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Michael Kumpula | The Voice of Zion April 2021 -- God placed us to live in His creation. The beauty of God’s creation work surrounds us every day. Around us in our lives there’s always something to marvel at and admire. Nature’s beauty, complexity and its never-ending changes from season to season remind us that our Creator is almighty. God’s workday continues; He yet creates and guides His creation. His creation work happens in us, and in our children. It is sobering to remember that we are God’s only creation that can worship Him! Only humans can hear God’s voice and know Him. As part of this special relationship, God also gave the first humans a task, to cultivate and protect creation (Gen. 2:15). Each generation fulfills this duty in their time. Now it is our turn. Scripture beautifully describes the special status God gave humans: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Gen. 1:29,30). God has given us many gifts in nature. We can take our share of nature’s bounty: berries, fish, game, fruits and vegetables, water and wood and seeds and mushrooms and much more. We have been given a good country, a good home area in which to live and be reminded of the handiwork of God all around us. With these gifts comes responsibility. We can show our thankfulness to God for these gifts by using them responsibly and in reasonable amounts. We can develop nature too. We shape the earth, sow and reap. We rejoice over the growth God gives. But the growth and the harvest bounty are not in our hands. All grows according to the conditions God grants. Though we have dominion, it is yet He who commands the air, the soil, the water, everything that grows and lives under and on the earth and in the waters and skies. We should live our life in a way that our choices and our lifestyle respect nature and that we with God-given understanding attempt to upkeep that which God has ordained. We wish to be thankful for what we are given, and as a result we want to preserve this same gift for future generations. Nonetheless, as a result of the fall into sin, we humans have not been successful in the task we were given. Thoughtlessness and greed have caused damage to that which once was perfect and good. Also, we as humans have to admit our smallness and weakness before the forces of nature. God has at times shown His might and power through great ecological, natural events. He can even use these events and catastrophes to turn people’s thoughts to their Creator. We may be worried about ecological catastrophes and whether there are enough resources to support and sustain life as we know it. But we have to remember that God didn’t mean the earth would be our eternal dwelling place. In creating the world, He also determined that it would end one day. The world is finite, its time is finite and its resources are finite. Even if there are periods of change before us that affect our home area, and even if we had to live among the worst-case scenarios that some predict, even then our faith that is anchored in our Creator – our heavenly Father – brings us comfort and security. He will be with us through storm and calm, through flood and drought and through seasons of fire and ice. Our Creator created us as eternal beings, to rest one day with Him in heaven’s home. In His goodness He has made it possible to own, by faith, the promise of eternal life. So the most important thing to cultivate here in this time is the seed of living faith. We should plant this most precious of seeds plentifully. God will bless this work and protect the seedling of faith from frost and flood. God will one day harvest the precious grain to His stores in heaven. There our turn of protecting and cultivating will be over. Instead, we will reap everlasting reward.

Maria Nieminen, Translation: S. Pylvainen | The Voice of Zion April 2021 -- What do we know about Mary Magdalene? People have long speculated about her. Popular literature and art works have attempted to create a narrative that solves much of the mystery of her essence and background. Still, that speculation is often based more on human imagination than on the known evidence of Scripture and history of the time period. In SRK’s book Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan (Women of the Bible from Eve to Priscilla), Ed. Marja-Liisa Sivula and Raili Ojalehto (SRK, 2011), the mysterious Mary Magdalene is presented in a way that clarifies her probable background without adding interpretation. In the following excerpt from Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan, Maria Nieminen gathers what is known of the time period and location to write the story of this follower of Jesus, and she notes that Mary Magdalene was first to see the risen Savior. ‍ Mary Magdalene Jesus traveled the cities and villages preaching and proclaiming: “The time has come, and God’s kingdom is at hand; repent and believe the gospel.” He had healed the sick and driven away evil spirits. Mary Magdalene had struggled in the grip of serious illness. She was haunted by evil spirits. In those days, nearly all maladies were considered the result of bad spirits, especially mental illness, epilepsy and some paralyses. Most likely Mary had sought to follow Jesus due to her illness. Luke relates that Jesus had driven seven evil spirits from her. That miraculous moment fully transformed Mary’s life: she recovered her health and dignity. From that time on, Mary Magdalene became Jesus’ faithful follower. From faith grew the desire to serve Jesus and His disciples and to support them with her resources as well. Mary was from Magdala, a village or town on the western shore of the sea of Galilee. Her name is derived from her home village, indicating that she was most likely not married. At that time it was rather rare for a woman to be single, since parents typically arranged marriages for their daughters when they were quite young. Mary could also have been a widow or divorced. Mary had met Jesus possibly in Capernaum, which was the center of Jesus’ public ministry. Capernaum was only ten kilometers from Magdala. At the time, Magdala was a Hellenistic, multicultural place, situated near Via Maris, an eastern trade route. Residents of Magdala were fishermen and merchants and many were wealthy, middle-class people. It is probable that Mary was discriminated against in her home village, since Jewish society viewed illness as God’s punishment and a consequence of sin. