Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
On this the first Saturday in June 2025 I would like to take a moment to talk to you about “nothing.” It is a subject that I know a little about. So, if you have nothing better to do, stay with me for a few minutes and you may learn something about nothing.
In my school years I was never a particularly good student. No real aptitude for languages or higher thinking, and both times I entered the library I was asked if I was new to the school. In the spring of 1986, as my class was graduating from Luther Seminary a good friend was awarded the “Outstanding Preaching Award,” while I was voted the “Least Likely to Succeed.” But in the 39 years that have followed I have become somewhat of an expert in “nothing.” I will share with you now what the Word of God and the Holy Spirit has taught me. If you have a pen you may want to write this down.
“Nothing includes Everything.” What do you think? Pretty good huh? It is not a profound insight, the Bible is very clear in this regard. “Nothing includes everything.” Read the words of the Apostle Paul:
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8
Nothing can separate us from the love of God! We don’t get to vote on that one. We cannot cancel God’s love with bad behavior. God’s love is irresistible, not dependent on our intellect, accent, church attendance, or our sunny disposition. If that seems like a transgression to your free will, well, get over it. Nothing can separate us from the love of God and nothing includes everything. Sin cannot separate us from God’s love. Addiction cannot separate us from God’s love. Dementia cannot separate us from God’s love. Death will not separate us from God’s love. Even unbelief cannot separate us from God’s love.
“For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” I Timothy 4:10
In the end, God wins, love wins, and we are safe in the hands of the one whose love for us is unconditional.
I sat at her bedside holding her hand as we reminisced about days gone by and the blessings shared at the church we loved. She was dying at Whidbey Health Medical Center in Coupeville. There would be no going home, she knew it and I knew it. It was a tender moment laced with laughter and an occasional tear. The journey ahead was causing her anxiety. She said, “Pastor I am not sure that I really believe.” I assured her that she was safe in God’s hands and reminded her that even if we don’t believe in God, God still believes in us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God and nothing includes everything. I kissed her on the forehead, a final goodbye. She said, “Please be safe driving home, I love you.”
“Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make the grave my bed, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.” Psalm 139
One beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
PS: If you would like to respond directly to Pastor Jim, please email rvlindus@whidbey.com.
