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25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

~ Matthew 11:25-30

 

The weather has officially begun to change, the kids are back at school, programs are starting back up, vacations are done, Confirmation Day is soon, Christmas and New Year plannings have already begun for some people, and before we know it, we are going to be in 2026. We are headed into the fourth quarter crunch. It’s easy, during these times of high stress, to lose focus on those things that continue to feed our soul rather than that which demands our attention. It’s easy to lose sight not only of the cross, but also the people that God has placed in our lives to help else on this journey.

We are reminded constantly by a God that accompanies us, that we do not journey alone.

Even the very nature of our God is communal being a God of three persons. One of our most sacred rites is done around a table and we call it communion as we are in communion with God and with one another, saints both living and that have gone before us. Despite being a society to places value on hyper individualism, God has placed us in intentional community with one another so that we might live together as one people.

There is a saying more than it is scripture that is thrown around a lot that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Folks, that is a big steamy pile of bull***. There are several places in scripture where folks are begging for an end to their suffering because their burdens are just too great. (see the book of Jonah) But what we do see is that there is hope on the other side and that the burdens aren’t ours alone to carry. God does not leave our side even in the deepest of valleys and God’s people… God’s people are everywhere in the love in support that comes through Jesus Christ.

 

With care during this changing season,

Pastor Joseph Doegen