Yesterday, September 10, two events happened. Our country witnessed another senseless act of violence that ought to be condemned by everyone. Sadly, our current climate exposes the vileness of many who celebrated the assassination of someone who was a husband, father, and professed believer. We don’t need agreement to demonstrate grief over what took place yesterday. Indeed, our prayers rise to the One who sits on the throne of mercy and grace, asking that comfort be poured out on Charlie Kirk’s family.
Yesterday was also Jubilee’s anniversary. Yesterday, Jubilee turned 15 years old. We have much to give thanks to our good Father for. As my church mothers and fathers used to say back in the day, Our Father has been mighty good to us! He has poured out much grace on our congregation. He has kept us through deep waters. He continues to supply us with help through his Spirit. And he is doing something marvelous in our midst as we see an influx of college students filling the pews.
What do these two events have in common? There is no natural connection, of course, between an assassination and an anniversary. If I could draw one, it’s this: the same day we tasted again the deep brokenness of this world, our anniversary reminded us that the church of the Lord Jesus stands as proof that our Triune God has already done what is necessary to deal with that brokenness. That includes not just yesterday’s expression of it, but also the tragedy of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee murdered, and another school shooting in Colorado. The church exists to give a preview of the world to come, without the brokenness that events like these expose. This is why Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” And our heavenly Father will answer this prayer!
Last night at prayer, Pastor Dan prayed that fear would not overtake us in light of what happened. It is very easy for fear to consume you. Jubilee, though we witnessed a very fearful thing yesterday, we have no solid reason to ultimately fear. A church anniversary reminds us why. Our Lord, the one who said that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him (Matt. 28:18–20), also said that he will build his church and not even the gates of hell will stop it (Matt. 16:18). He, the King and the Builder, also said, “Surely, I am coming soon.” To which the church replies, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20). When events shake a nation, our church anniversary reminds us that we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Therefore, we come and offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28). This is what churches gather to do, and this is what Jubilee will aim to do, by grace, in our 16th year of existence.
Grateful to be doing life together,
Pastor Lew