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Carey Simonson | The Voice of Zion April 2021 -- And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. – Luke 24:36–49 Prior to our text, Jesus had revealed himself to two sorrowful travelers who had left Jerusalem to travel to Emmaus. After Jesus opened their eyes to know Him, they were so joyful that they returned to Jerusalem immediately and found the disciples. While they were telling the disciples that they had seen the risen Lord Jesus, Jesus appeared and greeted them, “Peace be unto you.” The disciples did not recognize Jesus and were terrified. Change Can Bring Fear Fear is a common human emotion. We fear many things. Many of us fear change, and we may especially feel fear or anxiety when facing the unknown, things we don’t understand and things that are out of our control. The disciples were living during a time of great change in their personal lives and in the work of God’s kingdom. Their master, their teacher, their Saviour had been put to death. What would the future bring? We live at a time of great change. A year-long world pandemic has changed everyone’s life. Meanwhile, climate and other data show a world with a changing climate. These changes have amplified political, racial and social tensions around us. They try the love among believers. They may cause uncertainty and doubts, even fear. We may wonder if God is with us. Is He in control? In view of these changes, the words of Jesus are relevant today: “Why are ye troubled? … it is I.” God allows all things to happen for His purpose and in His time: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). We can trust in His wonderful plan even when we can’t see or understand His plan (Isa. 55:8–9). During these times, may we care for and encourage each other in love (Heb. 10:24). May God help us respect our leaders and understand that if we resist authority, we resist God (Rom. 13:2). We wish to faithfully do our best to help fellow believers and all people (Gal. 6:10) and fulfill our God-given duty to care for the environment (Gen. 1:28, 2:15). Understanding Is a Gift Jesus did many things to show the disciples that He was the risen Christ. He: (1) told them “it is I,” (2) asked them to touch him, (3) showed them his nail wounds, (4) ate food, and (5) reminded them that He had told them while He was alive that He would suffer, die and resurrect according to the scripture. Yet our text says that the disciples believed not and wondered. Why? Does this mean the disciples were not believing? They were believing, but Jesus had not opened their understanding of the scriptures (v. 45). Understanding scripture is not a prerequisite for faith. Jesus taught that a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1–6). Today, the Holy Spirit, which is the “promise of my Father” and the “power from on high” in verse 49, continues the work of Christ and opens understanding. If the Holy Spirit does not open, then “they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matt. 13:13). The Witnesses of the Resurrection Believe and Preach the Living Gospel Jesus told the disciples that they were witnesses of the resurrection and would preach the living gospel throughout the world. Through eyes of faith, we are also witnesses of the resurrection. Although faulty, doubting and fearful in ourselves, we are the true witnesses of Christ’s resurrection when we believe and preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Even amid a rapidly changing world, our greatest fear is sin because sin separates us from God. We fear that after preaching to others, we would be lost because sin and evil are so close to us – within our flesh (1 Cor. 9:27). The songwriter also affirms, “Its passions rage deeply within your heart like billowing waves to engulf you” (SHZ 483:3). Nevertheless, Jesus was victorious over sin, death and hell. We own this victory through faith. One day, we will resurrect to eternal life in heaven when we hold faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19).

Translation: M. Keranen | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- In the church calendar, Shrovetide immediately precedes the Lenten period, and the name for this time (Esto mihi, which is Latin for “be for me”) refers to preparing for a period of fasting. The actual pre-Easter fasting, which lasts forty working days, begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent – the time of fasting – culminates in the Passion Week preceding Easter. Nowadays, fasting is spoken of in many different ways. More and more people are focusing on mental wellbeing and calm. Fasting for some can be an aspiration for a simple lifestyle. For another, it can mean stopping in the midst of a busy day to think about what is important and essential in life. There should be more talk about the spiritual significance of fasting. Fasting in the Lutheran tradition invites us to examine ourselves and exhorts us to be obedient to God’s will, to follow Jesus, to carry the cross and to help our neighbor. It is a great opportunity to quieten and pause before the Word of God. The biblical content of Lent is revealed by following the course of the church year. The church calendar consists of Bible texts which address the salvation history, and it opens to us God’s revelation in all its richness. On Shrove Sunday, Jesus’ public works reaches its turning point. The journey to Jerusalem, toward suffering and death, begins. But it is on this very path that the Son of Man is glorified. Divine love triumphs as it submits itself to death. Lent is a time of preparation for the great celebration, Easter. As such, it means joining Christ and in our hearts walking alongside Him in on the way of suffering, which has been the most difficult. Lent, or fasting, is preparation for Jesus’ crucifixion – and His joyous resurrection. From the viewpoint of salvation, it is essential that one relies on the gospel of God’s kingdom and believes in Jesus, who suffered and died for the sins of all the world. With His resurrection, He won over the power of sin and death and opened the way to heaven for His followers. This article was originally published in Finnish as the editorial in the February 26, 2020, issue of Päivämies. Translated and published with permission. ‍

