In this world of constant business and guilt and worry, where everyone expects everything of you and you take on countless numbers of obligations, there is nothing more relieving than to know that saving yourself is never going to be something you have to accomplish. As we so often feel completely beat up by life, left with nothing more to give, and the law demanding ever more and more of us between caring for our family, supporting the work of the church, listening to the laments of our friends and neighbors and realizing that we have fallen short on every account, what joy to know that the Good Samaritan, the Lord Jesus Christ, has already stooped down from heaven to bind you up, comfort you, pay for your sins, and care for you. He has made all the preparations and has promised to return to take you from this valley of sorrow to himself in heaven. You need only receive the comfort of His Word and rest in His gracious promises. They stand true for you regardless of how beat down and hopeless you may feel. Such deep and abiding peace is exactly what He gives in Divine Service as He speaks His promises to you again and then nourishes you with His Body and Blood. Take heart. The Good Samaritan will not pass you by or ignore your suffering. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer