From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

          When I was in choir in college, I recall we learned a song by Joseph Haydn called, “The Heavens Are Telling.” This is a sung version of Psalm 19 which I would encourage you to look up when you have a chance. It’s a beautiful hymn reminding us that all of God’s creation points to the glory and majesty of who God is and all that He has created. June marks the beginning of summer vacations and get aways. Perhaps you’re planning to spend time in your garden. Maybe you’re going to travel and see some sights. And as you do take note of the beauty of God’s created world.

          There are a number of arguments made for the existence of God, and one that has some popularity in our world today is known as “the watchmaker argument.” This suggests that if you were to be walking along a beach and stumble upon a pocket watch sitting in the sand you wouldn’t first marvel at how thousands (or maybe millions) of grains of sand came together to form this magnificent watch, instead you would assume that someone made that watch and then it was misplaced there on the beach. In the same way, the beauty and complexity of the world we live in suggests that it was made by someone.

          As the hymn I mentioned above claims, the heaven’s themselves tell of the glory of God. They point to who our God is. He cares for us. He created for us a beautiful, complex, wonder filled world. And as we look around seeing the beauty of the fields growing, flowers blooming, and trees, gardens, and all other manner of plants sprouting, we see the wonder of His works proclaiming His majesty.

          And it doesn’t stop there! Step outside and listen for a moment and you’ll hear birds singing or the calm sound of the wind in the trees. And looking at all these marvelous works of God I can’t help but remember what Jesus had to say when He was told to silence the disciples. In Luke 19, we hear Jesus say, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” - Luke 19:40 Now I have no idea what the sound of stones crying out would be, but I imagine that as we spend time out in God’s creation this summer it would be quite the surprise if the rocks were to start singing. And yet, in a way all creation sings His praises. A beautiful sunset shows us how beautiful and creative our God can be. The song of the birds can remind us of the beautiful songs that will be sung.

          All of that being said, gazing at the sunset, or relaxing to the sound of singing birds in the afternoon doesn’t tell us about Christ, our savior who died and rose for us. For that we need God’s Word. While the heavens tell the glory of God, His Word proclaims His salvation for all people. And it is this message that we too are called on to share. Not long ago in our Sunday readings, we heard as the disciples were told by an angel who released them from prison, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” - Acts 5:20

          Like the disciples we are called to proclaim Christ’s Words of life. We are encouraged to tell of all that God has done for us. Perhaps you start by talking to your friends about the beauty of a sunset or the intricacy of one of God’s creatures. And from there we go on to share how we too are fearfully and wonderfully made. And how our God loved his created world so much that “He sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” God presents us with all sorts of opportunities to share His goodness and love.

          As you go about on vacations, out to your garden, or just out on your porch, may the wonders of His works inspire you to praise Him for all that He has done and made. There is so much for us to thank God for in this beautiful, complex, amazing world. May the beauty of God’s creation not only inspire you to praise, but give you opportunity to share God’s love and mercy with your friends and neighbors.

A blessed summer to you all!    Pastor Nathan Peitsch