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Ray Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion March 2022 -- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. — 1 Peter 5:6 God’s Word instructs people to be humble. In his first epistle, Apostle Peter exhorts to be “clothed with humility.” Other words for humility include lowliness and meekness. Those are familiar to us from the Bible. Words that are opposite to humility include arrogance, pride and conceit. These qualities dwell in our flesh, and in living faith we battle against them. Humility does not typically come naturally to humans; arrogance and pride seem to come more naturally. Yet, life experiences can humble us all, removing pride and self-exultation. We can understand this to be God’s work, keeping us in childlike faith. The example of Jesus is our best lesson in humility. What does it mean to be “clothed with humility?” We understand that to be clothed is to be covered, altering our appearance. Our speech, attitude, countenance, and actions can create impressions, perhaps making us approachable and down-to-earth or distant and above others. For one to be clothed in humility, one must put down the effects of the flesh that cause us to think ourselves better than another. Paul exhorts, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). Instructions of the Holy Spirit Peter writes, “Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder” (1 Pet. 5:5). As we come of age, we are increasingly exposed to the ideals of the world. Naturally, humans have many questions about life and its purpose. Questions of living faith and the teachings of God’s kingdom often contrast with the teachings in the world. Philosophical teachings often promote self-reliance and independence, sometimes rejecting obedience to elders and those in authority. Doubts easily beset us and we may question the instructions from God’s kingdom. When this happens, it is important to put away sin and doubts and to humbly submit to instruction of the Holy Spirit. This respect for the Word of God is for all of us, at any age. Peter writes also, “Yea, all of you be subject one to another” (1 Pet. 5:6). We can understand the importance of this exhortation in that the Holy Spirit dwells in God’s children and the Spirit moves collectively through the believers to reveal the will of God. Jesus Teaches Humility Jesus teaches humility by His example and His words. The theme for the first Advent Sunday is “Your King comes in humility.” From one of the gospel texts we learn how Jesus entered into Jerusalem: “They brought [the colt] to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way” (Luke 19:36,37). Jesus chose to ride on the colt of an ass, a lowly beast of burden, not on a beautiful horse that would have been much more fitting for a king. He came in a lowly manner so that the weakest sinner, the sick and the poor could approach Him. Jesus had no interest in an earthly kingship. He told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews” (John 18:36). Jesus’ battle was not against kings or temporal governments, even though there would have been good reason to oppose them; His purpose, in coming to earth from heaven, was so much higher than temporal power and honor: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18). These examples of Jesus are good for us to remember. We live in a time when there is unrest in the world and our communities. Political battles and critics of our governments are prevalent. We’ve been richly blessed to live in free countries where we have individual rights and freedoms. Especially precious is the freedom of religion, to worship and live as the Holy Spirit teaches. Most of us have never experienced oppression in our lifetime. Our freedoms are so normal to us that we expect to always have them – we even demand them. But we don’t know how long God will bless our nations with freedom. Today, we enjoy more freedom and prosperity than many believers have had throughout the history of the world. God has allowed His children to live under the rule of oppressive kings and governments and even suffer slavery, e.g., the children of Israel in Egypt and Babylon. God allowed the children of Israel to lose their independence to foreign nations at different times because of their disobedience. God’s Word Teaches Obedience In our republic and parliamentary forms of government, we have numerous peaceful ways to voice our opinions on laws, regulations and policies. We have the right to disagree and to be critical of the actions of our governments without fear for our safety. As children of God, we should do so respectfully, in a spirit of meekness – asking the Holy Spirit to guide our activities – not in arrogance and pride. Even when we disagree with laws or regulations, we should obey them if doing so is not sin. God’s Word teaches us to be obedient to the laws of our land: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). Paul exhorts us to follow the example of Jesus, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:5–8). A Secure Dwelling Place Jesus in His invitation to the tired and weary traveler described Himself as meek and lowly: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:29). When Jesus comes the second time, it will not be in the lowly manner of His first coming. Instead, “Then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). May God help us to put down pride and keep us in childlike faith. May each of us accept the humble status that Jesus has given us: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matt. 10:16). Sheep are not able to protect themselves from wolves, they rely on the shepherd’s protection and the security of the flock. We also, as humble sheep, are secure in the care of the Good Shepherd in His little flock. Come what may in this world, we have a secure dwelling place as God’s children.

