God's Got a Grip On Me

Last Saturday, we gathered at Epiphany for the funeral of Susan Krueckeberg. I thought I would share some of my message for this week's blog.

Hear again the word of the Lord - Lamentations 3, a modern translation:

I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.

I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom.

But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.

They’re created new every morning.  How great your faithfulness!

I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).  He’s all I’ve got left.

...Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return.

If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.

(selected verses from Lamentations 3 – The Message)

On Sunday, May 10th - Mother's Day - the Gospel lesson was from the 15^th chapter of John. In that lesson, we hear Jesus tell his disciples a couple of important things before he leaves them:

#1.  Love one another. Just as I have loved you.  #2. Remember, I chose you, not the other way around. 

After preaching on this text, I stopped in the office to check messages. Norm had called. I could hear in his voice that things were not good. Sue was back in the hospital and in ICU. I made my way over to Kettering and met with Norm and Scott and Stacie and Sue, and heard that things were worse than not good.

After three and a half months of good days and not so good days, hopes and fears, steps forward and backward, there was nothing more that could be done. We prayed together, cried together, and started to make plans for this day. The grip on hope seemed to be slipping. How difficult it is to have hope when there seems to be no sign of hope anywhere!

BUT - I believe that is where God meets us. For when we have no hope, the only thing that remains is God’s promises. I love you. I chose you. You are mine. Forever. For long ago in the waters of baptism, God made a promise to Sue. God said, this one belongs to me. And while our grip may be slipping, God’s grasp of grace will never let go. It is HOPE in this, as Paul reminds the church in Rome, hope that does not disappoint us. (Romans 5)

You see, Jesus came to help us see that it is God’s grip on us that is so much stronger than our grip on to God. A grip so strong that nothing, not even death can release God’s embrace. For this reason, we gather in this place, and remember God’s promises, and place our hopes and fears in God, and in God alone. 


The sermon hymn that followed was "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."
When my way grows drear
When the darkness appears

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Peace,

Pastor Charlie