May the 4th

Dan Howard   -  

Yesterday was an unofficial holiday for those of the science fiction persuasion. May the fourth be with you. And all good Lutheran Star Wars fan’s respond….And also with you. That being said I think it’s appropriate to do a little Star Wars devotion today. One of the most powerful scenes in the original trilogy is also one of the most overlooked. Luke has gone in search of Yoda, and the little Jedi master stands in front of Luke but he isn’t recognized because he doesn’t meet Luke’s expectations. Luke wanted a great warrior. You can find their discussion here.

When we approach God, what expectations do we bring?
When we come to God with problems. Do we often also bring the only solution acceptable to us?
When we praise God do we praise Him for getting what we want or receiving what we need?
Do we go to Him to receive counseling, or do we want to tell God what we want to hear?
Do we judge His plan by our perception of its size?

These are questions worth spending a minute on, because how we understand God is important. Who we see God as tells us a lot about the role that we want God to play in our life. So often we limit God to a support hotline or a wise mentor that will get us started and then we will eventually grow beyond needing. Sometimes we even say “  When I Left You, I Was But The Learner; Now I Am The Master.”

So, it’s good for us to step back and ask the question; “Who is God to You?”

Perhaps it’s time to go back and see what Yoda says about what faith can accomplish.

I’m not talking about the new age spirituality. I am talking about giving God sovereignty over the big problems just as much as over the little ones.

“I can’t, it’s too big” may just be the words God is waiting for … After all Paul writes to the Corinthians

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Cor 12:9

I encourage you to dwell on this verse for a while. Meditate on it, make it yours. And trust God to see you through any trouble. Pray to learn what He wants you to see in any adversity, and may your faith grow stronger day by day.

May the LORD be with you.
May you have the Peace, Hope, Faith, and Love of Jesus.
-Pastor Dan

And…because I can’t help myself…may the Lord keep you safe from Seagulls