Martin Pylvainen | The Voice of Zion March 2022 -- Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. — Psalms 113:1–8 Psalm 113 is a song of praise and was used as the Hallelujah or Halleh song to begin the three Jewish pilgrim festivals: Passover, Pentecost and the Festival of Booths. Today we also open services with hymns of praise, such as song 202 “Praise God, O Zion! Offer Him Thanksgiving,” and we close special services by singing song 353 “To Our Blest Creator Thankful Praises Flow.” But we might ask why this psalm appears on the church calendar on a day called Mary’s day. And why does the church calendar pause to speak of Christmas on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, nearing Easter? A Message from Angel Gabriel Let’s consider the second question first. On Mary’s day, we remember the announcement from the angel Gabriel to Mary, telling her she would give birth to a son who would be named Jesus. Gabriel’s message was the first of many pronouncements Mary would hear about Jesus throughout her life. Gabriel came to tell of God’s plans and to Mary he said: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom thee shall be no end” (Luke 1:32,33). Gabriel went on to tell Mary how the Holy Ghost would come upon her and she would give birth to one called the Son of God and her cousin Elizabeth, though childless and elderly was then six months into pregnancy. Mary’s response was one of simple faith.: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The church calendar gets its theme “the handmaid of the Lord” from Mary’s response and then places Mary’s Day around nine months prior to Christmas to mark the conception of Jesus. Soon after Gabriel’s appearance announcing the upcoming birth of Jesus, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. She heard a second pronouncement then about Jesus from Elizabeth. Luke tells us Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost when she heard Mary’s voice. God gave Elizabeth these words: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Mary’s response to Elizabeth recorded in Luke 1:46–55 was one of praise to God. This poem of praise contains allusions to many parts of the Old Testament, including our text, Psalm 113. A Song of Praise Psalm 113 begins with three exhortations to praise the Lord and to praise Him now and forever more. The Psalmist instructs us that praises be made from the rising of the sun until it sets. By this example, he wishes to illustrate for us our need to praise God at all times. When life is peaceful and in times of prosperity we may find it easy to offer praises to God. But the Psalmist reminds us to praise “from this time forth” without any regard for what is happening in our lives. For we always have reason to praise God for the gift of faith and hope of everlasting life in heaven. Faith is the greatest blessing we have from God. David tells us, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Ps. 32:1). In the very opening of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (verse 3). Often, we forget to praise God for these heavenly blessings. The psalmist in Psalm 107 repeats four times the admonition: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” And not only praise Him, but Psalm 113 also reminds that we will continue this praise “for evermore” – when we reach heaven. He Raises Up the Poor Our heavenly Father regards the humble things of this world. In verse 8, the psalmist tells us what kind of God we have who can make everything out of nothing. “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill,” or ash heap. The prophet Samuel’s mother Hannah spoke these words of verse 8 when offering thanks for Samuel’s birth as an answer to her prayers. Jesus spoke in the sermon on the mount that “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). God does not lift up those who feel themselves in high standing before Him. Rather it is those who feel themselves poor and needy who receive His grace gift of the forgiveness of their sins. That He May Set Him with Princes Our text concludes with the reason God raises up the poor and needy. One does not receive grace for themselves only, but also for their service to others. Redeemed believers can share their gift of faith with seeking or lost ones and provide physical and spiritual help to their brothers and sisters in faith. Paul writes, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Cor. 12:7). We do this work, this “manifestation of the Spirit,” not with our own strength. It is through the power of the gospel that we are given a mind to serve. Believing our sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood, let us remember to offer our praises to the heavenly Father that He remembers and lifts up weak ones, gives His good and perfect gifts, so we may one day reach heaven.

