As the disciplines and heaviness of Lent grow, we have been given this fourth Sunday, Laetare, which means “Rejoice ye”, as a moment of respite and refreshing before the final push to the darkness of Good Friday. As we follow Jesus on the road to Golgotha, it is easy to grow weary and weighed down. Our stomachs are growling as our fasting drags on. The attacks of the devil seem to be getting worse rather than better. But our Lord has not forgotten us, nor does He ignore our need. Here in the wilderness of the world, the Lord Jesus sees our weaknesses and our needs and provides for them. We may not live by bread alone, but He still gives bread. And though it doesn’t seem like very much, when you have Jesus, you always have more than enough. All of creation bends to serve His gracious and all-powerful will. Sometimes he even pauses the laws of nature to provide for you. This is our cause for rejoicing, not that we have stuff but because we know the Lord will provide what is needed. The Lord sees all our needs and meets them. He gives us the bread of His Flesh to feed and nourish our souls and He gives us our daily bread to nourish and strengthen our bodies. So let us rejoice because the Savior who died on the cross to provide us with salvation is the same Savior who knows the needs of your body and well provides for them too. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer