When was the last time you took a moment to write a love letter? How about a love note to your spouse or a loved one? In today’s world of texting, email and Facebook we often send communication out without a second thought, but our words still have great impact.
Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, formerly of the Lutheran Hour, inspired me to look at that a little closer, with a devotion he wrote. Several months ago, my siblings and I were preparing my parents home of 65 years to be sold. As we cleaned out closets, sorted through boxes and checked every nook and cranny, we found memories going all the way back to when my parents first met in college. We discovered yearbooks, cards and letters written many years ago.
What makes these pieces of paper and ink so special? They weren’t just read and deleted. They weren’t glanced at and thrown out. They were cherished. There was much care that went into crafting the prose that found its way to the page. The words and the punctuation needed to be perfect. When received, it was read in its entirety, over and over again. This was the way thoughts and feelings were communicated when we couldn’t talk face to face. As evidenced by our finds, they were treasured and saved.
There is power in the words of loved ones who wrote to you. Those letters and notes of long ago bring up a myriad of emotions when read again. There are even older words that are dear to each of us. Isaiah writes in 43:1, “But now this is what the Lord says- He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine”.
Isaiah says that God’s Word is a love letter, written by God Himself, to each one of us. He is calling you by name. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring you life and salvation. Do you cherish the love letter from God as dearly as the love notes found in the box in the closet? Do you read them again and again with anticipation of what you will find in the words? His are no ordinary words; they make true life possible for you.
The loving and comforting words continue in verses 2 and 3 of chapter 43. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God.”
We invite you to partner with Church Extension Fund to share the hope and love of God with the people around you. Together, we can help build God’s Kingdom.
Bill Burmeister
Church Extension Fund – Michigan District
800-242-3944 bill.burmeister@mi-cef.org