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all the gospels. She is considered a main witness to important events. According to Mark and John, Mary was the first person to whom the Jesus appeared after His resurrection. Magdalan Maria Jeesus oli vaeltanut kaupungeissa ja kylissä saarnaten ja julistaen: ”Aika on täyttynyt, ja Jumalan valtakunta on tullut lähelle; tehkää parannus ja uskokaa evankeliumi.” Hän oli parantanut sairaita ja ajanut pois pahoja henkiä. Magdalan Maria (Maria Magdaleena) oli kamppaillut vaikean sairauden kourissa. Pahat henget olivat riivanneet häntä. Tuohon aikaan lähes kaikki vaivat nähtiin pahojen henkien aiheuttamina, varsinkin psyykkiset sairaudet, epilepsia ja osa halvauksista. Todennäköisesti Maria oli hakeutunut Jeesuksen seuraan juuri sairautensa vuoksi. Luukas kertoo, että Jeesus oli ajanut hänestä seitsemän pahaa henkeä. Tuo ihmeellinen hetki muutti Marian elämän täysin: hän sai terveytensä ja ihmisarvonsa takaisin. Magdalan Mariasta tuli Jeesuksen uskollinen seuraaja. Usko synnytti halun palvella Jeesusta ja opetuslapsia ja tukea heitä myös varoillaan. Maria oli kotoisin Magdalasta, joka oli kylä tai pieni kaupunki Gennesaretin länsirannalla. Hän oli saanut nimensä kotikylänsä mukaan, joten todennäköisesti hän ei ollut naimisissa. Tuohon aikaan oli melko harvinaista olla naimaton nainen, sillä yleensä vanhemmat naittivat tyttärensä hyvin nuorena. Maria saattoi olla myös leski tai eronnut. Mahdollisesti Maria oli kohdannut Jeesuksen Kapernaumissa, joka oli Jeesuksen julkisen toiminnan keskuspaikka. Sinne oli Magdalasta vain kymmenen kilometrin matka. Magdala oli hellenistinen, monikulttuurinen paikka, joka sijaitsi lähellä via Marista, idän kauppareittiä. Sen asukkaat elivät kalastuksesta ja kaupankäynnistä, ja monet heistä olivat keskiluokkaista varakkaampaa väkeä. Todennäköisesti Maria oli sairautensa vuoksi joutunut syrjityksi kotikylässään, sillä juutalaisessa yhteiskunnassa sairaudet nähtiin Jumalan rangaistuksena ja synnin seurauksena. Magdalan Maria mainitaan kaikissa evankeliumeissa. Häntä pidetäänkin tärkeiden tapahtumien päätodistajana. Markuksen ja Johanneksen mukaan Maria oli ensimmäinen, jolle Jeesus ylösnoustuaan ilmestyi.

Nina Vanska | The Voice of Zion May 2021 -- Is time something we have control over? We often think we do. It is valuable; therefore, we have our calendars and reminders, timers and stopwatches. Time moves on, like a stream, fast forward, it seems. We are on a journey through the time that has been given to each of us whether long, short, rough or smooth. However, we are not holding the controls, even if we would wish to. Here in what may be called mid-life, I recall that once there was a time when I really thought the ‘pause’ button had jammed. I lay in a hospital bed when expecting our first child, for weeks. Weeks. I just lay there staring at the ceiling for what seemed like an everlasting present moment. The clock ticked on the wall, but it had no significance. The ceiling had little holes in the white panels, lots of holes. I got lost like a child trying to count them as a way to pass time. Eventually it became just as hopeless as trying to count the stars in the sky. I figured that Abraham was at least encouraged by the innumerable stars; those holes had nothing to offer me, not a promise, not even an escape. The highlights of those days in bed were few, and really, I only looked forward to one: the next time my husband would come by. (I promised myself I would visit lonely people in the hospital after I got out. I haven’t done too well.) I looked out the window; it was confusing to see other people going on with their lives. I felt like they should stop. But I had no remote control. I could only watch and wait. Since then, I have observed how the stream of life keeps moving. The moments of trial always pass, like rocks scraping the bottom of a canoe, and the swift waters carry us forward. There are again moments of childlike screams of joy, and again smoother waters, those mellow moments. In the joyous moments we would like time to stop, ride those waves over again. Life moves on. We may yearn for something behind the approaching bend, times of festive moments. Perhaps it is a milestone in life, perhaps a special occasion. Today, more than anything, I would like to see the preparations of summer services, the singing with brothers and sisters in faith, talking about the way and the journey, listening to God’s Word, feeling the sun in my face. However, we cannot speed up time. We are left to live in the moment, often forgetting to see the birds fluttering about in their daily duties, the sun between the trees, the silence. We have no fast forward, we have no replay (from the cassette-era, I find myself suggesting ‘rewind’), we have no stop, nor even pause. But now, during the pandemic, I feel that God who has the controls, has hit ‘pause’ for many of us. Some may feel the pause is getting old and would like to be done with this. However, it is good to stop and consider what life really is about. Instead of paddling a canoe in rapids in the rush of time, we can now just enjoy the little ripples, maybe even lift the paddle and look around. Nature speaks to us in its calm rhythm of seasons. We are a part of this creation – can we not be a part of the calmness of it? Pause to look around. In your mind, ‘record.’ There are loved ones, friends, perhaps even a lonesome soul, looking for a bit of our valuable time.

‍Juha Luokkala, Translation: S. Pylvainen | The Voice of Zion May 2021 -- In the Psalms we can clearly see how varied the emotions of God’s children can be. David tells how he found the joy of believing in his life. When sin stung his heart, he suffered from it. When he received his sins forgiven, he rejoiced that grace belonged also to him, a fallen one (Ps. 32). Today it is thought that a person has happiness and joy when he or she has good health, great wealth or fame and honor. God’s Word teaches that this is not so. Although it appeared outwardly that all was well with David, he was unhappy because his conscience was not at peace. In contrast, Paul and Silas had peace in their hearts, and they praised God in song, although they were shackled in prison (Acts 16:23–25). A person receives peace of conscience only through the grace of God. Jesus promised to give His own peace, that the world cannot give (John 14:27). I have pondered what the joy of believing means to me, and I’ve realized it especially means that I can believe my sins forgiven. The gospel has always sufficed. It has given faith’s power and joy. I asked a few young people what the joy of believing means to them. One said that he feels joy when he is among the children of God. For example, it was so nice to be at camp that he wanted it to never end. It was easy to believe amidst God’s children. Alone during the weekday there are more doubts, and it is not always easy to believe. These young people also found that it would be good to sometimes stop and consider what faith brings to the life of a child of God. Entertainment media presents an image of joy and freedom that is far from the life of a child of God. In reading about this, there can come the idea that faith limits one’s life. A similar sermon came from the enemy of souls in Paradise (Gen. 3). It offered a better life, but in reality, joy and contentment were replaced by fear. The enemy of the soul has been a liar from the start. It taunts us to reject faith by promising something better in its stead. It does not, however, pay to believe the enemy of the soul since it lies. The joy of believing is a much richer and deeper joy than what the world offers. Faith does not hinder life, nor do we, as God’s children, lose anything that is necessary. On the contrary, God’s Word promises that the children of God receive already in this time hundredfold of all manner of good things and ultimately eternal life in heaven (Mark 10:30). Faith protects us from many evils and grants blessings. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It manifests in God’s children. Sins and sorrows often tarnish joy, but when we can believe sins forgiven, we experience peace, freedom and joy. God’s Word encourages us to rejoice in these great gifts, which God has granted. Kingdom of Children In our times, people have widely abandoned God’s Word. Today, some may even laugh at those who live according to God’s Word. God, however, remembers His children, cares for them and gives His children the power of the gospel. Although faith cannot be comprehended by reason, it contains the power of God. God’s Word directs us to believe simply (Luke 10:21). In God’s kingdom there is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). The Good Shepherd walks among His own and encourages us to trust His guidance. We have a Savior who has overcome the power of the enemy of souls. When listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, doubts and temptations subside. God’s kingdom is the kingdom of grace, where is proclaimed the gospel, joyful tidings, to all (Col. 1:14; Eph. 1:7). Jesus taught that it is most important to find the Good Shepherd in His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). Jesus prepared the road to heaven for humankind. He redeemed our sins with His innocent sacrificial blood. He rose from the dead and gave His own the task of preaching forgiveness of sins through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 20:23). It is a simple sermon, but in it is hidden the power of God. Everyday Trials The heavenly Father directs our lives, and He allows us to experience trials and joys. He sees our every moment, for nothing is kept secret from Him. Amid trials, questions often come to mind: Why does God allow this? Have I committed some sin, for which God punishes in this way? Has God forsaken me? Believers in the Bible also had such doubts. For example, Job felt bitter, became depressed and blamed God for his tribulations (Job 21:7). During difficulties we usually do not see God’s guidance, nor do we understand His intention. Sometimes we understand later what a certain trial meant for us and our loved ones. And while it is not even always clear later, we know that through trials life’s most important matter is illuminated. At confirmation camp we began and ended our days with simple questions. The first question was: What is life’s most important matter? The campers answered in unison: “Faith.” It is our life’s most precious matter. Through trials, God directs us to think about faith and its meaning. Current Reasons for Distress There are many types of sorrows and distress. At confirmation camp it gave me pause to see how many young people experience fear and anxiety over climate change. One youth related that her friend left faith for this reason. Another admitted having anxiety for not being able to do everything he should on behalf of the climate. I would like to encourage young people to trust in God’s guidance. God has promised to give His own a future and hope (Jer. 29:11). He encourages us to trust Him, the Lord of life and death, who has created the world and oversees it with His Word. It is completely correct to work responsibly in relation to creation. At the same time we can, however, trust that the world and all of creation are in the heavenly Father’s hands. He directs the fate of the world as He wishes and knows when the world will end (Mark 13:32). We live not only for this time but above all for heaven. Our lives are but a palm’s breadth compared to eternity. Prophet Isaiah compared human life to the grass that blooms for a moment and then withers away. Likewise he reminded that God’s Word shall stand forever (Isa. 40:6–8). This compels us to look upon the coming reward in heaven. Worries and anxiety can make believing difficult (Matt. 13:22) and become an obstacle to faith. When life’s most important matter is faith, trust in God’s care is preserved. We do not have to endeavor on our own strength to build our future, but rather we can trust that God has promised to take good care of us. He leads us also during times of tribulation (Ps. 71:20). Happiness and Joy in Daily Life Psalmist Asaf wondered why the ungodly can enjoy their lives, but he must suffer. Then he understood that true happiness and joy is found only near God (Ps. 73). Trials, sorrows and joys travel hand in hand. Faith is a much more valuable matter than temporal life’s joy and pleasures. Even those who are depressed can turn their hearts toward the joy of believing. Joy is often tied to the smallest things. Do we notice the things that bring joy in our everyday lives? David admired life as a great gift of God (Ps. 139:14). Each life has meaning. Each person has a reason for thankfulness. God wants us to live with joy for the gifts He has given. Family, home, workplace, health, study, school and hobbies are all God’s gifts, and we can give thanks for them. Faith Is Not Based in Feelings Faith is not feeling but believing. We may hope that we would experience more strongly the joy and peace that come with faith. However, the Bible presents the life of God’s children as a battle against sin and the lusts of the flesh. In this battle, wounds come as sin besets and slows the journey. At such times we can easily think that other believers are better than me. The Bible believers had those same thoughts. Apostle Paul felt deeply the effect of sin within himself and said he is the greatest of sinners (Rom. 7:18–24; 