It’s like seeing Jesus just out of the corner of your eye.
That's how I think of Epiphany, the season following Christmas, the season we've
entered now. It's that time when you're surprised by a glimpse of God, that
glimpse you catch out of the corner of your eye. The Magi catch just a glimpse
of baby Jesus, before they're led by a dream to return home "by another
route," to prevent King Herod from finding and killing him. Jesus' followers
glimpse the power of God in his miracles of feeding and healing, but never quite
understand him. Foreigners glimpse the Son of God on the cross, but his closest
friend denies him. On a mountain top his closest leaders glimpse him transfigured
in the company of Moses and Elijah, and ask if they can stay there adn bask
in his light. We see a glimpse of the resurrection in an empty tomb, while others
see only proof of his death.
Isn't that all you really need to get you through the day, just a glimpse of
God? Isn't that all you really need to make sense of your life? That's what
God offers at Good Shepherd - a glimpse of his presence, a glimpse of his power,
a glimpse of the salvation he offers in Jesus Christ. In the next few months
you'll have ample opportunity for a glimpse of God among us: in baptisms and
baptismal forums, in the new members who join our congregation, in the time
and talent we share with God, in the work we do to adorn our new sanctuary,
in the leadership retreat we'll offer in March, in devotionals you write to
walk us through Lent into Good Friday and Easter. All you need is the wisdom
to recognize what your eyes behold.
That is the real work of the church, and what makes that work worth doing - the chance it brings to see God on this side of the river, even if it is just out of the corner of your eye. I hope you'll join us Sundays and weekdays, my friends, for the glimpse of God that carries you through the week - to be that glimpse of God that carries others.
Pastor Jim
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory. I will remove disaster from you...I will deal with all your oppressors, and I will save the lame and gather the outcast. Zephaniah 3:16-19
From the Shepherd's Song Newsletter -- January 2010
Copyright 2010 by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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E-mail your comments and questions to Pastor Jim in care of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at good.shep-holland@sbcglobalnet.