You Have It All! "The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:5–6 (NIV)

Who wouldn’t want what Isaiah describes? We can be filled “with justice and righteousness.” We can have a “sure foundation for our times.” God offers a “rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge.”

In these evil times, when sin controls our culture, “justice and righteousness” sound pretty appealing. With the economic uncertainty–that is about the only certainty these days–a “sure foundation” is just what we need. Faced with a multitude of difficult choices and decisions, “a rich store of . . . wisdom and knowledge” would be most welcome. Add in some guilt for problems that are clearly of our own making, bad habits (that we know we should break), situations in life that we cannot control and do not like, and people around us who are equally as sinful as we are. This toxic mess that surrounds us makes what Isaiah speaks of seem like an impossibly idealistic dream.

But Isaiah was not speaking about idealism. “The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Faith in your Savior-God connects you to these treasures. You have been set free from the grip of sin. Jesus’ death on the cross isn’t just a Sunday School story, but it is the source of your hope and the “sure foundation” of your life. God is fully appeased. Your sin is gone. Now, by faith in Jesus, all that God does for you is for your eternal good–punishment from God is impossible for those who trust in Jesus.

Why are worship, Bible Class, and reading your Bible so important? Why remember your Baptism and receive the Lord’s Supper? These connect you to God’s treasures. These build you up in your faith so that the evil of this world doesn’t control you, but you are made strong to do and endure God’s will. The message of the gospel, that fills the Bible and is the source of strength for the sacraments, is what we need to grow in faith.

God provides what all Christians want! He freely pours out treasures into the lives of his people. These spiritual treasures are of far greater value than anything we could own. Grow in the treasures that God gives as you hear his Word and receive the Sacrament. Let these treasures control your thinking and life, not the fears you have of the future. You have hope because you have access to the greatest treasure the world has ever known.

Pastor Timothy Wempner

It often seems like our lives are too busy; work, school, athletic practices, events at church, events with family, meetings, the list could go on and on. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities of life and lose sight of the fact that we need rest. Summer is often a time when people are able to take a little bit of time off for rest and relaxation. The long evenings are a time to unwind and enjoy life.

Jesus faced the same daily rush during his earthly ministry. There were crowds of people who heard of the miracles he was performing and wanted to see him. Everywhere he went, it seemed like the crowds of people were right there as well. Jesus felt the need to take some time with his close friends to rest. This summer, try to take some time to go to a quiet place and rest with your Savior. Enjoy the beauty of God’s glorious creation. Read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. Let your spirits be refreshed by the love that our God showers on us.

"He said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling