CREDIT: Wally Gobetz
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” After two years of instruction at First Lutheran, Confirmation students confirm their faith in Christ. But Confirmation Day is not the end. It’s “the first day of the rest of their lives of faith.” Today is also the first day of the rest of all our lives of faith.
Last week, we celebrated Jesus’ Ascension. Jesus told His disciples, “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:48-49) Ten days later, that power swept down upon the disciples as promised. The Holy Spirit enabled the Apostles—simple, working-class men from Galilee—to clearly proclaim the gospel of Christ to people from around the world in their own language (Acts 2:1-13)! This “1st century United Nations” heard the good news that “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21) Pentecost signaled the beginning of a new life of faith for God’s creation. “Clothed with power from on high” the disciples would never be alone as God worked through them to reach all mankind. They became the world’s first “Confirmation teachers” by instructing all mankind in the essential elements of the Christian faith.
Confirmation provides Christians with knowledge and insight to faithfully proclaim their faith to all who ask about Jesus. But this instruction from God is only a continuation of the rest of our lives of faith. Each of us are called by Jesus to a life of continuous learning to continue to grow in His word through regular worship—hearing His word, receiving His grace. We’re also called to show His love in our words and deeds to those He brings into our lives. Then, one day, when Jesus Christ returns as promised, He’ll find a world filled with His disciples whom He’ll joyfully bring into eternal life in His glorious kingdom.
In the Love of Christ,
Pastor Jim