Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pull up a chair; let’s have a talk. This has been weighing on my mind. My heart aches. Care and concern are the motivation.
While it is nice this will be read by those of you involved in the church, you may even compliment it – which I appreciate – this heart-to-heart is intended for a different audience. I will let the Holy Spirit guide the words. I will just type.
This is for the drifter. Those who have drifted from the shore of God’s House. The boats are in different positions. Some are in a boat far out to sea. One Sunday became another Sunday, which became another Sunday until you find yourselves in the middle of the water and can barely see the shore. It started innocently enough and now you wonder – can I get back to shore?
Some boats are getting away from the shore but still the distance is not insurmountable. The recent months have found you finding a reason to stay away. The interesting thing is that your family’s boat has always been safely in the harbor. Do you see it happening? How do I approach what has always been a good relationship? Beating you over the head with the Law is no good. Your brothers and sisters in Christ miss you. Want to worship and fellowship with you and your family.
Come on a visit with a shut-in some time. They cry because they can’t be in God’s House. Oh, how they miss that presence of the Lord in their life. Singing hymns as a glimpse of heaven. A short, concise and to the point Law/Gospel message. Holy Communion with the body of believers. Fellowship and love felt by their fellow members. If you could experience this would the boat be on the path it is?
The cause is hard to define. Has something been left unsaid? Has your life changed? Health-wise, children-wise, activity-wise, lifestyle-wise? What do you see?
Do we see the same frustration but find the answer hard to grasp? The Lord is here. The Lord is patient. The Lord is forgiving. The Lord sees you getting farther and farther away. He aches. He loves you as His child, made holy in baptism, knowing our time here on earth is brief. He sends you signals. He enters your thoughts. It might be easier to ignore, but you can’t. The pull of the Gospel is too powerful. The Holy Spirit is too mighty. The hole in your heart can only be satisfied one way.
Come back. Led by the Almighty Captain the boat makes it’s way to the shore. You dock at 3516 White Eagle Road. You see the sign…you see the steeple. Welcome home!
In Christ, Pastor Lueck