1 Tim. 1:15). Jesus related how during the final judgement the righteous will wonder when it was that they served Jesus as they were said to have done. They don’t feel deserving of a place in heaven. The self-righteous, however, will wonder when they have failed to serve Jesus (Matt. 25:31–46). Feelings of weakness and poorness are thus one of the hallmarks of God’s children. With this we must be content. According to the Bible, a person with even a mustard seed of faith could command a tree to be plucked up and planted (Luke 17:6). Jesus knew a child of God’s feelings and began His sermon on the Mount comfortingly: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). Although we are weak in ourselves, in Christ we are perfect. The Joy of Participating Sin dwells in us and attempts to take us farther from God. Therefore, it is important that we want to keep a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19). When we believe the gospel, God cleanses the conscience of all sin. Faith and the journey are lightened. Today there is much talk of communality. God’s kingdom is more than a community, because it also contains a spiritual dimension, which can only be understood through faith. Faith is always personal. We believe and we know that by traveling in the throng of God’s kingdom we will one day arrive at our destination in heaven. The youth with whom I visited were concerned that after confirmation school many no longer participate in activities with believers. The young people expressed that especially during these times it would be important to encourage one another to believe and to participate when the children of God gather. In the discussion we noted how meaningful the texts are that we send to friends. A WhatsApp group text “Let’s go to services” can create a positive ripple effect in the friends’ group. If on the other hand a text is sent that says, “I don’t feel like going,” others answer with “Well not me either then.” I encourage the young ones to support each other in faith. I know that many struggle with feeling alone. But no one is entirely alone. The Savior travels with you. We pray that lonely ones would find an escorts, a friend, with whom to continue the journey. God sees the suffering and gives help in His time. A connection with God’s children is important for preserving faith. Without connection to God’s kingdom it is impossible to get to the destination in heaven. Without walking in the light people cannot partake in God’s kingdom nor the forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:7). In the throng of God’s kingdom, the pure stream of the gospel flows among us (Heb. 12:1). Raising Children with One’s Own Gifts Many parents feel like poor childrearers and they ponder how they can raise their children correctly. These times are not merciful to parents, as they are subjected to many demands. God has given them the task to raise their children and the necessary gifts for this task. We can trust in God’s care even in this task of raising children. He sees our weaknesses and shortcomings and wants to help us. Many parents have shed tears and blamed themselves for their children leaving faith. But think of Jesus: He was a perfect teacher and still all the disciples did not remain believing. Faith is always a personal matter. And with God all things are possible. The seed of God’s Word sown at home can germinate in a child’s conscience even years later. We can turn to the heavenly Father and pray that He would invite those who lost their faith back to the kingdom. Even in this matter, we may leave our cares and sorrows in His hands. Rejoice in the Lord Always In the battle with the world, our flesh and the enemy of the soul’s temptations, doubts come to mind: will I ever get to heaven. It seems I have so little faith, I wonder if there is any to be found at all. In the storms of the world it may go as it did for the disciples who were in a boat on a lake when a storm came. Jesus saved them when they cried to Him for help (Matt. 8:24–26). We do not have to fear. God is our comfort and helper in the moment of distress (Ps. 46:2). Jesus encourages His own to take heart, although they experience tribulations in this world, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). We do not have to defeat the enemy of the soul, for Jesus has done this on our behalf. His power is greater than the power of the enemy of the soul. We also do not have to trust our own strength. We can simply take comfort in God’s grace (2 Cor. 12:9). The Good Shepherd encourages everyone to believe and trust in His power. He has said that no one can pluck God’s children out of His Father’s hand (John 10:29). We have a refuge in God’s kingdom, where God protects us with His armor (Eph. 6:13–17). We can trust in the power of the gospel. One day we will enjoy perfect bliss in heaven’s home and praise God for His great love. ‍Originally published in Finnish in the SRK’s 2020 yearbook of current topics Yhteyttä rakentamassa (Building a Connection), Ed. Juha Luokkala and Ari-Pekka Palola (SRK, 2020). Translated and published with permission.

Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion May 2021 --‍ One of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering him said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. – Luke 7:36–50 ‍ Simon, a Pharisee, desired to invite Jesus to come sit at meat with him. Simon and others in the city had heard of Jesus and His teachings. Simon wanted to listen and discuss with Jesus, which in itself is a good thing to do. However, when we note what happened during the meal, it is plain to see where Simon’s faith was. Simon, like all Pharisees, lived a self-righteous life. He felt that through his good works he had attained a higher status than the sinful woman. God does not give faith according to social status or good works, but rather to those who seek His kingdom. Simon wondered why Jesus would allow such a sinful one to touch Him. He was like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan. He would not associate with people of what he perceived a lower class (Luke 10:30–36). Jesus’ Mission Jesus came into this world to call sinners – not the righteous – to repentance (Matt. 9:13). Jesus can see into our hearts just as He saw into the hearts of Simon and the sinful woman. When the woman heard Jesus was in the city, she desired to see Him. Her faith was weak and she felt her unworthiness before Jesus. She knelt weeping at His feet. Serving Him in this lowly manner was all she felt she could do. Since her sins were forgiven, she felt great love towards her Savior, and she anointed His feet with ointment. We can pray to the heavenly Father that He would give us faith like this sinful woman to serve in His kingdom with the gifts He has given. Jesus uses a short parable (verses 41 and 42) to explain forgiveness and love. One debtor owed fifty pence and the other owed ten times that. Both were forgiven their entire debt when they couldn’t pay. Jesus asks Simon who will love Him most. Simon hesitantly gives the correct answer: the one whom Jesus forgave most. Through eyes of faith we can see that the debt of our sins, for which we ourselves were unable to pay, was paid for in the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We then love much as well. Through faith we have love and desire to show this love to those around us. We Live Under Grace Simon and the other guests that sat at meat with Jesus did not have true faith. They did not see or understand that Christ came into this world to save sin-fallen humankind. Instead they murmured among themselves, “Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” They lived under the law and believed they were saved by following the law. We live under grace and are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus by believing our sins forgiven. Simple faith saved this sinful woman, and it will also save us. Let us cling to that gift of faith that God has given unto us. May it always be near and dear to us!

