Be not afraid or ever feel alone
REDEEMER LUTHERAN & ST. THEODORE CHURCHES
By Lisa Rotchford
Reverend
Though many of us are called to be in our homes and feeling isolated during this time, it’s important to remember you are never completely alone. Our Judeo-Christian ancestors, who lived through wars, famines and plagues knew fear and isolation, they were reminded by their faith of who was beside them and strengthened them and abided with them. God is with you too.
In his farewell address to the Israelites before they entered the promised land without him, Moses reminds them (and us!):
• “Sobestrongandcourageous!Donotbeafraidordiscouraged.For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8).
• Joshua then picks up where Moses left off: “Be brave. Be fearless.
You are never alone” (Joshua 1:9).
• The prophet Isaiah strengthens the faithful when he proclaimed: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
• The apostle Matthew made sure that Jesus’ last words of Matthew’s Gospel would strengthen us in anything we face: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
• And St. John makes sure he recorded some of the last words that Jesus’ left with his followers to strengthen us into our journeys:
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
If you need pastoral care or would like to be added to our mailing list to keep up with the events and services that both Redeemer and St. Theodore’s offers, call (562) 598-8697. As a community, we always offer prayer. Come sit at the foot of our cross — in our newly landscaped front area, complete with resting bench — (13564 Saint Andrew’s Drive) and never feel alone as peace and hope reign always.
