October 25, 2022
Friends,
First, don’t forget these notes from the calendar!
Wednesday, October 26 – Women’s Bible Study (6pm) & Men’s Bible Study (8pm)
Women’s Bible Study is learning about feminine virtue. This month: cheerfulness & contentment. What does the Bible have to say about those virtues? As you’re reading your Bible, take note of stories or passages that will help our understanding.
Men’s Bible Study is taking a cue from heroes in the book of Judges – how to and how not to be leaders among God’s people. Don’t forget to work on memorizing the catechism. This month was just the texts of the 10 Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Wednesday, November 2 – No 7pm evening service
No chapel or morning Bible Study on November 2.
Second, take a look at Psalm 133:
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
So, maybe the image of oil on the head, running down Aaron’s beard and onto his robes doesn’t do much for you. It always sounds a bit odd to our ears. But, if you were a Hebrew, you would see a picture of abundance and hope. Abundance because oil poured out for anointing requires lavish supplies. You can’t use oil in that way when your oil jar is running dry. But it’s also a picture of hope because God’s priest is serving in his sanctuary. The priest is the mediator of God’s covenant promises. He blesses the people, teaches them to follow God’s commands, and administers the sacrifices that are God’s means of delivering peace to his people. There’s so much to hope for because God is with his people!
David says in this Psalm that brothers dwelling in unity is good and pleasant, just like that. What would it be for us?
Maybe it’s an abundant harvest. A fruitful summer, plenty of rain, cool weather at just the right time, and the golden grain pouring into the granary.
Maybe it’s a rich feast. A table covered with perfectly prepared dishes, everything that fills your belly and gladdens your heart.
Maybe it’s a comfortable home. The place where you feel at ease, having left behind all the troubles and cares of the day. The place you know stands ready to receive you and give you rest.
Whatever it is, a picture is helpful. A picture of pure goodness and pure pleasantness. That’s what it’s like when brothers dwell together in unity. That’s what it’s like to be a Christian congregation! In a world of malice, chaos, and decay, a world of fracture and division, God gives us this incredible gift. It is the gift of unity in faith. We are knit together by the priceless gift of forgiveness in Jesus’ name. We are one in Christ Jesus, sharing his own Spirit which we receive by his word. How good and pleasant it is to be Christ’s Church!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
Women’s Bible Study – Wednesday, October 26 @ 6pm
Men’s Bible Study – Wednesday, October 26 @ 8pm
Voter’s Meeting – Sunday, October 30 @ 11am
Family Night – Wednesday, November 9 @ 5:30pm
Elder’s/Council – Thursday, November 10 @ 6 & 7pm
Women’s/Men’s Bible Study – Wednesday, November 16 @ 6 & 8pm