We Sing of our Redeemer
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Pastors are fortunate – they are daily working with God’s Word, preparing sermons and Bible classes, creating devotions for the hospitalized and downtrodden, etc. Not so for those working in secular jobs. A complete day can frequently go by without once thinking of God’s great blessings for us. I am sure that many of you can identify with this. How blessed we are that God has set aside one day of the week dedicated to Him and the hearing of His Word.
Hearing God’s Word – hearing of His forgiveness, ongoing love and patience is the perfect way to end a week (and start a new one) in this world filled with sin, frustrations and temptations. Permit me a reference to the one-time popular TV show “Star Trek”, in which some episodes the starship Enterprise found itself in a losing battle with an alien ship. With the continual enemy missiles weakening the Enterprise’s shield, Captain Kirk had a choice to stay and face certain destruction or “warp” away to restore its shields to full strength.
Every week you have that same choice. Having faced Satan’s “missiles” of temptation and frustration throughout the week, your shield of faith will be weak. Only through the hearing of God’s redeeming love, forgiveness, and patience the Holy Spirit will restore your shield of faith to full strength. Do not enter the next week’s battle against Satan with a weak shield!
One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure Teach me highly to regard;All else, though it first give pleasure, Is a yoke that presses hard.Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.The gain of this one thing all loss can requiteAnd teach me in all things to find true delight.
The Lutheran Hymnal 366:1 (please read all of this hymn!)