Alone in the Wilderness Together

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This is the first of a new daily devotion for you. Some introductory notes:

The Plan:

This is a daily devotion for the coming days. I plan to keep this daily devotion active until we are back to “normal,” whenever that may be. As the title states, we are in the wilderness alone, but we are still together. We may feel isolated and on our own. But we are in this together. I want to make sure we have an opportunity to stay connected. This is one way I can stay connected to you. I will share a Bible verse each day, and a short reflection, and a prayer.

Pray:

I invite you to join me every day at 3:17 p.m. to stop whatever you are doing and pray.

Why 3:17 p.m.? It’s a Lutheran thing. Using a 24-hour clock, the time is also known as 15:17. The year 1517 is the year of the Protestant Reformation. With all that is going on, this is a reforming time, isn’t it?

What a blessing it will be to know that we are not alone at that exact moment when we stop to pray. I encourage you to set an alarm on your phone, or ask Alexa to help!

You can use the prayer I offer at the end of my devotion for that day, offer a prayer of your own, or the Lord’s Prayer is always a great one to use. IF you happen to be driving at the time, you have my permission to drive with your eyes open! Those around you and in the car with you will be thankful for that!

Presence:

I hope this is an opportunity for us to be present with each other in the days to come. You can be present by sharing your comments, insights, prayers and pictures in response to what I share in the coming days. For we are in this together. And where two or three are gathered in God’s name, God is present too!

Peace,

Pastor Charlie

Day 1 – March 18, 2020

John 13:34-35

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Grace, peace and mercy to you from God our Father, and the Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

It was just a week ago.

Just one week.

It seems like ages now. One week ago, I got up and got ready for work. Chapel time with the Preschool kids, a morning Bible Study with the Women’s group, and then some time off. The plan was to go to Indianapolis with a couple friends to watch basketball. We bought tickets for the Big Ten Championship games. I had laid out my University of Michigan sweatshirts and hats and was ready to go.

But the news.

It was coming fast and furious.

Coronavirus.

By the time it was time to go, I couldn’t bring myself to go. As much as I wanted to go, I realized that it wasn’t just about me. It was, and IS, about those around me.

I canceled. I told my friends I couldn’t bring myself to go.

Later that night, the announcement was made that no fans would be permitted to the games. By the next morning, all the games were canceled.

This is one of my stories. We all have them.

There is inconvenience and disruption. But there is a reason. And that reason is it's not just about you and me, but it's about the people that make up our circles – our families, our church community, our neighbors.

What we are called to do is live out Jesus’ command. A new commandment. It can be summarized in one word. Love. And the love Jesus commands of us is one that puts the other first. What is best for my neighbor?

Isn’t that what we are called to do? Isn’t that why we are doing what we are right now? Stay away from others if you are sick. Wash your hands. Look out for those around you who might need help. Don’t hoard the toilet paper!

Right before sharing this commandment, Jesus showed the disciples what he meant. He tied a towel around his waist, got out the wash basin, got down on his hands and knees, and washed his disciples’ feet. A king who washes feet.

While we should probably avoid contact like that for the time being, we can still love. Call your neighbor. Check in on the elderly. Offer help where you can. Pray for each other, and let others know you are praying for them.

And care for yourself as well. You are the one God loves. In response, love!

Love one another.

It has been one week. There are going to be many more.

Love.

Let us pray:

Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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