Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:35-40
To what length will you go to be able to make it to church on Sunday morning? Have you walked there recently? Would you take a taxi? Do you carpool? How important is it for us to make it to a worship service on Sunday to hear about the “Bread of Life”? This is a taptap with 12 people in the bed and the driver is trying to get a couple more to climb in the back and make the ride into Cap Haitian on a Sunday morning. Is this something you would consider doing every Sunday with your family? How important is it for us to go to Church, listen to the readings, confess our sins, sing hymns, listen to a message and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion and then go back home after a two-hour service? How important is it for children living in Haiti to attend Lutheran schools, be fed and walk home talking about the victory that Jesus claimed over the devil on Easter? It is very important; for them, for us and for our Heavenly Father. There are times when there is snow or rain falling that I need to be reminded how important it is to be blessed to be able to go to Church on Sunday. Parking far away from Church not because I worry about my car doors being scratched but because that will leave a space closer for somebody with more physical challenges than I have to walk a shorter distance to Church. It is important. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘Come unto Me, Ye Weary’ that were written by William C. Dix in 1867.
“Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest." O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts opprest! It tells of benediction, of pardon, grace, and peace, of joy that hath no ending, of love which cannot cease. "Come unto Me, ye wanderers; and I will give you light." O loving voice of Jesus, which comes to cheer the night! Our hearts were filled with sadness, and we had lost our way; but Thou hast brought us gladness and songs at break of day. "Come unto Me, ye fainting, and I will give you life." O cheering voice of Jesus, which comes to aid our strife! The Foe is stern and eager, the fight is fierce and long; but Thou hast made us mighty and stronger than the strong. And whosoever cometh, I will not cast him out." O patient love of Jesus, which drives away our doubt, which, though we be unworthy of love so great and free, invites us very sinners to come, dear Lord, to Thee!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.