“For a brief moment I abandoned you,” says the Lord, “but with great compassion, I will gather you. You will forget the shame of your youth, and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more.” God sends his son Jesus, the heir of David, to witness to the everlasting covenant in his own flesh and blood – that those who return to the Lord will find abundant pardon of their sins. God sends his son, the Word made flesh, to accomplish that which God purposes – to redeem his people and give them abundant life. So to all who are hungry and thirsty for God's righteousness, come and receive without money and without price.
Based on economic trends and demographics, we may never need to expand Central Lutheran Church to seat 500 people. But if we remain faithful to the Word of God made flesh, we WILL be a part of what God accomplishes through that Word. We WILL have a role in declaring God's pardon to people wracked with guilt. We WILL have a role in bringing people to the peace and joy which is missing in their lives. We WILL have a role in gathering those whom God brings in his glory. Our outlook is not desolate, for our Maker is our husband, and his compassion is with us.
Gracious God, we thank you for your merciful pardon through the flesh and blood of your son Jesus. Help us spread to the right and to the left, enlarging your kingdom for your glory, in Jesus' name, amen.