Sam Roiko | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. – Matt. 21:12–17 ‍ The theme for Palm Sunday brings us back to the first Advent Sunday, where we remembered how “Your king comes in humility.” This shows how the happenings of Christmas and Easter are intertwined, and that both are integral to God’s salvation plan being fulfilled in His Son, Jesus Christ. After His entry into Jerusalem on a colt, our Savior went into the temple of God and cast out those who sold and bought and exchanged money. The Passover festival drew people from around the known world to Jerusalem, who came with the currency of their own locality or had Roman money. However, only the Jewish currency was allowed for offering in the temple, and the travelers needed to exchange their money to the Jewish coins. This gave an opportunity for greed, and the travelers often had to exchange their money at overpriced rates. ‍ Jesus Knew Their Hearts Jesus, who was true God and true man, knew the hearts of all people and saw how the lust for greed overshadowed the real purpose of the festive Passover worship service. In his righteous zeal, He overthrew the tables. “For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me” (Ps. 69:9). He noted, as the prophet Isaiah had written, that the house of God was to be “a house of prayer for all people” (Isa. 56:7) but they had turned it into a den of thieves. He spoke openly of that which was wrong, rebuked sin as sin, and as a result He suffered the reproach, or contempt, of those whose consciences were pricked. The preaching of God’s kingdom either heals or offends. After Jesus rebuked the money changers, He ministered to the lowly people. The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Children were there crying and singing Hosanna to the Son of David. The joy of the children and those who found a place of healing with Jesus was evident. ‍ In Their Wisdom, They Knew Not God The chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that happened and were sore displeased. The joy of God’s children was absent in them. Jesus had said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matt. 9:12). The scribes and chief priests did not find themselves in need of healing, nor was there joy that others were healed. Instead of rejoicing in happiness at the sight of Jesus’ ministry to the lowly, the scribes and chief priests were offended. They asked Jesus, don’t you hear what they are saying? They couldn’t bear to hear the cries of rejoicing children and those who were healed. Jesus reminded them what the psalmist says: “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise.” Much earlier Jesus had rejoiced, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matt. 11:25–26). Only through Faith Do We Comprehend The way of faith is a lowly way, which our King of glory walked. The human mind cannot understand or comprehend this way of faith as the Proverb states, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Also, Paul wrote to the Corinthians how the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. God has made foolish the wisdom and understanding of the world: After that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (1 Cor. 1:18–21). This pathway is one of humility, but it leads to glory. It is such a pathway that those who travel there, even though they be blind, or stumbling, or deaf, or weak, there they can experience the opening of their eyes and ears and find healing and strength to continue to travel. The wayfaring ones, the ones who travel there, even though they would be fools, they will not be lost (Isa. 35). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). When we can continue to travel this lowly pathway prepared by our Lord and Savior, we too will once obtain our goal, eternal life in the bliss and glory of heaven.

Keijo Nissilä | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- The following writing about Mary is the final section of a writing by Keijo Nissilä based on Matt. 1–2, Luke 1:26–2:52, John 2:1–12 and John 19:25–27. Prior to this passage, Nissilä has already recounted Mary’s visit by the angel announcing the coming birth of Jesus, Mary’s relationship with Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary’s experiences as mother to a young boy who would be the Savior of the world. This writing is excerpted from the book Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan [Women of the Bible from Eve to Priscilla], Ed. Marja-Liisa Sivula and Raili Ojalehto (SRK, 2011). In 2021, our Bilingual feature consists of excerpts from this book, as translated by Sandra Pylvainen. ‍ The time came for Jesus to begin His public ministry. His father Joseph had died and His mother Mary was left a widow and sole caregiver for the family. Jesus worked His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. Mary was also at the wedding. When the wedding wine ran out, Mary notified Jesus, who understood her meaning. His answer to her was surprising: “Let me be, woman. My time