The Olympics are rounding up this week. I have enjoyed the variety of sports. One of the stand outs for the U.S. is Simone Biles. She now has won seven golds, one silver and two bronze medals and 23 World Championships. She did have a request of reporters to stop asking about what is next. Allow the athlete to “Soak up the moment we’ve worked our whole lives for.”
As we read through John 6, we see that Jesus was not allowed to “soak in” the wonder of feeding 5,000 on one boy’s lunch. The crowd instead wanted to make him king. He escaped by climbing up into the mountains to pray and then walking on the water. But the next morning the crowd followed him around the lake and wanted the next meal.
Elijah had a similar experience. He won the gold medal in his great victory over 850 prophets of Baal. They were challenged to ignite their sacrifice to their god through prayers and pleading. For hours they cried out to their god, even cutting themselves with swords and lances until blood gushed out over them. The result: “No voice, no answer, and no response.”
Now it was Elijah’s turn. He must first rebuild the altar of God, which has fallen into disrepair. Then he has water poured on his sacrifice three times, so much water that it fills a trench carved in the surrounding ground. After his simple prayer, fire rains down from heaven and consumes “the offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench”. Added to that amazing victory, a seven-year drought ended that same day.
One would think that Elijah would be hailed as a great prophet and welcomed into the court of King Ahab. But Ahab’s wife was not pleased with the humiliation of her pagan priests. She wants Elijah dead. He flees for his life into the wilderness. Finding a solitary broom tree, he asks that he might die. “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” (I Kings 19:4) He falls asleep beneath the broom tree.
He is awakened by an angel who brings him a meal and tells him to “Get up and eat.”
Elijah is not the only person who has experienced a great victory yet turns to despair. Artists, film stars, and athletes seem especially prone to despair. Great accomplishments can give way to great depression. Simone Biles took time away from competition to regain her personal balance.
In Elijah’s case, God comes to him not in wind, earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice, the sound of “sheer silence”. Challenged by God to continue his ministry, Elijah takes up the mantle of prophet once again and even shares it with Elisha who follows him as prophet.
Jesus wishes that the crowd to listen to the voice of God. Maybe then they would reflect more deeply on life. He wants them to see that he is the “Bread that came down from heaven.” If they could appreciate him and his message they would “never be hungry,” if they only believe they would “never be thirsty.”
The crowd does not get it. They see Jesus as the “son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know. How can he now say, I have come down from heaven?”
Sadly, by the end of John 6, the crowd leaves Jesus behind. It is only the disciples who like Elijah get up and move forward with Jesus.
Life has its ups and downs. Just like the stock market this week. Jesus offers us the chance to take stock of Jesus and see that beyond our next lunch is that chance to launch into the work of God, which starts by believing in the steadfast love of God revealed in Jesus.
Elijah got up, moved forward and brought a new day of hope to his people. We can do the same.
The Olympics offer touching moments. One of them was the Chinese badminton star who received a silver medal. He Bing Jiao was losing her match against Carolina Marin of Spain when Carolina was injured and had to withdraw, advancing Jiao into the finals. As she stood on the podium, Jiao held up a small flag of Spain to honor her opponent. It was a classy Olympic act. An encouragement to Carolina in a moment of sadness. May Jesus plant his flag in your heart.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the good times when all is well and we are filled with hope. Lord thank you even more for the Bread of Life, which sustains us through all the ups and downs. May we taste of this Bread always and thus not hunger or thirst. Amen
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge
Support – Again bless you for your generosity through summer. We were able to support our own ministries and the Pacifica Synod to the tune of $3,000 and Habitat for Humanity $2,000 thus far.
The Next Women’s Bible Study is September 3, part of a 3-part Bible series on living in faith.
Interested in joining Faith? We are planning a new member orientation in September. Let Pastor Bunge know of your interest.
PANTRY
The pantry is 8 to 10:30 every 2nd & 4th Saturday, so August 10 and 24. Want to help let Carol Jensen know.
Time of Meditation –meets Thursdays @ 1 pm.
LAUREN SCHAFER is in the office Monday through Thursday 12:15 to 2:45 p.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Mondays and Tuesdays in August.
Confirmation Classes start again September 8.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has completed 17 quilts for Central City Lutheran Mission and 6 for Lutheran World Relief. They also gave 2 quilts to graduating Seniors Charlotte and Evan.
Lots of Celebrations:
- Nelson had a reaction to a new medication but was back in church.
- Michael and Ann Shea are great grandparents again, their newest is Elizabeth Paige Bruce of North Carolina.
- Good News for Jeanne Koening, her pancreatic cancer biopsy came back benign. They have moved into their house at 12367 4th Street space 8. They appreciate prayers for their daughter Jessica.
- Rebecca and Chris found an apartment not far from her work.
- Kim’s brother, Jim, had good news on his stem cell procedure.
- Andrew Gentry, a co-worker of Jan Wheeler’s for son Brian had good news in his fight against cancer of the larynx.
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls place your shoes in the boxes inside the Narthex and Fireside Room labeled “Soles 4 Souls.”
PRAY for:
- Please pray for Brad Blue he is having hip surgery on August 15.
- The family of Steve Cady will be using the fireside room August 10th for a family remembrance time for his mother. She requested no memorial service.
- Bonnie Strack is recovering from an injury to her foot. We pray for a speedy recovery. She appreciates continued prayer for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
- Delores McDaniel, the grandmother of Wendy Finucan Montgomery is recovering from a stroke.
- erwin has been back in church, 90th birthday celebration for him August 18.
- Nancy’s son, Gabe, is doing well.
- Eloise appreciates your prayers.
- Kyle and Dana’s son, Kevin’s, Mother-in-Law, Lisa, cancer was found even after surgery.
- Cesar and Kim appreciate prayers for their sons, Tim, and Kyle.
We’re Thankful that you JOIN US –
FUN & FELLOWSHIP @ FAITH after the WORSHIP
CELEBRATING OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
AUGUST
4 – thank you always! – We receive the benefit of them hosting the fellowship time with fabulous treats for us from their Bible Study the Saturday before.
11 GAMES!! GAMES!! GAMES!! 75th Anniversary Celebration HONORING THE YOUTH & EDUCATION with Back-to-School games and YOUTH GET TO CHOOSE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRIZES.
We will be setting up about 5 games, if you’d like to help, let us know.
Or, thanks for saying YES when we call. 😊
It’s all about the youth! — Hot dogs & brats/Mac & Cheese, Chips, Ice Cream
18 IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE erwin!!! Happy 90th Birthday!
With all his favorites! – Italian Spaghetti, German Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting and ice cream, and orange Jello with oranges and strawberries.
25 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK – BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH.
Mark your calendars. One host has volunteered, we need a 2nd volunteer. Thanks.
Reminder: Thanks for considering us your donation location for your giveaways for our Bingo Prizes, leave in office labeled BINGO.
And if you want to help with food for any date, please let Connie know, 951.514.1214