Pastor’s Garage November 10, 2022
November 10, 2022
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling “yoo hoo”, come on,
it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you! Well like it or
not, apparently winter is here! Every year I hope against all odds that I
will be remotely ready for winter before the snow starts falling in vast
amounts and the thermometer makes its annual descent! I never am, this year
is no different. I just have to resign myself to the fact that some things
will have to once again wait for another year!
This week we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in fighting
for justice and freedom in our world. We also honour those that continue
to stand in the gap between chaos and injustice and what is right and
good! I think about our armed forces, our police forces, our healthcare
system, and the many times they place the needs of others ahead of their
own. It is very important to honour them for the sacrifice they have paid
and continue to pay but our responsibility does not end in merely honouring
those that do. We are called to join them in fighting for those that have
no voice or face injustice. This is something that is very near and dear to
the heart of our heavenly father! All throughout scripture there is a call
to bear the needs of those who are facing adversity. The cry of this world
is “It’s not my problem, what’s in it for me!” And that speaks to the
heart of our spiritual foe, who wanted the honour and glory that was
deserved only by our heavenly father. It was self-centered ambition that
led to his downfall and ultimately the downfall of mankind. It is a key
component that still factors in to the battle we face today against
principalities and powers, both within our sight and in the spiritual
realm. We all have plans, dreams, goals and ambitions! There’s nothing
wrong with having them! Many times, they are based in healthy and good
desires. But when we are faced with need are we willing to lay down our
own carefully made plans for the good of others? That is the real cost and
sacrifice we must face on a daily basis. It is one that is made not only
on the battlefield of a foreign land, but in the grocery store, main
street, wherever you find yourself. In a couple of places in Ezekiel it
talks about God looking for someone to build a wall and stand in the gap as
a protector, or to warn the people about coming judgment. It talks about
being a watchman on behalf of those facing oppression or those going
astray. “The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed
robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from
the sojourner without justice. And I sought for a man among them, who
should build up the wall, and stand in the breach before me for the land,
that I should not destroy it, but I found none.”Ezekiel 22:29-30 Will you
be that person?
I would encourage you to take in a local remembrance service tomorrow to
honour those that have served and continue to serve. I have found taking
in things like this an inspiration towards my own walk. Both Pastor Dave
and myself are speaking at local remembrance day ceremonies this year.
Pastor Dave is speaking in Broadview tomorrow at the community centre, and
I will be speaking here in Grenfell at the town hall, both services
starting at 10:30am.
Pastor Mike