Blessed Assurance

BLESSED ASSURANCE DURING THE PANDEMIC

8/22/2020

We are still in the midst of the pandemic. The crowd gathering outside for Saturday evening worship grows weekly. What was once the adopted step-child parish of a much larger worshiping family is becoming the largest option for corporate worship for Trinity. God is indeed working a blessing in this time of trial. Thanks be to God.

Tonight, we heard blessed assurance in the lessons for the day. The pastor reminded us of where Christ and the disciples stood when Christ asked, “Who do people say that I am?” They were in the largest urban setting of pagan worship in what we now call the holy land. Here, also, Christ asked who they, the disciples, said he was. Peter’s confession follows. Our pastor led us through that portion of the gospel lesson to Christ’s statement that the very gates of hell could not prevail against the Church that would be built on the truth that Jesus is the promised salvation sent by God to restore the relationship between God and all the earth.

Then, in answer to the question, “What is the church going to look like after this pandemic?” he said, “Since Christ promises that the gates of hell can not prevail against the Church, neither can a pandemic.” We sang Built on the Rock, not in hushed voices blurred by masks, but with the freedom and gusto that being outdoors allowed.

We held up the sacramental elements as the pastor spoke the words of consecration. We ate and drank together.

I came home and listened to Sing for Joy from St. Olaf’s and heard Blessed Assurance. 

Jesus is mine!

Thanks to Journeys of Faith contributing writer-

Natalie Grace Hartwig.