I am back at Luther Seminary for a few days. The conference that I am attending is called “The Celebration of Biblical Preaching.” Some of the finest preachers in the country will be here to give some hope to those of us who climb each week into the pulpit after fervently praying for God’s inspiration.
So here I am in Minnesota, but my mind in mostly back on Whidbey Island. This coming weekend, the men will be gathering at Camp Casey, and I will be sharing some thoughts with them about the place of doubt in our lives. On Sunday, I will be preaching out of the book of Job; again, the topic will be doubt.
In general, I am a pretty simple person. I did not come from intellectual stock. I attended a public university, and 30 years ago at seminary, I was voted least likely to succeed. I like to keep things simple. When it comes to God, I believe in proclaiming boldly those promises given to us. I also believe that we must proclaim boldly what we do not know. There are mysteries that we will never understand, and I am comfortable with that. After all, I wouldn’t want a God who was so small that this Norwegian preacher could have Her all figured out.
Where am I going with this? I want to encourage you to come to TLC this Sunday and join me in a conversation about doubt. I want to encourage you also to embrace your place as a creature–that is what we are–creatures. God formed us on the same day that animals were created. Now creatures don’t understand all the mysteries of creation. Your dog or cat cannot figure out why you go to work each day, or why you quit petting them to answer the phone.
So keep it simple! Hear again the promises of God: you are loved always, you are forgiven of your sins, and God will never leave you alone. You see, God does not promise you good health, peace in your family, a large bank balance, or protection from natural disaster or the bullets of the mentally ill. God does not promise that you will understand all mysteries. Have realistic expectations. Know that the journey ahead will be as difficult as the years behind.
Okay, I had better get back to that preaching conference. Lord knows, I have a lot to learn.
Love you all, and I will see you Sunday.
Pastor Jim