MariJoy Andersen | The Voice of Zion April 2022 -- Life is busy. It is full of distractions. Work can fill our minds, long after we’ve left the office. The kids’ constant desire to be entertained, the house in need of repairs, even our own dreams and plans – all of it can occupy the space of our hearts and minds. Have you ever noticed that when everything is going right, your heart and mind become occupied by these things, but the second things go awry your heart and mind begin to seek God? I have found that seeking Him, praying to Him, loving Him and confessing faith to others brings me closer to God. And when I live in that place even trials become great blessings because they drew me closer to Him in ways nothing else ever could. I look back and think about how we may not in the moment see the goodness that comes with trials, but it is there. A passage from Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians has in a way become my own over the years. During the constant ups and downs and the endless healing cycles of brain injury recovery, I have read them over and over until memorized. Maybe these words have also become close to you, as it seems to be a place God wants us all to be in, where we realize that in our weakness, He is made strong. “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:7–10 NKJV). God has ways of getting our attention, of drawing us back to Him, of teaching us where our focus needs to be kept. May these trials strengthen our faith and become our greatest blessings! Think about how many of our blessings every day of our lives come through rain – rain that causes plants to grow, so we can eat and live another day. Or another kind of rain that brings healing in many ways – the tears we cry of which His Word says He will wipe away each one. For a believer the trials of this life are God’s mercies in disguise. It is this simple understanding that so confounds the wise and yet is one of our greatest treasures.

Rory Sorvala | The Voice of Zion April 2022 -- Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 Would we wish to speak in tongues? This portion of scripture comes from Paul’s first letter to the new congregation of believers in Corinth because he heard of various troubles that developed there concerning the desire to speak in tongues. One trouble is that they began to look at the God-given spiritual gifts within themselves. They took pride in their work and they began to make comparisons, desiring gifts that might be admired by others. This type of wrong desire wouldn’t help build up this congregation. Paul has a godly love for these struggling believers and was compelled by the Holy Spirit to instruct and correct this wrong understanding. In our text, Paul offers instruction regarding love in the congregation. He also addresses another gift and that is of speaking with tongues. The entire thirteenth chapter speaks of this brotherly love that must exist within the kingdom. Then, in the fourteenth chapter Paul writes on speaking with human tongues. With regard to speaking in unknown tongues, Paul does not wish to diminish this gift and in fact speaks highly of it. Paul says, “I wish that all men speak in tongues” (14:5). And he furthermore states that he “speaks in tongues more” than the others (14:18). But he still has a word of caution: “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue” (1 Cor. 14:19). So then, what exactly is the gift of speaking with tongues? I myself previously misunderstood this gift, thinking “speaking with tongues of men” is the translating of spoken Word of God from one language into another, a language that the listener understands. This is, of course, a necessary gift used today as it probably was then. An example of this is found in Acts. During Pentecost when many peoples of many languages came together in one place (Acts 2:1) and all people heard the joyous message of the Word of God in their own language. Many believed it with joy and were baptized. The gift of speaking with tongues is not that type of gift. Rather, speaking with tongues is inspired speech to express the praise of God or other deeply felt emotion. When one is speaking with tongues their utterances may be indiscernible. There are sounds like words but without a meaning to the human listener, although, an interpreter may be able to translate such speech. This phenomenon, appearing in those days, does not happen today to believers. Some believers in decades past have been given to rejoice, also an act of speech given by God. That mysterious gift is not commonly witnessed today. We can consider these speech phenomena as spiritual gifts, given for the time. Paul here says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Could it be that the culture of this immoral city of Corinth looked with admiration on speaking in tongues? The individual who speaks in tongues is thought to be moved by the spirit and could be viewed as pious by others who do not understand that God gives gifts as He will. A similar piety could be displayed in the giving of alms or praying in public. Jesus instructs regarding these as well. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matt. 6:2,5). Paul wishes that the Corinthians would understand what spiritual gifts are and to strive for those that edify the whole body of Christ. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (1 Cor. 12:1). In this whole twelfth chapter of this first letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul explains that there are many gifts God has given to the believers. They are God-given and all are necessary and important. No one gift is above another. He deepens their understanding of spiritual gifts by providing a picture of the body of Christ. Gifts within the congregation are like the members of the body of Christ. All members are necessary. In this chapter he enumerates many gifts which include wisdom and understanding, gifts of healing and working of miracles, gifts of prophecy, and of discerning of spirits, diverse kind of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Later in chapter 13, Paul addresses faith, hope and charity as he writes, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). For without charity we are nothing. Charity is that which edifies the body of Christ. It is true brotherly love. That kind of love is not selfish, it does not look for a return, it is constant in season and out of season, it is patient, kind, longsuffering. Thus charity, or brotherly love, is ready to care for a distressed one, one who is faltering in faith, or one who becomes wounded by sin. It is also a ready preacher of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. We experience with wonder when a brother or sister in faith comes to us when we are downcast, distressed, weary, doubting, or wounded by sin. God through His loving mercy sends to us an angel. Is this not the kingdom of God where loving care is found? How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring good tidings! We too are exhorted to have charity. This is a bond of perfection found in God’s kingdom. Is it not the hallmark of God’s kingdom? We are instructed to use this gift freely. Jesus’ words are recorded in the writings of St. John: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have Love one to another” (John 13:34,35). The kingdom of God is that golden candlestick that is before the world, a light that shines in a dark place. Jesus also instructs: “Let your light so shine before the men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Allow this charity to reign in the heart to care for one another that we may fulfill the law of love. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). The Holy Spirit that dwells within a believer teaches us to cherish these good gifts that edify the body of Christ. Even as Paul writes in the end of the twelfth chapter: “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31). Thus we see that all gifts are necessary in God’s kingdom. We do not begin to say that one is greater or lesser than the other. We being many, are one body: for we are all partakers of the body of Christ.

Daniel Jurmu | The Voice of Zion April 2022 -- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. — Psalms 22:1–5 The texts for Palm Sunday speak of the King of Glory’s lowly way. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life, but also experienced temptations and the ridiculing unbelief of the world (Heb. 4:15). On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt of an ass, in humility. Our text reminds us that as Jesus suffered during His last moments on the cross He cried with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). We recognize that as He cried this, He was quoting this Psalm of David, written generations before. Jesus painfully had to endure death on behalf of the sins of humankind. He also prayed to our heavenly Father in times of difficulty. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). We too, can place our complete trust in God’s care and in His will. Forsaken by God Our text, perhaps written by David or for David, begins with the questions and doubts that come when one is pressed down or overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. We can often feel in difficult and trying times that God has forgotten us and left us to suffer alone in grief and sorrow. The enemy of souls can also begin to place doubts into the minds of the afflicted. The further Satan can draw us away from the center of the sheepfold, the easier it becomes to ensnare us. The psalmist later writes in the 22nd chapter, “Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help” (Ps. 22:11). We recognize that trouble is all around us, but the power of God helps and sustains us. We are reminded through the words of Jesus that God does not forsake us but rather, He lovingly calls and invites us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). We have a great refuge here in God’s kingdom. Plea for Help The second verse in this Psalm of David relates of prayers and pleas to God. Especially in times of trial or difficulty we find ourselves pleading to God for help. God has given us the gift of prayer and has promised to hear all our prayers, even the faintest sigh (Ps. 55:17). Jesus, who was the Son of God, also prayed during His time here on the earth. Even though He was true God, He had the need to pray, and we too can be encouraged to continue steadfast in prayer. James 5:16 assures us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” God hears our prayers and gives according to His will. May we desire to have a heart of faith and accept what comes from God’s hand. In Romans 8:26 we are reminded that we don’t even know what we should pray for, but we can be so thankful that the Spirit prays on our behalf. We trust that God knows what is best for our lives and He answers our prayers according to His will. Trust in God When we place our complete trust in God we receive blessings and protection. Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Also in Psalms 25:2 it says, “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in righteousness.” When we trust our hearts – and our lives – to God and allow him to lead us and guide us, Proverbs assures us “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (3:6). The generations that have gone before trusted in God and were not led astray but were blessed in their life. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us of those Old Testament believers who traveled by faith and trusted in God. Verse 13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seeing them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” May we cling to this faith that one day will take us to the shore of heaven. Jesus came unto this earth and fulfilled the salvation plan for sinners according to His Father’s will. He came and served in a lowly and meek way, so even the weakest and poorest could believe. When Jesus comes again, at the final judgment, He will come in all might and glory. It will be the day that a child of God has yearned and longed for. Let us patiently wait for that day with faith and hope in our heart. In Revelations it encourages us to cling and hold unto this gift of faith, “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).

The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- God in His Word gives us instructions on how – and to what – to show respect. He blessed the children of Israel with the Ten Commandments. The first three commandments teach us about our relationship with God, how we respect God’s position, His name and His day of rest. Beginning with the fourth commandment, we receive instruction on how to respect and how to treat fellow human beings. These instructions begin with exhortation to respect our parents. In fact, this commandment serves as a foundation of our respect for others: respect starts at home with parents. Luther writes in his Large Catechism that the encouragement to respect our parents stems from their calling. God has called the men and women in question to serve as parents, to serve in continuing God’s creation work. God creates new life and gives parents the duties of rearing and caring for His creation. Mother and father serve in the heavenly Parent’s stead. They are trusted workers despite their faults and lacking. Parents often struggle to serve in a demanding calling that exceeds their skills and merit. Children can therefore support the parents by respecting the parents’ calling just as they respect the One who has called them to serve as parents. Children and the entire community can also pray that God will give wisdom and skill to parents as they endeavor in their duties. As children grow to adulthood and parents age, the role of respecting and caring for parents can take on new meaning and dimensions. This is all part of God’s plan for our mutual health and safety. The Fourth Commandment contains a promise of long life and wellbeing. This promise of a long life serves to remind us that each of us in turn will reach an advanced age, if God gives us days and years to reach old age. What we sow, so shall we reap. This perspective guides us in our God-given duty to respect our parents, our elders. Often, we learn in our childhood homes the basics of how to respect others. We learn by example from our parents and elders. May we to whom God has given children remember that the respect we afford others does not go unnoticed by our offspring. Our attitudes, behaviors and words towards others, whether charitable or not, are signals and lessons to our children. Even spouses’ respect for one another serves as a continuous lesson. Disrespect of parents, and spouses’ disrespect for each other, break God’s instructions and can lead to much sadness and grief in the form of broken relationships and broken homes. God has ordained it so that when we respect our parents and other authorities, this brings blessings, security and stability to our lives. Children of a certain age may have difficulty valuing the life experiences, wisdom and instruction of their elders, though these experiences and instructions contribute to providing a life that is secure and protected and centered on God’s Word and the instruction of God’s congregation. In short, respect of elders can bear blessings even when we don’t understand the reasons for the instructions the elders provide. Ultimately respect of one’s loved ones and others is respect towards God as the Creator of all humankind. Therefore, we wish to maintain an attitude and heart of respect toward one another (Rom. 12:10). Today, disobedience and distance from God’s Word beget a lack of respect for fellow humans, which is a way the enemy of souls can ensnare us. We may present a sincere front and feign respect for those people and things that bring us some advantage or gain, while we disrespect them in our hearts. We may forget that God placed people here to help us in life. It seems that more and more often these days, we focus on who is right and who is wrong in some particular matter, be it with parenting, teaching or other duties. Earthly matters are ultimately in God’s hands, so instead of arguing over these, we can focus on mutual respect and caretaking. We acknowledge that though there sometimes is poor parenting, teaching or leadership, God and His Word compel us to approach issues with respect toward parents and other authorities (e.g. Prov. 14:21,22). God in His goodness gives us the strength and the desire to respect those around us, especially the loved ones with whom we share our lives. This month we celebrate Mother’s Day, and next month we honor our fathers on Father’s Day. May we these months and all other months remember God’s instruction to respect, honor and obey those in whom He has entrusted precious duties.

Natasha Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. – Job 1:21 My head is heavy and there’s a tiredness around my eyes. Snuggled under my soft, orange throw in an easy chair with a couple of hot packs placed in strategic places, feet up, a pillow under my right knee and a walker by my side, I contemplate this verse that has persisted in the shadows of my mind over the last couple of weeks. Is it truly the case that the Lord gives and takes away? And can I still say with full assurance in my heart, “Blessed be the name of the Lord?” All through my life God has given and taken the portion that He knows I need. I am now going through a season in life where He has taken a significant part of my being: my physical health and mobility. Lately, my legs have been especially tired and slow. I stubbornly persist in using them and know I will until I can no longer. Perhaps even more difficult has been my need to ask for and accept assistance. I am fierce and I am strong and I almost would rather crumple than admit defeat. As I ponder the cumbersome journey of possibly becoming an invalid, of slowly losing health, vitality and energy, I can’t help but think; “Really? Does this all really need to be taken from me?” And, as I ask this, I know the answer. That yes, in this moment, in this time, all that has been taken from me is needed to fulfill God’s almighty and perfect plan. “What would it be like to be given it all back?” A half-smile comes to my face. Could that be possible? With God all things are possible. And one thing I can cast my hope on is that in heaven I will be given a new body! – – – Recently, while listening to an online evening devotion a small tap of grief and perhaps permission was opened for me. I have not been able to resume my career for over three years because of my health, but in my mind, I am always getting better and will go back to work. This particular devotion spoke of how a person can close the door to a season in life and embrace the new one. Grief for my teaching career welled up inside me. This new season of getting myself dressed, fed and attending to everyday living necessities doesn’t sound near as exciting, but this is my season now and I want to take it from the hand of God. Yes, it truly is the case that the Lord gives and takes away. I see this in my life and I see it in the joys and sorrows of the believers who travel alongside me. The spiritual kingdom that we travel in has gone through a time of warfare and restlessness. It has been confusing and I have had to examine and ponder where I stand as a believer. This has recently been mirrored in our temporal society with the pandemic, political unrest and a shift in social thought regarding what best serves the common good. Thankfully, it doesn’t matter where we stand on the political spectrum. But it does matter where we are as children of God. Do not get left behind! God’s flock is a traveling flock. A flock on its way to heaven. If you do not have the strength to stay standing on your legs, let the believers carry you. Ask for assistance and accept the help. Remain with this precious flock. What has been given to you, and what has been taken away? And can you say, along with me, “Blessed be the name of the Lord?”

Roger Plough | The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever; his eye behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah. O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. – Psalm 66:3–9 God directs the footsteps of our lives and the paths of nations. Such mighty works compel us to sing and praise God, as our text exhorts us. God is deserving of our thanks and praise always, yet we are often slow to praise God. Our text begins, “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works!” Referring to God’s works as terrible is surprising, so we can check other Bible translations to see how the original word was viewed by others. The English NIV translation uses the word awesome and the older Finnish Biblia uses ihmeellinen, that is wonderful. Since God is the creator of heaven and earth we can surmise the wonder – and even fear – behind these adjectives. All around us in nature we can see the wonderful hand of God, the warmth of day, the coolness of night, the sunrise, the sunset, the seasons of growth and the seasons of dormancy. We view God’s creation as a normal part of life, often overlooking the wonder of it all. We desire to remember to thank and praise Him. In Psalm 8:4 we read, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visited him?” God is great and we are small, yet God created humans for eternity and sent His Son to suffer and die for the sins of all. Through faith in Him, sinful humans have the possibility of eternal life in heaven. For this we ought to continually thank and praise our heavenly Father. God Helps in Time of Need In our text, the psalmist continues, “Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men” (v. 5). Then the psalmist recalls a miracle of God for the children of Israel. The Egyptian army had the children of Israel trapped at the Red Sea with nowhere to go. God “turned the sea into dry land” (v. 5) and the children of Israel passed over. When the Egyptians pursued them, God caused the waters to return and the army drowned. The Israelites rejoiced and sang praises to God for His marvelous works. Throughout time and yet today, God provides strength in time of need for His children. Have you experienced God’s help in your battle against the three-fold enemy? When we fall, God gives strength to beg for the gospel and we are able to hear and believe that all our sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Further in our text the psalmist implores, “Let not the rebellious exalt themselves” (v. 7). Jesus teaches, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). By nature, humans want to take credit for good things or deeds and lay blame on others for the bad. We are proud and want to show we are better than another. All are corrupt and prone to falling into sin. Therefore when we fall, we desire to humble ourselves unto repentance. By believing our sins forgiven, through faith, we are exalted, i.e. made acceptable unto God through the merits of His dear Son, our Lord Jesus. When our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God, our hearts rejoice and are full of thanks to Him. God’s Salvation Plan The last verse of our text teaches of Him “which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved” (v. 9). God has given man an undying soul and desires that all would seek Him, come onto repentance, and be saved. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). In Hebrews 13:8 the writer reminds, “Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” As children of God, we want to remain on the narrow pathway that leads to heaven. Satan would like us to think there is another way. He does not care whether we fall to the wayside on the left or the right. He preaches his sermon of lies which can often be enticing. How can such a small group of people be on the correct pathway to heaven? Yet, Jesus says in His Sermon on the Mount, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). May our feet always remain steadfast on the path that leads to eternal life. Like the psalmist, we long to thank and praise God eternally for His great and mighty works. Jesus encourages, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Aaron Anderson | The Voice of Zion June 2022 -- Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11 The crowning jewel of God’s creation is humankind. God’s creation work was perfect. Humans lived in union with God. The angel of darkness, Satan, was jealous of God because he thought he should be equal to God, and was thrown out of heaven for his disobedience to Him. The angel of darkness disguised himself as an angel of light, and he caused the first human couple to question God’s Word. Sin entered the human heart. This was the great and complete falling away of humankind from God. Adam and Eve no longer lived in union with their Creator because of this fall. This inherited sin plagues us all today. A Way Forward Fortunately, God did not leave His children without a way forward. He gave to them His promise that a Savior would be born to save them from eternal death. This Savior would be His only Son. The Son had promised His Father already in eternity to be lowered to earth to save humankind. All humans had to do was believe on Him. Satan Authors Disunity The angel of darkness, Satan, wars against God. He wants God’s crown jewel of creation for his own. He knows that if he can cause doubt and sin to weigh heavy on one, a child of God will easily tire. Soon, we no longer see this flock of believers as a golden candlestick; brothers and sisters in faith can now appear to us only as faulty and sinful people. In this way, Satan was able to break the love between siblings of the first family as well. He caused the heart of Cain to grow so jealous and cold that he murdered his own brother. We are living the eve of time. The author of confusion and lies knows his time is short. He is working tirelessly to break the unity of God’s children. When there is not unity the sheep are easily scattered. When the sheep are scattered and alone, the enemy can more easily pick them off – one by one, in small groups, or through a larger falling away. Gather More Together For this reason the writer to the Hebrews exhorts us in this way: “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24,25). We can note how the author specifically mentions this provoking unto love and to good works, or as the NIV translation puts it, “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” It is good to remember this exhortation especially during these tumultuous times. Broken Love Disrupts Unity Let us consider how we converse one with another so that our speech would spur one another on toward love and good deeds, that one could walk away from a conversation with another child of God feeling uplifted in our walk of faith. Apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesian believers: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (4:29). And when our speech or actions offend another, let us quickly swallow our pride and turn towards the throne of grace to put away those sins which cause offense. “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). Otherwise, even seemingly small matters can begin to separate us. Forgiveness Restores Unity with God Let us always pray to our heavenly Father that He would give us a forgiving heart towards our brothers and sisters. When God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is present in the gatherings of His children, we feel the warmth of love that knits us closely together. “By this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Paul bid farewell to the battling congregation of Corinth by exhorting them to “encourage one another” and to “strive for full restoration” (2 Cor. 13:11 NIV). Dear travel friends, let us continue on this journey encouraging one another. Let us forgive one another from the heart and believe that message of forgiveness. Then full restoration can come between brothers and sisters and it is possible to live in peace and to be of one mind. It is then that the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor. 13:11).