Sam Roiko | The Voice of Zion July 2021 --‍ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. – Luke 9:57–62 The time had come in Jesus’ public ministry when he was turning his gaze to Jerusalem. His time of public ministry was coming to an end, and He was well known throughout the land. He many times had a multitude traveling with him. Luke records for us three different individuals who were nearby when Jesus was traveling. One volunteered to Jesus that he would follow Jesus wherever He went. The reply of Jesus was a comment that foxes and birds have places to live, but the Son of man does not have a place where to lay His head. This does not sound like a welcoming or inviting response. However, our Lord and Savior knew the hearts of all men. Did He hear the self-assurance of one who thought he could follow Jesus by his own ability, courage, and understanding? Jesus’s words to the man point out that following Him, Jesus, means ‘denying oneself, and the need to take up the cross and following him’ (Matt. 8:34). One’s Own Understanding Leads Nowhere One’s own ability and understanding may bring one a short distance, but the end is often unfortunate: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Peter, on Maunday Thursday evening, promised Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33). Peter’s self-assurance resulted in him being found in the place of one who denied his Lord and Savior. Another man heard the invitation from Jesus to “follow me.” He responded with the request to first go bury his father. Jesus replied to “let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Jesus does not disregard the death or burial of loved ones; in fact He wept with Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus (John 11:33). Here He wanted to remind that the preaching of God’s kingdom goes forth to those who are yet living here on earth – those who have passed away have no ability to change their fate, as the rich man in the parable realized too late (Luke 16:19–31). This is why Jesus has sent His own, to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins, in His name (Luke 24:47), saying, “the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:9). Keep the Gaze on the Goal The third man heard the call to come follow the Lord Jesus, and said “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” Jesus replied, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The use of a plough to till the soil for planting must have been familiar. When guiding a plough, one needed to look ahead to ensure the rows were straight. The best way was to look to the destination, the end of the row. If one’s gaze turned away from the goal, the plough would turn off the path as well. This metaphor serves to highlight the place our faith must have in our lives. Jesus’ words also remind of the first commandment: “I am the Lord thy God… thou shalt have no other gods before me.” If something or someone becomes more important than God, it has become a false god. Jesus Himself said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37). Even family relations, those whom we live with and are closest to, cannot be more important than the gift of faith. Take Heed These examples show us how important it is to take heed and pay attention when we hear the call into God’s kingdom. The call into God’s kingdom is unconditional. When the disciples Peter, James and John heard the call, they forsook all, and followed him (Luke 5:11). Nothing remained more important than following the Lord and Savior. When we begin to place conditions on our entry into God’s kingdom, the call is not accepted. We cannot demand God to show us our errors or prove to us why we are not correct. Rather, as the Holy Ghost says, Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts! (Heb. 3:7,8). He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches (Rev. 2:7) The gospel of God’s kingdom is also unconditional. To the poor, the gospel is preached (Matt. 11:5). The preaching of God’s kingdom is sweet and beautiful (Isa. 40:9).

Mikko Pasanen | The Voice of Zion July 2021 --‍ Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. – Rom. 14:13–19 The Apostle Paul writes to the Roman believers whom he had not actually visited on his missionary journeys. The whole letter, therefore, is a clear explanation of the foundations of faith in which Paul explains simply how we believe. Did some congregation members have a dim understanding of believers’ freedom and grace? Many Roman citizens at that time lived an indecent lifestyle. Were believers also affected by this lifestyle? Apostle Paul was certainly aware of the Roman culture. However, perhaps that was not the only matter in question. Perhaps also the flame of love flickered weakly in some believers. Some of the Jewish believers in Rome thought that the religious laws of the Jews must be followed. Paul had heard about this from other believers and wanted to encourage the congregation in Rome to accept others’ viewpoints without breaking the love. Are Cultural Differences a Matter of Faith? Paul reminds Rome’s Jewish believers that the Jewish customs and laws were not required teachings for all believers. For example, circumcision, a custom of the Jews, was not necessarily a matter of faith. Rather, “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter...” (Rom. 2:29). Cultural differences such as this could even have led to a rift between believers who were Jewish and those who were Gentiles, extinguishing the flame of faith and suppressing love. Likewise, we today do not want to add burdens onto believers. Instead, we wish to help other believers in their endeavor. Paul tells the Romans, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight” (Rom. 3:20). “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham or his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith” (Rom. 4:13). The enemy of the soul would certainly prefer to see love broken over disputes of the law, but our salvation relies on faith, not the law. Instead of arguing about the law, Paul teaches believers to show love by “distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13–14). Paul continues, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:16–19). Therefore, Paul advises to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Let Us Live Peaceably Today as in Paul’s time, we battle against the enemy of the soul who would wish to break the love between believers. When following the instruction of a governing body is in question, God’s Word says that authority is of God. In this, we want to be obedient and a light to the world. Thus, we cannot rise up against authority – has not God both ordained and given a sword to authority? (Rom. 13:1,4). There is no authority that does not come from God. If we rise up against dominion, we also rise up against God’s ordinance. Doing so will result in punishment. Do we not want to do the right thing so there is no need to fear the authorities? As ordained of God, authority does not carry the sword in vain, but punishes the wrongdoer. Again, the believer wants to keep love and live according to God’s Word. God’s people live in freedom and not in bondage. God’s children have freedom – not the freedom to do or live in sin, but the freedom of the believer to live in this world trusting that Jesus will return to take us to the home of His Father, where He has now gone to prepare a dwelling place for the children of God. Righteousness, Peace and Joy As Paul explains to the Romans, God’s kingdom does not demand laws and commandments. Instead, God’s kingdom is freedom, righteousness, joy, peace and love. When sins are forgiven, a believing heart does not want to offend others, much less the community of believers. However, when sin besets and roots into the heart, the kingdom of God begins to look old-fashioned; it begins to show all its faults and mistakes. No grace for another can be found. Then also, when unforgiven sin remains on the conscience, the office of the Holy Spirit will begin to fade with the weight of sin. The bells of grace are not desired to be heard. The spiritual connection is cut and the office of the Spirit shifts to the office of the Word. Oh, how sad when the Spirit departs: joy is gone and peace dims. Love is cold and mercy decreases. Freedom is destroyed. The instruction of the Holy Spirit and of grace is not heard. Ended is the eternal joy and in its place is hatred, sorrow, bitterness, frenzy, malice, breaking and grating. Faith of the heart changes to unbelief. Instead of turning to unbelief, the fallen should listen to the Holy Spirit’s grace instruction and humble themselves onto repentance. This instruction is the same today as it was in Paul’s time. If love has been broken and a judging, critical attitude weighs on the conscience, the call comes from God’s house that you may believe your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious, atonement blood.