has not yet come.” Jesus had grown beyond His childhood household into adulthood and public ministry. Moments of His life were more consciously guided by the heavenly Father. God allowed His Son to work a first miracle that surpassed His mother Mary’s boldest hopes and expectations. The water changed to wine. By this act, Jesus showed His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. Soon after the wedding in Cana, Mary moved with her family to Capernaum. Life was filled with the daily work of family care. From the vantage point of her home and her housework, Mary followed Jesus’ steps forward as His public ministry continued. Jesus’ path from His childhood home led towards the Father’s home in heaven, to which He himself proved to be the way and that He’d prepare the way for each who believes in Him. Ultimately He had to go the path to Golgotha and death. At the foot of the cross where Jesus was dying stood His faithful escorts: His mother Mary, her sister, Mary Magdalene and Mary, wife of Cleophas. Jesus’ mother Mary watched her Son suffer and die. The mother’s grief was at its greatest and her sorrow unmeasurable. Suffering more pain than any other ever, Mary carried in her heart incomprehensible questions: Is this how the prophecy of old Simeon would be fulfilled regarding the sword that would pierce the mother’s heart? Was this the way God’s promise would be fulfilled of the woman’s seed that would crush the head of the serpent? When Jesus saw His mother Mary and His disciple John, He said to His mother: “Woman, this is your son!” Then He said to His disciple: “This is your mother!” From that moment on the disciple cared for Jesus’ mother. Mary spent the last years of her life in Jerusalem with her own sons, Jesus’ brothers. They lived together serving as members of the earliest congregation of believers. “They kept together and prayed unceasingly together.” Mary is an example to all believers throughout time. She was at the center of salvation history. Through her, the fulfilment of the Old Covenant’s prophesies were realized. Thereafter began the time of the New Covenant. Mary was like a new Eve. Through the first Eve, the fall into sin took place. Through the new Eve, the new Adam was born who would recompense the sins of all humankind. Also, this is succinctly stated in Elizabeth’s words to Mary: “Blessed are you, among women most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” This, God’s salvation work in Christ, is recognized by the Christian congregation in their worship service: “Conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” Mary was not saved solely by her motherhood but rather by her faith and obedience: “Blessed are you who believed!” ‍ MARIAN MURHE JA ILO Tuli aika, että Jeesus astui julkiseen toimintaansa. Isä Joosef oli kuollut ja äiti Maria jäänyt leskeksi ja perheen yksinhuoltajaksi. Jeesus teki ensimmäisen julkisen tunnustekonsa Kaanan häissä. Myös Maria oli siellä. Kun häissä loppui viini, Maria kertoi siitä Jeesukselle, joka ymmärsi äidin tarkoituksen. Hänen vastauksensa äidilleen oli yllättävä: ”Anna minun olla, nainen. Minun aikani ei ole vielä tullut.” Jeesus oli kasvanut ulos kodistaan aikuisuuteen ja julkiseen tehtäväänsä. Hänen elämänsä hetket olivat entistä tietoisemmin taivaallisen Isän johdatuksessa. Jumala salli Poikansa tehdä ensimmäisen tunnustekonsa, joka ylitti äiti Marian rohkeimmatkin toiveet ja odotukset. Vesi muuttui viiniksi. Tällä teolla Jeesus ilmaisi kirkkautensa. Myös hänen opetuslapsensa uskoivat häneen. Kohta tämän jälkeen Maria muutti perheensä kanssa Kapernaumiin. Elämän täyttivät jokapäiväiset askareet perheen huoltajana. Maria seurasi kodistaan ja sen tehtävistä käsin Jeesuksen vaiheista, kun tämän julkinen toiminta jatkui. Jeesuksen tie lapsuuden kodista kulki kohti Isän kotia taivaassa, johon hän osoitti itse olevansa tie ja valmistavansa tietä jokaiselle, joka uskoo häneen. Lopulta hänen oli kuljettava ristin tie Golgatalle ja kuolemaan. Kuolevan Jeesuksen ristin luona seisoivat uskollisina saattajina hänen äitinsä Maria, tämän sisar sekä Magdalan Maria ja Maria, Klopaksen vaimo. Jeesuksen äiti Maria katseli poikansa kärsimystä ja kuolemaa. Äidin suru oli suurimmillaan ja murhe mittaamaton. Tuskallisemmin kuin kukaan toinen koskaan Maria kantoi sydämessään käsittämättömiä kysymyksiä: Näinkö oli toteutuva vanhan Simeonin ennustus miekasta, joka on käyvä äidin sydämen lävitse? Näinkö oli toteutuva Jumalan lupaus vaimon siemenestä, joka on polkeva rikki käärmeen pään? Kun Jeesus näki äitinsä Marian ja opetuslapsensa Johanneksen, hän sanoi äidilleen: ”Nainen, tämä on sinun poikasi!” Sitten hän sanoi opetuslapselle: ”Tämä on äitisi!” Siitä hetkestä lähtien opetuslapsi piti huolta Jeesuksen äidistä. Elämänsä loppuvuodet Maria asui Jerusalemissa omien poikiensa, Jeesuksen veljien luona. He elivät yhteydessä alkuseurakuntaan sen toimivina jäseninä. ”He pitivät kaikki yhtä ja rukoilivat lakkaamatta yhdessä.” Maria on esikuva kaikille uskoville kaikkina aikoina. Hän oli pelastushistorian keskuksessa. Hänen kauttaan toteutuivat vanhan liiton ennustukset. Alkoi uuden liiton aika. Maria oli kuin uusi Eeva. Ensimmäisen Eevan kautta tapahtui syntiinlankeemus. Uuden Eevan kautta syntyi uusi Aadam, joka sovitti ihmisten synnit. Tämä kiteytyy myös Elisabetin sanoissa Marialle: “Siunattu olet sinä, naisista siunatuin, ja siunattu sinun kohtusi hedelmä!” Tätä Jumalan pelastustekoa Kristuksessa tunnustaa kristillinen seurakunta jumalan palveluksessaan: ”Sikisi Pyhästä Hengestä, syntyi neitsyt Mariasta.” Maria ei ole autuas ainutlaatuisen äitiytensä vaan uskonsa ja kuuliaisuutensa perusteella: ”Autuas sinä, joka uskoit!”

