Turn of the year
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English Impermanence
In the early 1960s, I was often allowed to spend my school holidays with my aunt and grandparents on the farm. That was always a special highlight. I can still remember working together: “Very early in the morning. The dew was still on the meadow, so we mowed the grass in a row of four. ”Ratchet, ratchet, ratchet, and soon the grass strips were mowed.
The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. Isaiah 40,7 (ESV)
The year 2021 has blossomed and is already mowed behind us. Never again will we write in a letter as the sender in 2021.
Whether we used the year right or bad. We can no longer turn back time and make up for what we have missed. But we can do something unreconciled to put right.
The two pillars
In our text we don’t just read about transience. There is also a beautiful picture of consolation.
I call these two pillars: The constant and living word of God
The Good Shepherd who gently guides his sheep.
First pillar: The permanence of God’s word
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40,8 (ESV)
What does God’s word mean to us, which lasts forever?
According to 1 Kings 8:56, it is reliable
According to Jeremiah 15:16 it is food for our souls
According to Psalm 119:70, it brings joy to our hearts#
According to Psalm 119:50, it comforts us
According to Romans 1:16 it is powerful in its effect
According to Psalm 37, it is a signpost
Edwin Donnabauer writes in „Inspiration from God’s Word 2010“:
Eternity is opposed to the transience of our life and everything earthly. It is good to remember that in order to become wise and to live our lives according to God’s Word, we must die. Human words will lose their meaning at the door to eternity. In these moments the only thing that counts is whether we have a Savior to bring us home: Jesus Christ, who gives eternal life to his children. / By his word and by his Holy Spirit. God guides us on this earth to bring us to our goal, to the eternal heavenly home.
Second pillar: the tour of the „Good Shepherd“
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40,11 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23 (ESV)
Doesn’t this pastoral psalm also remind us of the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ?
He calls himself “good shepherd” twice in John 10: 11 + 14 when we take hold of this strong hand of the good shepherd in the new year. He will guide us safely.
Trust in this good shepherd
We do not have a constant earthly life here, but if we live this in the constant word of God and entrust ourselves to the good Shepherd, he will do it so that it serves our best in everything.
The good shepherd surrounds us with protective love:
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalms 5,11-12 (ESV)
Whatever may come, Jesus the Good Shepherd guides us – He worked himself out for us to love, help, and sustain us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote shortly before his execution:
“Wonderfully safe from good powers, we confidently await what may come. God is with us in the evening and in the morning and most certainly every new day. ”(PRAISE HIM 319)
Author: Egon Waechter
Images: https://pixabay.com/de
