NOTE FROM PASTOR JR FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany. I will continue with my sermon series, “The Ways of Steadfast Love.” Many scripture passages speak of God’s steadfast love toward us; but this sermon series is premised on how we as recipients of God’s Steadfast Love, demonstrate that love toward others. I read an extreme example of that this week.
During World War II, Germany Private Joseph Schultz was sent to Yugoslavia. He was among 8 German soldiers, the sergeant took with him one day on what they thought was a routine patrol. As they came over a hill, they encountered 8 Yugoslavians, standing on the brow of a hill about 50 feet from them, 5 men and 3 women. The sergeant barked out, “Ready!” and they lifted their rifles. “Aim!” And the solders got their sights set.
Then suddenly in the silence there was the thud of a rifle butt against the ground. All eyes stopped and looked on as Private Joseph Schultz walked toward the Yugoslavians. His sergeant called after him and ordered him to come back, but he pretended not to hear him. Instead, Schultz walked the 50 feet to the hill and joined his hands with the 8 Yugoslavians. There was a moment of silence, and the sergeant yelled, “Fire!” Private Schultz died that day. His blood mingled with those of the innocent Yugoslavians. Found on his body was an excerpt from the Apostle Paul. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (I Corinthians 13:7)
Most of us will never be called upon to demonstrate such an extreme example of steadfast love as Private Schultz did that day; but we are all called upon to demonstrate “The Ways of Steadfast Love,” being “Steadfast in the face of …” something.
Join us for worship this Sunday, by zoom or Facebook livestream. The sermon will be “Part 3 – Steadfast in the Face of …” based on I Corinthians 1-13.
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