‍Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion February 2021 -- And 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 the Pharisee desired to have Jesus come to sit at meat with him. This in itself is a good thing to do. Simon and others in the city had heard of Jesus and His teachings, and Simon wanted to listen and discuss with Jesus. However, when we note what happened during the meal, it's plain to see where the faith of Simon was. He, like all the Pharisees lived a self-righteous life. Simon felt that through his good works he had attained a higher status than this sinful woman. Yet, God does not give faith according to social status or good works but to those who are seeking His kingdom. Simon wondered to himself why Jesus would allow such a person of great sin to touch Him. He was like the priest and the Levite (Luke 10:30–36) in the parable of the good Samaritan – he would not associate with people of a lower class. Jesus’ Mission Jesus came into this world not to call the righteous, but to call sinners 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 sinful woman heard that Jesus was in the city, she desired to see Him. Her faith was weak, and she felt her unworthiness before Jesus and knelt weeping at His feet. Serving Him in this lowly manner was all that she felt she could do. Since her sins were forgiven, she felt such great love towards her Saviour that she anointed His feet with ointment. Let us also pray to the heavenly Father that He would give us faith like this sinful woman’s, to serve in His kingdom according to gifts He has given. To explain to the Pharisee, Jesus uses a short parable (v. 41,42) about forgiveness and love. One debtor owed fifty pence and the other owed ten times that. They were both forgiven the entire debt when they couldn't pay. Jesus asks the Pharisee which one will love him the most? Simon hesitantly answers “he to whom he forgave most.” This was the correct answer. When we can see through eyes of faith, that the debt of our sins which we are unable to pay for were paid for by the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, we love much as well. Through faith we have love and desire to show this love to those around us. 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 mankind. Instead, they murmured within 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 onto us, holding it near and dear to us.

Adrian Pirness | The Voice of Zion February 2021 -- At the close of a year and the beginning of a new one, we reflect on the past and look ahead, wondering what lies before us. This is also the case as we begin 2021. The news with its often negative focus can create a bleak image of the future. Do we lose hope? Is it always easy to trust in God’s guidance? Can we patiently live in hope, trusting, one day at a time? With the pandemic that still affects, coupled with our recent American election and tumultuous aftermath we may ponder, “what is God wishing to teach us?” Paul wrote to the Roman believers, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4). While we cannot fully understand the unfathomable depths and ways of God, the reminder to be patient and hopeful is always important. We live in a time where we expect things to happen immediately. If we need to wait a few seconds for the screen to refresh, we wonder if the internet service is down. It is not easy to be patient with every day and mundane things. When difficulties in our life situation drag on, we long for a resolution. We become weary and tired, and certainly impatience can be close. The songwriter aptly describes how we often are: “I’ve often held the sickle while I’ve been sowing seed” (SHZ 560:3). We can remind and encourage one another with patience and allow time for God to work rather than demand immediate results. It is good that we remember one another during this time with much love and patience. Some may come to their conclusions based on their own experiences, and their perspectives based on what they have read and studied. On the other hand, some are left uneasy and restless because they do not know what to think or which perspectives to believe. When we consider the pandemic and the varying approaches, some may feel that the mandates have been too restrictive while others feel they have not restricted enough. We personally should consider if our hearts have remained correct in these matters. Our conscience enlightened by God’s Word teaches correctly and we travel in the care of the Holy Spirit in God’s kingdom. The enemy of souls is happy when love is tried and broken. May we strive for this goal that these differences would not strain or break the love between us and our brothers and sisters in faith. Love and patience with each other is certainly needed, but this never gives license to ignore the truths contained in God’s Word which teaches us to obey those in authority (Rom. 13:1–5). A knowledge of history brings perspective to our challenges today. Paul encouraged the believers in Rome: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Bible history informs us of the hardships that were experienced. The Israelites suffered under the bondage of the Egyptians (Exod. 1:8–14). Paul recalled how he suffered in doing God’s work (2 Cor. 11:24–27). Despite these difficult circumstances they desired to trust in God’s care. We can also look back to the influenza pandemic in 1918–19. This can bring perspective for today as citizens of our country then were also asked to limit public gatherings and to isolate. We can see images of people wearing masks and lining up outside the stores waiting for their turn to enter. When we experience difficulty, we often feel that no one has ever needed to deal with what we have been dealt. When we can pause and consider what others are experiencing or past generations have endured, it can give us patience and hope in our own difficulties. Isn’t it good that we, the often impatient, weary and at times, despairing are cared for by a patient and loving heavenly Father? “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). We are cared for in His kingdom where we experience forgiveness when our impatience has broken the love and we have fallen into sin. The gospel lifts the tired one, the weak one, the one who despairs. God, in His infinite ways, teaches us to trust in His good care. He lovingly reminds us that He is God. He gives us hope in this life and the hope of heaven by faith!

