Life on the Pasture

As I write this, I am sitting in my office at church wearing a Brewers jacket, staring at all the Brewers bobbleheads on top of my bookshelves, as well as a Brewers pennant. This is usually a very exciting week for me as the new baseball season begins. That is not the case this year. And, if our Governor’s “Safer at Home” order remains in force until April 24, neither will Holy Week and Easter happen as usual. Of course, the days will be observed, but not with a large group of people present. (I am still praying that we will be able to gather for Easter.)

For those who have compromised health conditions, staying away from possible carriers is tremendously important. And all those who work at hospitals, clinics and care centers are obviously at great risk.

Some have theorized that the reaction to COVID-19 is so great because we have a hard time dealing with death. I would say that more than anything else, people are concerned about those who are most vulnerable.

Which brings me back to baseball, the goal of which is to be safe at home. There’s an old Elvis Presley song called “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” It includes these lyrics: “For home is where the heart is, and my heart is anywhere you are. Anywhere you are is home.”

If our heart is with the Lord, then we understand that line, “Anywhere You are is home.” Home, after all, is not so much a physical location as it is a place of comfort, acceptance, and love – a true safe zone. And that’s what our Lord Jesus offers us. We can be safe with Him. As Jesus promises at the end of Matthew’s Gospel account, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)

In your prayers tonight, please bring before the Lord all those who are by themselves at home. Pray that our gracious Lord would give them through His Spirit a sure sense of His presence and His love. And ask that for yourself as well that you might know the joy of being safe at home.

– Pastor Schmidt