Johanna Lumijärvi, Translation: Eeva Kariniemi | The Voice of Zion July 2021 -- Who was Lydia? The women of the Bible were just as varied and interesting as women today. While most of the women that come to mind when we think of biblical times were mothers who worked in or near the home, there were also women living in many situations, specifically workers who helped forward God’s message by giving time and monetary resources to apostles of the Word. One such woman was Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth, which was valuable at the time when Apostle Paul made his journeys, about 40 AD. Perhaps Lydia’s business produced income which she was then able to use to benefit the early church. In SRK’s book Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan (Women of the Bible from Eve to Priscilla), Ed. Marja-Liisa Sivula and Raili Ojalehto (SRK, 2011), we read that Lydia was the first European believer in Europe who was named in the book of Acts. In this excerpt, Johanna Lumijärvi tells of Lydia’s meeting with Apostle Paul, and of her repentance. Paul, who previously persecuted Christians, made several missionary journeys with other apostles after his conversion to Christianity. There were altogether three missionary journeys to various destinations. The meeting of Lydia and Apostle Paul occurred early on the second missionary journey. Luke, the author of the Acts of Apostles, relates that the journeys of Paul or of other apostles did not always go according to plan, but rather the Spirit of God prevented a planned journey and directed them elsewhere. This is what happened also at the beginning of the second missionary journey. Paul and Timothy along with their companions first attempted to go to Asia Minor and then proceed to Bithynia. Since those plans were thwarted, they ended up in Troas on the Aegean Sea. While in Troas, Paul had a vision at night in which he was asked, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Paul and his companions set off and arrived in Philippi after a couple days. On his missionary journeys, Paul usually went in each new city to the synagogue, to the site where Jews worshipped God. There it was good for him to proclaim the message of the risen Jesus. During a Jewish service any Jewish man could ask for the Bible scrolls and give a sermon on some text in the Old Testament. In Philippi, when it was the Sabbath day, Paul and his companions went to the riverside to find a place to pray, because the city did not appear to have a synagogue. If there had been even ten Jewish men, there would have been a synagogue. Ten males above the age of thirteen were required to hold a Jewish worship service. Paul knew that a site for a prayer meeting might be found on the shore of the river, because alongside running water it was easy to perform purification rites, for instance. Luke relates, “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she received the message that Paul spoke.” In this rudimentary way the Bible describes the most important event in the life of Lydia. Lydia believed the gospel proclaimed by Apostle Paul. Lyydian ja Paavalin Kohtaaminen Paavali, joka oli entinen kristittyjen vainoaja, teki kristityksi käännyttyään lähetysmatkoja muutamien muiden apostolien kanssa. Eri puolille suuntautuneita matkoja oli kaikkiaan kolme. Lyydian ja Paavalin kohtaaminen ajoittuu toisen lähetysmatkan alkupuolelle. Apostolien tekojen kirjoittaja Luukas kertoo, etteivät Paavalin tai muiden apostolien omat suunnitelmat aina toteutuneet, vaan Jumalan Henki esti suunnitellun matkan ja ohjasi toisaalle. Näin kävi myös toisen lähetysmatkan alussa. Paavali ja Timoteus seuralaisineen yrittivät mennä ensin Aasiaan ja sitten Bityniaan. Suunnitelmien estyttyä he päätyivät Troakseen meren rannalle. Troaksessa Paavali näki yöllä näyn, jossa häntä pyydettiin: ”Tule meren yli tänne Makedoniaan ja auta meitä.” Paavali seurueineen lähti matkaan, ja he saapuivat parissa päivässä Filippiin. Lähetysmatkoillaan Paavali meni yleensä uudessa paikassa synagogaan, juutalaisten jumalanpalveluspaikkaan. Siellä hänen oli hyvä julistaa sanomaa ylösnousseesta Jeesuksesta. Juutalaisessa jumalanpalveluksessa kuka tahansa juutalainen mies saattoi pyytää kirjakäärön ja pitää puheen jostakin Vanhan testamentin tekstistä. Filippissä sapatin tultua Paavali tovereineen meni rantaan etsimään rukouspaikkaa, koska kaupungissa ei näyttänyt olevan synagogaa. Jos Filippissä olisi ollut kymmenenkin juutalaista miestä, siellä olisi ollut myös synagoga. Juutalaisen jumalanpalveluksen pitämiseen vaadittiin näet kymmenen yli 13-vuotaista miestä. Paavali tiesi, että rukouspaikka saattaisi löytyä rannasta, koska virtaavan veden äärellä oli helppo suorittaa esimerkiksi puhdistumismenoja. Luukas kertoo: “Sapattina menimme kaupungin ulkopuolelle joenrantaan; arvelimme, että siellä olisi rukouspaikka. Istuuduimme sinne ja puhuimme naisille, joita siellä oli koolla. Meitä kuuntelemassa oli myös muuan Lyydia, jumalaapelkäävä nainen, joka oli kotoisin Tyatirasta ja kävi kauppaa purppurakankailla. Herra avasi hänen sydämensä ottamaan vastaan sen mitä Paavali puhui.” Näin koruttomasti Raamattu ilmaisee tärkeimmän Lyydian elämässä tapahtuneen asian. Lyydia uskoi Paavalin julistaman evankeliumin.