Lori Loukusa | The Voice of Zion February 2021 -- The author of a popular book series for children has written a story specifically about envy. It describes one of the book’s main characters, Sister Bear, as a “green-eyed monster” who is jealous of her brother when he gets a new bike for his birthday. I can’t read this story to little ones without it also touching me. Even now in my seventh decade in life, I feel this temptation closely. Sometimes envy comes in fleeting thoughts, but other times it remains as a battle. It is not realistic, however, to think that we would never wish for something another person has. Longing for something, or working to get something more, doesn’t mean it is sin or wrong. But when we begin to look at another’s gifts with greed in our heart, it can cause strife and bitterness. These are traits that come from our flesh, and we need to battle against this, with God’s help. We know how sin works in each of us and how we need and desire to have even these sins forgiven. Already in the Old Testament days, God’s commandment warned His people to not covet or lust for something that another person has, but “be ready to assist and serve him in keeping it” (Tenth Commandment). This instruction is just as important for us today. We too can envy or begrudge another person for what they have, or we can also try to gather more and more for ourselves. We see already in little ones the effect of the enemy of souls when we watch toddlers fight over toys. Does this change as we get older? No, we all carry that inherited, sinful portion that began with Adam and Eve’s fall in Paradise. There, everything was perfect and all was provided, but God commanded His first people to not eat the fruit of one certain tree. The serpent tempted Eve to taste of this fruit, saying they would become like God. Eve wanted what she didn’t have, so she took the enticing fruit, ate and also gave some to Adam. The enemy of souls works in the same way today. When we want and take what God has not given us, just as Adam and Eve fell in Paradise, the enemy has gained a victory. If I think of something in my life that has surely hindered happiness, it is envy. Sometimes it is easy for me to want what another person has. I remember coming home from a ladies’ shower gathering, thinking about the home I had visited. Why is my house so plain? And how can someone be so fortunate to have such a beautiful home? Their furniture looked new, the décor like I’d see in a magazine, not like my assortment of garage sale finds and other used items. And how did they know how to put everything together so nicely? As I did after the shower, we often compare ourselves to others, and we can also begin to envy another’s gifts or talents. Perhaps he or she is more organized, works quickly, is creative and can paint or draw, is a good writer, or maybe learning comes easily. We can want another person’s nature or situation. We might notice that someone has many friends, the ability to connect well and communicate with others, and we wish we were that way. Others along with me might know how it is to envy another for their appearance and how they carry themselves. Or perhaps we envy another for his or her job or career, for earning a higher salary or position, or for not having to work so hard to make ends meet. Envy can even extend to a person’s life-situation. Perhaps our friends have married, but God hasn’t given us a spouse. Perhaps our siblings and friends have children, yet we haven’t any. Or maybe it feels that God has given so many children, that we envy someone whom we perceive to have more free time, whose days aren’t all spent in caring for their family. Could there even be people whose spouse has passed away and they envy others who still have a loving helpmate? Or might one envy another person’s good health or stamina if they have struggled in that way? Scripture includes many examples about envy. Joseph’s brothers were jealous that he was one of their father Jacob’s favorite sons. Jacob gave him a special coat of many colors. Then, Joseph’s brothers became angry when he told them about his dream. Joseph had dreamed that he was with them in the field binding sheaves when his sheaf suddenly stood up, and his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to it. We can understand how envious the brothers were. Some of his brothers even wanted to kill him, but instead, they sold him as a slave. This Bible story later portrays a precious example of God’s grace and forgiveness. The brothers’ hearts were humbled and penitent, and Joseph was able to forgive the evil that his brothers did to him. God’s love does not envy, as His Word reminds: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4). We know that God gives unique gifts to each person and promises to give His children everything they need. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:8). A contented mind is central to happiness in life and helps us to also be happy for our fellow brothers and sisters when we see how God has richly blessed them. I often forget to be thankful for all God has given me, so much more than I can comprehend, and much more than I deserve. Most of all, He has given me the greatest gift any person can own: the gift of living faith and the forgiveness of sins. So then, why would I envy another when God has given me so much? We can pray for God’s help to battle envy, bitterness and all sin. Believing Christ’s gospel gives strength to see the joy and blessing in all that God has given, also to me.

Jim Frantti | The Voice of Zion January 2021 -- Prophet Isaiah depicted the kingdom of God as a sheepfold whose shepherd is the Lord who feeds His flock (Isa. 40:11). It is a familiar picture in the Bible. Jesus himself used the same illustration: “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). This image of the kingdom of God teaches us that the Lord is the shepherd of the flock. He knows His sheep and their needs and feeds them accordingly. He is the one who guides the flock along the good and everlasting way. For that reason the psalmist writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:1–3). The Lord is always with His flock, even today. His Holy Spirit teaches and guides the flock. When God’s Spirit speaks to us, we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice” (John 10:4). In this flock we have an unerring guide who knows our needs. We can trust in our Good Shepherd. God has given us a secure dwelling place. “Fear not, little flock;” Jesus said, “for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). The Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, knows His sheep and what they need. He feeds His sheep heavenly manna. On the wilderness journey, the people of Israel were fed each day with manna from heaven. This simple and unchanging diet sustained them each day on the journey. Also in our time the Lord feeds His flock with the simple manna of His Word. This Word is unchanging and sustains the child of God on the journey to the promised land. It is good to be in the care of the Good Shepherd! We can say as the psalmist David did: when the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing (Ps. 23). The word of the gospel is our food and in it is the power of God (Rom. 1:16). This food was the source of power for the Old Testament wilderness travelers. It was the source of strength for our forefathers in faith who have finished their journey and reached their destination. It remains the same source of strength that will bring us – and generations to come – to our eternal home. In 2020, we experienced a time unlike any that most of us have seen in our lives. This affected our daily lives and the work of God’s kingdom. Yet we experienced that the Good Shepherd still cares for His flock. As we begin a new year and wonder what 2021 will bring, we yet remain in the security of God’s kingdom and His unchanging Word. As God has guided and blessed His kingdom in years past, may He bless us and the work of His kingdom in the coming year as well.

