Grace Lutheran Church

From the Pastor

When Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won those six NBA championships, much of the credit was given to Jordan, the greatest player to ever play the game. He, in turn, talked about rallying around a common goal, teamwork, and a unity that propelled them through “The Last Dance.” Jesus prayed that we all might be one, telling the disciples he would not leave them orphaned but would give them the Holy Spirit, which would be called alongside them to support and reinforce God’s pledge of love for the human family. Pentecost and Trinity Sundays are church festivals that allow us to celebrate just that. However, our reality today is far from celebrative. It seems that everywhere we turn, there is brokenness, pain, and disillusionment, a far cry from the excitement of the Bulls’ two, three-peats.

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The Coronavirus and its living death, massive unemployment, racial tension spurred on by blatant social inequality, and lack of leadership across this country and throughout the world, have thrown us into a downward spiral that is threatening the very freedoms we were founded upon. We are looking for a way out, but there is no clear direction. And Michael Jordan has long since retired.

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However, we are at our best when we are at our least. It’s because it is there that we see God’s footprints carrying us. Why are we so intent on controlling our destiny? Maybe we, too, have taken a bite out of Eden’s apple and have been exposed to the naked truth. We are so blessed to be led by the Savior, who will lead us to still waters and green pastures. Unless you have a better idea? We ask for a leader; we already have one, one who promises to make us one! It is not about being like Mike; it is our Lord making a way in the wilderness and his invitation for us to dance with him.

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Gary