Christ Memorial was a church plant of Salem Lutheran in Affton in 1948. Our history is God “sowing seeds” and “bearing fruit.” What will he grow in the next 75 years? Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today.” We continue to plant seeds for coming generations of gospel multiplication. More people loved in Christ, more people sent into the world.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) O Lord, I suffer grief and loss. You alone are my comfort. Amen.
Word:
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Meditation
Cautious or Bold by Julianna Shults
I am not a risk taker. You will not catch me bungee jumping, paragliding, or rock climbing. I read all the reviews and the instruction manual. I stay quiet in groups I don’t know, and I absolutely do not karaoke. I’ve always been cautious; it is just a part of how God wired me to be.
There is one place in my life where I take more risks than any other: sharing the Gospel. When I have a chance to share with others about the good news of Jesus, I suddenly become so much bolder. I talk in front of crowds. I move across the country, meet new people, and try new things.
What makes the difference?
Isaiah 55 says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
God’s ways are so much bigger than our own, more expansive than our minds can conceive. In his infinite understanding and love, God promises that when we share his good and gracious Word, it never returns empty. Stepping out to share the Gospel is never a risk because God will always use it to accomplish His purpose.
Certainly, there are times when being bold with the Gospel feels like a failure. We fumble over the words, accidentally hurt relationships, or fail to see any response at all. We are fallible, but God is more powerful than our mistakes. We receive forgiveness and a new start while God continues to use our bungles for His good. There is no need to be cautious with the Gospel when God uses even failure to impact the life of others.
While other risks may depend on human expertise (like the guy attaching the bungee cord!), we can take risks in sharing the Gospel because we are confident in God’s ultimate success against sin, death, and the devil. In Christ, we can be faithful and even the most cautious of us can be bold knowing our all loving and powerful God is at work.
Heavenly Father, you promise us that your word doesn’t go out and return empty. Remind us to be bold with the Gospel. Forgive us when we fail and remind us always that you are the one who will accomplish your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Life as a Child of God
· For the Father to give me care and guidance.
· For forgiveness when I wander and want my own way.
· For the Father to keep me childlike in faith even as I age.
· For growth in faith, that I love and trust in God above all things.
· For strength to obey God.
· For the Father to heal my hurts.
· For assurance when I doubt.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, your ways are not our ways. Teach us your will, even when it appears backwards. We want to know you. We want what you want. Thy will be done, in Jesus’ name. Amen.