There was a time when Sunday School students were encouraged – or required – to memorize Bible verses. Probably the most popular of these is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave is only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life” (NRSV translation). John 3:16 is a wonderful summary of the Gospel and is well-worth committing to memory. Another, less familiar verse, is equally important. I learned of this one from the late, great Luther scholar, Eric W. Gritsch, when I took a course on Dietrich Bonhoeffer about 25 years ago. Dr. Gritsch said that 2 Chronicles 20:12b was a favorite of Bonhoeffer (though I haven’t found reference to it in my reading of DB, it certainly describes his approach to life). I encountered the verse again last week in my devotional reading. It’s a portion of the prayer of King Jehosaphat on the eve of battle. The king of Judah fears that his troops will be outnumbered and easily overpowered by Edomite forces. He expresses his fear to God, but concludes the prayer with these memorable words: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

How often have we found ourselves in similar situations? Even if we don’t command armies and face certain death, all of us have to deal with difficult situations in which none of our options look good. While the old Lutheran adage, “love God and sin boldly” – that is – trust God and choose the course of action that seems best, is helpful, it’s always best to seek God’s guidance before taking any course of action, especially when the choices presented to us don’t look that great.

Our own personal agendas tend to dominate our thoughts and actions. We believe as we do, speak as we do, act as we do, because we feel it in our gut. Sometimes we can trust our guts, but at other times our gut feelings are governed by expedience or ungodly desires. Our agenda is not always God’s agenda. As Jehosaphat demonstrates, our first task is always to seek God’s guidance. “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” is the fervent prayer of the faithful. God speaks to us through scripture, through the Word proclaimed, through the sacraments, and through the mutual support and guidance of our sisters and brothers in Christ. Sometimes we’ll feel God’s guidance in our gut, but only when it’s consistent with the other ways in which God speaks.

Learn this new Bible verse and let it guide your life. As we begin our Lenten journey, we remember how consistent Jehosaphat’s plea is with the life of Christ. May we look to the Lord as our teacher and example.

Where Luther Walked

As I mentioned last month, it’s been my privilege to pay two visits to Germany in recent years and tour many of the Luther sites. I’d love to share the “Lutherland” experience with the people of St. Timothy, and I think that 2018 might be a great year to do so. If would be interested in visiting the places where Reformation history was made, i.e., Wittenberg, Eisleben, Eisenach, Leipzig, Worms, Wartburg Castle, etc., please sign up on the sheet on the Happenings bulletin board. I’m not yet sure of dates, prices, or any other details, but I’d like to know how much interest there is before doing a lot of research. Signing up is only an indication of interest; there is no obligation at this stage.

In Jesus’ name,

Pastor Robert M. Mountenay