled with terrible things. And not just for unbelievers, but also for believers (Luke 21:16-17). But even with all this, Jesus encourages and comforts us.

First, He encourages us, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness …  for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”  (Luke 21:13,15) He calls us to witness to others in this time of distress that they too might join us. Then He comforts us, “But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:18-19) We need not be distressed in this time. Why?

It will be sad, but … we’ll be ushered into a new and eternal season. We and all who believe in Christ will be redeemed! We will be saved! We will live again … raised to new lives, in glorious new bodies, living for eternity in the Kingdom of God! The ultimate good news indeed! 

                                                                        Your Fellow Saint,

                                                                        Pastor Jim