The Voice of Zion August 2021 -- LLC 2021 SUMMER SERVICE CONGREGATION EVENING, JULY 2, 2021 Introduction In many of the discussions of recent years, we have heard it said that we need to turn to God’s Word. What do we mean by the term God’s Word? What is it? Where do we find it? How do we recognize it? How should we receive it? How should we read it or hear it? I suspect that when most of us hear, read, or use the term God’s Word we usually think of the Holy Bible, the written Word. The Bible itself however refers to God’s Word more broadly. It speaks of God’s Word in 3 ways: 1) as God’s Son, the Incarnate Word, 2) as a written word, and 3) as a spoken word. The Word Made Flesh The gospel of John begins with the words, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1–3). They are at the same time the echo and explanation of the first words of Genesis. But John is not finished. A little later in his prologue he writes, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). This is one of the great mysteries of God. They are words beyond this presenter’s ability to grasp or explain. The Word, that was with God and that was God, the invisible and eternal, became flesh and revealed himself to us. He became a man to be heard, to be seen, and to be touched (1 John 1:1). The fulfilment of the prophet’s words: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt. 1:23). God, who had in times past and in various ways, spoken to the fathers through the prophets, has now in these last days spoken to us by His son (Heb. 1:1). The Word, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as Paul writes, though he was in the form of God, emptied himself out and took on the form of a servant, was born in the likeness of men, like you and like me. And He humbled himself to death on the cross (Phil. 2:6–8). God, the Word, was with us and died for us. But He is not dead. He appeared to this same John on the Isle of Patmos and said: “Fear not; I am the first and the last: -- I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:17,18). The Word of God is not dead. He still speaks. He has ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father but has a body here on the earth. It is His church, and He is its head (Eph. 1:22,23, 5:23,29–32). When we speak of God’s Word, we speak of Jesus Christ. These are all great mysteries of God. They cannot truly be understood or explained by reason, not even by the best minds. They remain objects of faith. The Bible – The Written Word of God God has also revealed himself in the Holy Bible, a written Word. The Bible itself tells that this written Word of God was written by men. These men did not however express their own will, but as the Apostle Peter states, God moved them by His Spirit to express His own will (2 Pet. 1:20,21). God’s Word thus has both a human and a divine element. Another mystery. It is important to understand and remember this. We see the human component, for example, in the Bible’s descriptions of the natural world. The men who wrote the scripture portrayed the world as they saw and understood it with their knowledge of nature at the time. It is also important to understand and remember what the Bible’s purpose is. Luther noted that the Bible does not profess to give a detailed history of the world, nor even a complete biography of the persons whom it introduces. Its object, he says, is to set before us the history of the kingdom of God. Thus, it only describes such persons and the events that are necessary for that purpose. We understand that the Bible, even though it has a human element, is nonetheless God’s own Word. Thus, regarding its message and purpose, the Bible is unerring. Because the Bible is God’s Word, we are not to treat it like man’s word but are to grant it our highest esteem and reverence. God’s Word is also eternal and unchanging. To claim that God’s Word is bound to time and shackled to the culture of its time does not do justice to God’s revelation. According to Jesus, the content and the message of the Word of God does not change even though the world changes. It is always timely. He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). The central message of the Bible, the written Word, is Jesus Christ and the salvation that God has prepared in Him. The Apostle John reveals this in explaining the purpose of his gospel. He says, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). This can be said of the entire Scripture, for Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). As Paul said of Jesus, “it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” and that in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 1:19, 2:3). Thus, God’s revelation is complete in Jesus Christ. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and “no man cometh unto the Father,” but by Him (John 14:6). Jesus commanded John to write: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). There is no new thing to be added. The way of salvation is complete. All that needs to be done for our redemption has been done in Christ. Because the Bible is God’s Word and His complete revelation, we regard it as the highest authority and guide for Christian faith and life. The LLC’s 2006 position statement expresses our belief in this way: “We believe that God’s Word is Christian faith’s highest authority and thus Christian faith’s guiding principles and doctrine must be examined and evaluated in the light of God’s Word.” This statement is based on the so-called Formal Principle of the Reformation. It is expressed in the Epitome of the Formula of Concord as follows: “We believe, teach, and confess that the prophetic and apostolic writings of the Old and New Testaments are the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged, as it is written in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And St. Paul says in Galations 1:8, “Even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Tappert, T. G. (Ed.). (1959). The Book of Concord the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (p. 464). Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press.) The Spoken Word The third form of God’s Word is the oral or spoken Word. It is the Word that God proclaims in the present, to you and to me. He has not withdrawn from the earth and gone silent. He has not abandoned us. He has not only left an account of what He has said to a past generation. He still speaks to you and me in the present world. Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16–18). Through His Holy Spirit He speaks in and from His congregation. It is a gospel that is not “in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews refers especially to this spoken Word, when he writes that the Word of God is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). This oral Word is inseparably linked to God’s congregation. When Luther said that “God’s word cannot be without God’s people, and conversely, God’s people cannot be without God’s word,” he was speaking of the oral Word. He said, “First, the holy Christian people are recognized by their possession of the holy word of God…This is the principal item, and the holiest of holy possessions, by reason of which the Christian people are called holy; for God’s word is holy and sanctifies everything it touches; it is indeed the very holiness of God…For the Holy Spirit himself administers it and anoints or sanctifies the Christian church with it…But we are speaking of the external word, preached orally by men like you and me, for this is what Christ left behind as an external sign, by which his church, or his Christian people in the world, should be recognized” (On the Councils and the Churches). Paul’s writing about the relationship of husband and wife, uses Christ and His church as an example. He says that “Christ is the head of the church” and “the church is subject unto Christ” and he then concludes with these words: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:23,24,31,32). The church is not above the Word but subject to it and one with it. As Paul’s says, a great mystery. It too is an article of faith. The Bible reveals the role of the oral Word. Paul writes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Peter too shows that new birth occurs through the oral gospel when he writes to those who had been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever…And this is the word by which the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:23,25). Luther says, “Actually, the Gospel is not what one finds in books and what is written in the letters of the alphabet; it is rather an oral sermon and a living Word, a voice that resounds throughout the world and is proclaimed publicly, so that one hears it everywhere” (Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 30: The Catholic Epistles. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 30, p. 3). