We certainly live in a day where there is a great deal of bitterness and division. Disagreements become all-out wars between neighbors, even over things that have no real bearing on the rest of our life. No one is allowed to have a single different opinion without the threat of being suddenly and completely cut off. What is even more shameful is that this plague has even found its way into the body of Christ. Rather than having mercy and patience and laying aside all rights and privileges in order to reconcile and restore unity, everyone tenaciously fights for what is theirs, weaponizes the weaknesses of brothers and sisters, and leave rather than forgive and be forgiven. This is shameful and is not to be tolerated in Christ’s Church which is built upon the Son of God laying aside His rights and suffering death on the cross to reconcile us to the Father. We reject this reconciliation when we refuse to be reconciled to one another. We make a mockery of the Blood of Christ when we come to the altar seeking Christ’s mercy but won’t extend that mercy and patience to our brothers and sisters. Brothers and sisters in Christ, be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful. He had every right to turn away from us. Instead, He offered up His most precious treasure, His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and put Him to death for our sins against Him. Let us put to death every thought in ourselves of rights and self-protection and instead cover the sins and shortcomings of our neighbor with the same rich, undeserved mercy which we desire from our heavenly Father which He is only too eager to bestow. I look forward to seeing you all this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer