Even the strongest among us simply cannot endure the troubles and persecutions of this world without the constant preaching of God’s Word ringing in our ears. Though he was appointed to make the Messiah known to Israel through Baptism and though he had pointed his finger at Jesus and plainly identified Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, John’s flesh suffered doubt and uncertainty. Affliction has a way of doing that. It makes us begin to question our assumptions and beliefs. And in that hour there is one thing alone that can assuage our fears and give us peace – the Word of God. Nothing else is certain. The only reality is what God the Lord speaks. Jesus has sent men to you to confirm the witness of John so that even in your prison, literal or figurative, you may have peace. I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer