Devotion: Generations

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30

Pastor Eric’s message Sunday opened up a new series for our summer months called “Generating Greatness.” He gave us a wonderful reminder of the endless blessings we share as a family of Sheridan Lutheran Church. And all the opportunities we have to serve our Him and spread the Gospel of our Lord to others just as John the Baptist and later Jesus. Although their methods were different; God’s plans were clear. All of us are in need of salvation and only a relationship with our Lord can bring that kind of peace and joy.

I often like to ask the question of people I meet; “Do you have a church home?” A question, Michelle DeRusha in her book, “Spiritual Misfit pondered, she was terrified someone would ask her reticent heart as she journeyed to find her faith, let alone a “home”. She wasn’t prepared and didn’t understand the question. How could a church building be a home? A true home in the basic sense denotes a family. And a family is made up of different generations. Grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and children of all ages, although not necessarily living directly under one roof always, still share a common goal. The love they have for one another. The desire to protect each other to nurture each other. The pride that wells up inside that says, “I am so proud of you and I’m so glad we are family!”

I feel this every Sunday and it is something I look forward to each week. To see Julie and Amelia with the children in their choirs and during the children’s message being nurtured. To hear Cameron share with me what’s going on with the youth groups. The way Molly brings us all to choir to sing His praises from our hearts. Being part of Faith Builders to deepen our walks to faith, and all the other projects Pastor Greg and our precious staff are involved in, all these opportunities and so many more identify us not only as members of Sheridan Lutheran Church, but as a family of many generations searching for this common goal. To spread the message of God’s love for all of us so much so, my heart overflows with the kind of joy it’s hard to express.

Pastor brought us an example I hadn’t thought of. That of comparing our journey to this task with a yolk when the scripture tells us that Christ says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Our work is much easier than we think because we are linked with Jesus in our task. So as Eric told the children, “Take Jesus with you this summer. Spread the glorious news.” After all; we’re family!

Praise the Lord. See you Sunday, loved ones!

Precious heavenly Father, please show us the path for our walk with you that others may join us and come to the knowledge of being part of this family in you. To know the peace of being one of your beloved children, and to continue our mission of welcoming others to the flock. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

This devotion is written by Fran Baatz.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.

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