David Niemi | The Voice of Zion June 2022 -- He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me…With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. – Psalm 18:16–19;25–28 Psalm 18 was written by David after the Lord delivered him from the hands of Saul and his enemies. He wanted to sing his praises and thanks unto the Lord for His marvelous help. Is this not how we, many thousands of years later, wish to do when God helps us in our difficulties? We also wish to thank God, we wish to hear God’s voice when it calls and trust in Him to help us in the days we are living. God Sends Angels David relates how God sent angels: “He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters” to help him in his distress. God works this way in His kingdom even today. When we fall into sin, He sends messengers to help in time of need. Also, when those on the outside of God’s kingdom feel their own wretchedness and are seeking, God through His Spirit sends His own children, those angels to bring the message of God’s kingdom close. This faith travels from heart to heart through the power of the gospel. Consider even the Ethiopian eunuch. God sent Philip to explain onto him the message of the forgiveness of sins. God knows the heart and can send help for one who is seeking. God has always helped those who desire the help of the Lord, and always He has been able to help regardless of the enemy. Humans are not able to battle the enemy of souls or enter into God’s kingdom through any work of their own. One must first humble oneself and feel his or her own sinfulness and weakness, and then God can help. Through repentance one becomes a child of God. God can then help a person along the way of faith that leads to heaven. God Brings Strength and Peace Psalm 18 tells how the enemy attacked during a time of distress. Hasn’t this been the case today as well? When we are tired and feeling weak, the enemy tries all of his wiles to get us to fall. But today, just as for David, the Lord is our stay and security to help shield against the enemy. With God’s strength we are able to battle against Satan. From the precious gospel message we receive strength; “It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). When we are able to do this, we receive strength to battle against the threefold enemy. David writes how God brought him into a large place, which is what happens when the bonds of sin are released. We can then travel free of sin and the destination appears bright before us. In the 23rd Psalm it speaks how “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” This is how it is when we submit ourselves to God’s almighty hand. When we trust in Him, He can lead our lives and bless us as well. God Is Merciful and Pure In our psalm text, we read that God is merciful unto those who are merciful and shows himself upright to the upright one. Also, God is pure to those who have a pure heart, and He will save the afflicted people. This is how it has been for God’s children always. Even in the time of the wilderness journey, Moses reminded the Israelites, “Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years” (Deut. 8:4), and so it is for us today. God helps and carries us along this journey to our home in heaven. He knows each of us so well, that He can send exactly what we need when we need it. David wrote unto us how God is towards the proud, the crooked, and the high and mighty. God will cause “the proud to stumble and fall with none to raise him up” (Jer. 50:32). He cannot work in a proud heart. Jesus spoke and thanked the Father, “because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matt. 11:25). God can affect a humble heart, but He resists the proud. We can read in scriptures of those who became proud and rose against God. Korah was an example of how God destroys the wicked and proud. God Calls “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (v. 29) speaks unto us how God can call us and show the way into His kingdom. Regardless of whether we were called into God’s kingdom from birth or later in life, we care for it in the same way. The Holy Spirit teaches the same in all His children and His children need the gospel to keep that name of a child of God. Dear children of God, continue putting sin away as it attaches, and care for one another on this journey to our eternal home in heaven. Let us pray that God would still call those seeking hearts into His kingdom while it is a time of grace.