Matthew Keranen, Sandra Pylvainen and Anne Servin | The Voice of Zion January 2021 -- LLC Publications Online Workshop Fall 2020 The first LLC Publications Online Workshop was held on October 31, 2020, via the Zoom communication platform. Participants from across the continent gathered in an online space to learn and be encouraged in prose, poetry and photojournalism both for their personal development and for the future of LLC publications. LLC Publications staff view the expansion of communications capacity as important to mission work both here on the American continent and to mission work in Africa and South America. To that end, the online workshop was conceived during the era of COVID-19 restrictions. LLC workshop organizers found that they were unable to convene at Stony Lake Camp as planned, so in place of the in-person workshop, an online workshop plan emerged. Over thirty participants from across the United States and Canada met for four hours, an hour for each subject session, with instructors Matt Keranen, Sandra Pylvainen and Anne Servin. Presentations included mini-lessons, panelist commentary from across the continent, writing activities and small group discussions. While the foundational elements of each subject area comprised much of each lesson, the instructional plans developed with the central idea of encouraging current and future contributors to LLC publications – the Voice of Zion, Shepherd’s Voice, Christmas in Zion and Easter Messenger. Session I: Prose Matt Keranen began his lesson by reviewing some good writing axioms for prose of any genre. Significantly, he highlighted the need for fresh language and avoiding tropes that first come to mind. Prose is writing that tends to follow natural patterns of everyday speech (as opposed to rigid, predetermined structure) for the purpose of expressing oneself, educating, entertaining or providing information or instructions. Then, he presented a unique short fiction form – the Japanese Haibun – as his structural framework for developing a tight descriptive prose piece. The genre may include one or a few descriptive paragraphs, then ends in a haiku, the 5-7-5 syllable poem form. This is Matt Keranen’s Haibun, read as a model: The hands, no longer mobile, lay on the bedcover, under which the rest of him is also still. The tired eyes follow me as I gather the albums from the shelf in the corner and carry them to the bedside table. I move pill bottles aside, a drinking glass and a blood pressure cuff. I switch on the lamp and open the shades. Outside the summer day shines brightly, grass waving in the sun on the river bank. A boat floats by, the girl rowing it throws her head back in laughter. I lift an album and open it, nestle it between his still arms. His fishing boat in the photograph is also still, frozen in time fifty years later. The steelhead, the salmon, caught in the net, spill over the hull to the slick boat floor gleaming in the flash of the camera. That boat moved and it moves now, in our minds. Lived life flows, a lively stream in grandpa’s eyes. His strong hands pulled nets Lifting, wrestling writhing fish Slippery livelihood. Writers tried the form in a ten-minute “storm,” then shared in breakout groups. Results were rich. Here is an example written by Allen Pirness: The determined, monotonous purr of a John Deere diesel engine is the same whether pulling a plow or leaving the bay out to sea in the pre-dawn light. The warm soft sea air feels much better than the chilly, dry air of the farm. The prospect of landing a sporting fish is much more appealing than considering how to till the field most efficiently. The open galley door conveys the welcoming smell of bacon and coffee versus the tractor cab waft of old spilled coffee and grease. This excites my appetite to make yet another stimulating contrast to the differences vacation brings when work is left behind. The hurried, half-asleep routine of the captain and crew reminds me that this is their mundane. They shiver in the breezy chill as we get up to speed on the open glassy water of the calm morning sea. The hooks are baited, the captain glides to a stop at a promising patch of seaweed floating on the endless shimmer of sunrise on the water. Fishing lines are cast. An instant strike on the bait. The fight has begun. Session II: Poetry The poetry session focused on freeverse poetry, its origins and some elements typical to this poetic type. Freeverse poetry is written by contemporary poets here and in Europe, also among believers who write poetry. While we continue to write and enjoy the rhyming and particular rhythms found throughout the long history of poetic types (such as epic poetry of Homer or The Kalevala), we note that contemporary poetry has shifted from tight forms to more open styles. Around the turn of the 20th century, as society progressed further into the Industrial Age, art forms shifted to modernism. Poets began working with imagistic poetry without adherence to a prescribed rhyme and rhythm. In this freeverse style, rhythms felt increasingly conversational. Sound devices shifted to subtle repetitions and the poetic focus moved to supporting the message in the image. After reviewing elements common to imagistic poetry, the poetry session examined poetic examples from Teuvo Aho, illustrating a freeverse, imagistic form. Panelists