Martin Luther said, “Every occupation has its own honor before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work no matter how important or mundane we serve God by serving the neighbor and we also participate in God’s on-going providence for the Human race.”
This truth is so evident today, as we see the whole world struggling with supply chain issues. Marty and I went to Historic Westville a few weeks ago and were struck by the minimal staff. Many Restaurants struggle to stay open, because of the lack of staff.
God created us to live in community, to be in fellowship with one another even as The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in fellowship with one another. We truly need one another. No man is an island.
Jesus became human to restore this fellowship. He became one of us so that we might become united with him. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed.
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
My Prayer is that each of us would comprehend we are all called by God’s grace to use the gifts he has given us to bless and care for each other, to follow St. Peter’s admonition.
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Knowing that even as we do so inadequately Jesus continues to pour out His Grace and forgiveness on us.
Pastor Mark