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House). By the oral Word the message of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ, is proclaimed in the present and personally to the hearer. A penitent sinner does not need to wonder if God, who so many years ago through the mouth of Nathan forgave David, or through the mouth of His Son forgave the paralyzed man, hears his or her prayer for forgiveness and truly forgives him or her. God hears, and He still speaks. He speaks in the present. He through the mouths of His children imparts His forgiveness to the penitent individual. They are His ambassadors, and He has entrusted them with His Word of reconciliation and the keys of His kingdom (2 Cor. 5:18–20; Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 20:22,23). He That Hath An Ear, Let Him Hear As we noted earlier, the claim that God’s Word is bound to time and shackled to the culture of its time does not do justice to God’s revelation. God’s Word is always timely. At the same time, because of the human element, we recognize that the prophets, apostles, and Jesus spoke to the people of the world in which they lived at that time and in terms that were familiar to them. God’s congregation through the New Testament time has faced many challenges and issues that have not presented themselves in earlier phases of history. The Holy Spirit has always taught and guided His congregation in the face of new issues and challenges. The early New Testament congregation faced new questions when the gospel spread to Gentile nations. They met in Jerusalem to discuss those challenges in the light of God’s Word. They had a long discussion. Only a few speeches have been recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit led and guided their discussion, and they reached a timely and appropriate course of action. Their conclusions were prefaced with the words, “it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” What comforting words. God’s children in later ages, even ours, have had the same experience. God has not abandoned us. He is not silent. God through His Holy Spirit leads and guides His congregation whether the challenges are those brought by new technologies and developments or spiritual turmoil. God has not abandoned us. He still speaks through His Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed servants of the Word in the churches of Asia Minor, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:29). This instruction can be difficult to accept. When we look at God’s congregation, we easily see many shortcomings and faulty sinners. That God speaks through sin-corrupt people is another one of His mysteries. This too becomes an article of faith. In his preface to Revelations, he addresses this issue. He says, “This article, ‘I believe one holy Christian Church,’ is an article of faith, as well as the rest. The reason, therefore, cannot recognize it, though it puts all its glasses on. The devil can cover it over with offenses and tumults, so that you have to take offense at it. God, too, can hide it with faults and short-comings of all kinds, so that you become a fool and pass such judgment on it. It will not be known by sight, but by faith, and faith concerns the things we do not see (Hebrews xi); and the Church joins with her Lord in the song, “Blessed is he that takes no offense in me.” May God grant us faith and humility to hear what God through His Spirit teaches in His congregation. Before the Word God reveals himself to us in His Word. It is His great gift and blessing to us and to all mankind. It is a treasure that does not stop giving. As Paul writes to Timothy, “the holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:15,16). God’s Word can teach us, comfort us, and it can also cause us distress. We want to approach and use God’s Word with humility and reverence and with prayer. We should strive to read out of the Scripture what God would say to us and not read into Scripture what we would like it to say. As we heard, the Scriptures do not express the will and message of the men who wrote them, but that God’s Holy Spirit inspired them to speak the will and message of God. The Holy Spirit is also the key that opens the Bible. The Bible is also a spiritual book. It contains many acts of God that appear impossible to us. It contains many mysteries of God that reason cannot explain. They require faith. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please” God. We should always remember that the Scriptures are to be explained by the Scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. The message of the Scripture does not contradict itself. We should consider each portion, and our understanding of it, in the light of the rest of Scripture and the entirety of its message. This practice helps us to avoid subjectivity. Paul told Timothy, a servant of the Word, that he should strive to “rightly divide” or correctly handle God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15). All of us, when we study God’s Word, should seek to understand what God, through the speaker or author, intended to say to the people to whom He spoke or wrote. Then we can try to rightly apply it to our lives and the issues that we face. A careless, lazy, or misguided approach to the reading and study of God’s Word can lead us to confusion and wrong understanding. Teachers and preachers have a special burden to “rightly divide” God’s Word as those who “watch for your souls, as they that must give account” and who will “receive the greater condemnation” (Heb. 13:17, James 3:1.) “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” ‍ Source: Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 41: Church and Ministry III. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 41, p. 148–150). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

Carey Simonson | The Voice of Zion August 2021 --‍ As Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing… Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. – John 9:1–7, 39–41 The paradox of the blind seer is familiar to many of us. Yet here in John’s text we encounter the miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth, followed by conversation regarding that miracle. John devotes an entire chapter to the healing of this blind man and the many conversations it inspired amongst the man’s neighbors, and between the man and his neighbors, the man and the Pharisees, the Pharisees and the man’s parents, the man and Jesus and finally Jesus and the Pharisees. Many of these people did not believe that Jesus was the son of God or able to heal this blind man. ‍ Who Sinned That This Man Was Born Blind? The disciples thought that the man’s blindness was a punishment for sin. We may also wonder if God is punishing us or others when we or they experience difficulties in life or when accidents happen. Jesus clearly tells the disciples that it was God’s will that this man was born blind. It was not a punishment. This answer is enough for us as well. We can trust that “He gives to you whate’er is best” (SHZ 367:4), and “He careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). God gives trials and joy. Certainly, some of the difficulties we face in life are a result of our own decisions, while others are simply from God and it is better to accept them from the hand of God rather than battle against them. “All my joys and all my sorrows He apportions ev’ry day. Even in the trying times, God is near me, by my side” (SHZ 430:2). The Works of God Should Be Made Manifest in Him Through the healing of the blind man, Jesus was able to show the works of God. As Jesus once said: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38,40). In many cases, Jesus healed and forgave sins with His Word (e.g., Mark 2:5–12); but in this case, Jesus put clay on the man’s eyes and had him wash in pool of Siloam. When the man obeyed Jesus’ instructions, he was able to see. Jesus healed this man’s temporal sight but also opened his spiritual eyes to see and his heart to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 9:35–38). In the same way, the living gospel, which is preached from God’s kingdom today, heals wounds of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Blind See and the Seeing Are Blind The Pharisees did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They even tried to use God’s law to prove that Jesus could not be from God. “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day” (John 9:16). The Pharisees knew God’s law, but they did not believe. Their knowledge did not help them. In fact, we could say it hindered them. On the other hand, this unlearned blind man simply explained to the Pharisees that Jesus must be of God because He had healed him. This angered the Pharisees and “They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out” (John 9:34). We see a sharp contrast between the simple faith of the blind man and the pious knowledge and unbelief of the Pharisees. Paul saw this also. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:26,27). Or as Jesus said: “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31,32). Thus, the blind man who could see is an image of how only through faith are we saved.