Peggy Glynn, Krista Simonson, Karl Haapala and Aaron Wuollet commented on their personal poetry writing practices: Why do I write poetry? Where do poems hide? How do I begin? How do I revise? Panelists’ answers were poems in themselves – so often, as poets discuss their craft, they play with images. Aaron Wuollet, in his remark, supported the poet's goal: he likened the revision of a poem to a sculptor cutting away stone to reveal the essence of the image, exposing some truth about human existence. For the freewrite activity, writers chose one of two topics, grief or Christmas. Products of the freewrite reflect the study of imagery in freeverse form. Writers who chose to write about grief saw the topic through personal reflection: Emptied parents gaze through arranged flowers covering freshly disturbed mounds dry eyes, all tears cried out twittering birds gaily flit above silent headstones translating sorrow to angels’ songs Lisa Wuollet It’s been two years but sometimes I stop in my step and recall the cardamom smell of your kitchen and your soft wrinkled hand with stubby fingernails serving pulla spread with the butter from the Blue Bonnet tub on the counter and the rounded wooden knife that fits perfectly in my hand Keilah Johnson Other poets wrote about Christmas during the 15-minute freewrite, drawing perhaps from past reflections or memories: The walk is crisp, a smell of snow in the air. A bus scurries by, studs claw the moist road. Doors open to a muted hush, warm light fills the sanctuary. The story of Christmas is told. Karl Haapala Under the Father’s Table This poor sheep dog Crawls under the grace table And finds Christmas table crumbs. Father’s gentle hand Reaches down to caress Little boy slips me a prized morsel. Oh….how good it feels here Safe and secure Under the Father’s table. Jim Moll These artifacts provide a glance of what transpired over the hours of workshopping. Follow-up comments on the workshop ranged from “not enough time in the break-out rooms” to “how can we form online workshop groups?” These comments reflect the engagement in writing and in this online workshop model. The writers were committed to honing their skills for work with language, imagery and message. Most of all, it was evident that believers find writing to be therapeutic and edifying for their journey, whether or not their work was published or even finished. Session III: Photography and Photojournalism This session briefly presented the history of photojournalism in America and outlined the objective of creating narrative from imagery. In essence, photojournalism is a news story told through pictures with little or no text. It began with pictures in newspapers during the Crimean War and the American Civil War when camera technology was growing as a means of reporting. Photojournalism tells a story through photographs, ones that can make a person stop and think, “Wow. That’s a great image.” Photojournalists’ images are candid yet informative images, taken with intention and purpose. These images are commonly black and white, giving a timeless feel. The absence of color overall facilitates focus on the subject in the image rather than the hues of the subject matter. Black and white is a good choice when the color in a photo may serve only as a distraction from the intended message. In addition to background review, the session looked at other elements to consider when photographing an image, such as the rule of thirds, lighting and composition. This online photojournalism workshop intended to provide general tips for photos used for the Voice of Zion, Shepherd’s Voice and other publications. Typically, these periodicals need the mood of the photo to convey safety, warmth and peace. Sometimes a symbolic picture can have a neutral mood but suggest a theme. In general, photos are needed to illustrate, inform and inspire. During this session, participants were asked to do a photo activity to help recognize how lighting can impact an image and how lighting and placement is of central importance in photography. The aim was to help participants learn what all goes into photographing and creating a final image for use in LLC publications. In Summary In part, what is lost by not having an in-person workshop is known to us. We know we were not able to assemble together in a camp setting, face to face, with long, relaxing dialogues about the writing process and the product. We missed that opportunity. Meanwhile, what may have been gained by using this new online format is unknown to us. New opportunities within this online model seemed likely: participants could join from thousands of miles away, writers with young children were able to join in even with children nearby, perhaps some curious ones Zoomed with us for even a short time – just to listen. All of this may expand capacity for LLC Publications; the Voice of Zion and Shepherd’s Voice staff may find new writers and photographers who are willing to share their gifts. But what did this online gathering mean for each of us? What about readers, somewhere in the future, who read what these writers write, and in reading the pieces feel encouraged, less alone, or moved to share their joy of believing with another? In this, we pray and trust that God will bless this online workshop effort and all publications efforts as He sees best.

