Across the Pastor’s Desk by Jim Rushton

Okay, so I like science fiction movies.

And the theme of aliens has been around for a long time. A few years ago, the movie “Signs” was all the rage.

In the mix there was nail biting suspense, some moments of humor and a few attempts at homespun theology. The theology came from Mel Gibson, the pastor and family member. In the course of the movie we find out that his wife was hit by the local vet who, after a long day, nodded off as he was driving home.

Her death troubled Gibson so much he left the ministry. Now, all this time some aliens were hovering around his farm. The night comes when they try to break in. The family hides in the basement. And just as the aliens are pounding at the basement door, our former pastor friend has a distant stare in his eyes and says, “I’m not ready!”

Well, perhaps I journeyed a long way to share my thought. And that thought is: Who is ever ready for their last moment?

That time constantly draws closer. But, we are never really ready. After all, the scriptures remind us that the sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law.

Enter Jesus Christ, our God who loved the world — indeed, God predestined us in Christ before the foundation of the world! He prepares a place for us so that where he is we will be also. This great promise Christ fulfilled for us — not by snapping his fingers or working a little magic, but by dying for us and nailing our sins upon his cross.

No, we are not ready. But God in Christ Jesus has already done all that is necessary in our relationship with him.

We celebrate anew how the holy spirit is poured richly into our hearts, and filling us with the hope of life with God that will never disappoint us.

 

Jim Rushton is the pastor of First Lutheran Church in Glenville.