Ilari Kinnunen, Translation: M. Keranen | The Voice of Zion January 2021 -- In 2021 Doctrine and Life will feature translations of articles from previous SRK Yearbooks. It has traditionally been thought that the world’s future is made better by children and youth. They will build society with knowledge and skills that were not available to previous generations. Are we now at some sort of turning point when an ordinary young person might say in all earnestness that the future is already ruined? Have we failed at cultivating and protecting the earth so miserably that today’s youth will become embittered toward the generations that came before them? Previous generations’ decisions inevitably affect the lives of future generations. It’s an indisputable fact that humanity has made mistakes. Instead of giving up, however, it is a better option to take a moment to ponder together what might be worthwhile to do in this situation. Adults can support youth by joining them in creating a trusting outlook on life. Adults have life experience which helps put things in perspective. Youth are best encouraged by doing things together. An effort can and should be made to continue building the future. For a young person, things may seem grimmer than they actually are. In the past too people have feared an unknown future. I recall my own time of youth, how hard it was at times to trust that I would find my own place in the world and that a path forward would open before me. However, all was well. In the army I learned one important thing: a situation is what it is, and on those terms one does what one can. I also remember from my time of youth that faith provided security and confidence that the heavenly Father would arrange things as was meant. The youth of today can trust in this as well. A Happy Country without Children? When Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö launched the Common Responsibility Campaign on February 2, 2020, he stated his position on the declining birth rate in Finland: “In the country that is evaluated to be the world’s happiest, it shouldn’t be so that uncertainty about the future causes young people to give up on starting a family.” The President’s statement is a good description of today's situation for youth and young adults: the future of our affluent society is threatened if children are not born. On the other hand, no one wants to have children just because society needs them. There are many reasons for not having children. Some want to seek self-fulfillment in peace, advance in their careers and pursue their dreams. Economic realities may cause some to calculate the costs associated with having children. It has also been argued that not having a child is the best way to counteract climate change. There are many people whose circle of close human contacts includes few children, and this might make them doubt their own abilities to be a parent. Meanwhile, in the year 2015 it was estimated that in Finland there were 60,000 couples suffering from unintentional infertility. A believing young person knows that getting married is likely to mean a future as a family with children, since believers for reasons of conscience do not want to prevent the birth of children. Commitment to marriage and a family may seem difficult nowadays. A life that is well planned and controlled appeals to believers as well. Many parents have a hard inward struggle over whether they feel able to accept more children. Child-Friendly Atmosphere Where would we be able to obtain strength and trust in the future for ourselves, our youth and our families? We would certainly have opportunities to transform the atmosphere around us in a way that young people could get married trusting in the future and be able to accept children if God sees fit to give children to them. My wife’s immigrant students are often surprised when they find out we have five children. Amazed and delighted, they have stated that you are like us. Starting a family at a young age and having several children requires courage in modern Finnish culture to depart from the prevailing lifestyle. It requires good self-esteem to be different. But happiness is ultimately not dependent on striving for the same things as most other people. Now and then I think of the fact that God has created all people. If this is so, doesn’t a believing person then represent the way of life that God desires? There is little we can do about the fact that the world is becoming more and more estranged from the will of God. As believers we can nonetheless turn our thoughts to see that humans are supposed to live life trusting in God. In modern times it is good, on the one hand, that differing lifestyles are becoming more widely accepted. A believing family is ultimately just one part of a multi-faceted world. I am confident that as far as others are concerned, we can continue to live according to our values in the future as well. If only the views that faith opens before us would remain clear to us. In the midst of this all we can say as the psalmist does: “It is good for me to draw near to God” (Ps. 73:28). The Media Shapes Perceptions The media is like a funnel that in essence pours bad news into our innermost being. The media performs the role that belongs to it of relaying information. I don’t believe media professionals are purposely trying to create despair in people. But that can still happen because we are incapable of taking in all the negative information. The media is also not unbiased. Individual journalists and entire media companies have their own objectives and ideals that they attempt to promote. The media is not without cause called the fourth estate or power. It strongly affects public opinion and affects my thinking and yours in ways that are hard to recognize. In order not to be buffeted by the winds of the world and too easily influenced, we should have strong roots in God’s Word and in the congregation. Paul exhorted the Christians of his day, “Prove [meaning “test”] all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). The writer to the Hebrews also recognized the danger of going astray when he said that we must pay careful attention to that which we have heard so we do not drift away (Heb. 2:1). God’s written Word has remained the same through the centuries. How is it possible that its instruction and values can be relevant and appropriate in all times? I think it is because it is not only the human-written word, but rather effected by the Holy Spirit. Its correct interpretation opens at different times in God’s congregation by the same Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20,21). As individual believers, we are supported by God’s care in the fellowship of the congregation. This does not mean obeying human authorities but rather a desire to settle on, along with other believers, a way of life that is suitable to the Holy Spirit in this time. On the basis of the values that stem from our faith, we can serve as a light and as salt in our society. In our places of work and study as well as in various positions of trust, a believer’s conduct serves as a reminder that it is possible yet today to attempt to live preserving faith and a good conscience. A believer, however, should not attempt to rise above others, because we all fall and we remain believers only by grace. The book of Jeremiah instructs, “Seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jer. 29:7). A constructive and God-trusting outlook on life given by faith is the best way to look to the future. We can use our God-given gifts for the benefit of our communities. The Security of a Child of God Even believers from time to time can fear many things. We may fear on our own behalf or for others such things as serious illness, death or perhaps economic collapse. Nonetheless we can always recall that God knows all and guides our lives (Ps. 139). Our fears may come true sometimes, but in that case they are allowed by God. He has good will toward us even in trials: I have my own plans for you, says the Lord. My thoughts are of peace and not of evil: I will give you a future and hope (Jer. 29:11). A believer, nonetheless, must fear sin (Matt. 10:28). Falling into sin removes peace from the heart and shakes one’s sense of security. If sin begins to rule one’s life, the person’s image of a bright future begins to crumble as well. To counter this, we have the gospel, which frees us from sin and restores peace to our hearts. A believer can live in peace and die peacefully. We cannot even fathom how great a gift the hope of heaven is. Amidst everyday life heaven often feels so far away. Yet that is precisely the reason we want to live as believers, despite hardships and the current prevailing trends. Originally published in Finnish in the SRK’s yearbook Yhteyttä rakentamassa. Ajankohtaista 2020 (SRK, 2020). Translated and published with permission.