West Main

OUR IMPARTIAL FATHER

 

C.S. Lewis began his book, “Mere Christianity,” by reasoning that man has an inherent sense of “fairness.”  We are quick to sense injustice, especially if we are the object of it.  This seems to be one of the residual images of God in fallen man.  For God is repeatedly pictured in the Bible as just and impartial in his dealing with the whole human race.  That is one of the many reasons I believe the sacred Scriptures.

 

 

Someone may argue that the nation of Israel is named in the Old Testament as God’s special people.  This is true.  His intent for Israel was that of lifting up a people from the mire of human conduct, through whom the Christ would come.  Jesus’ earthly ancestry was Jewish, from a people who were a remnant of ancient Israel.  God had dealt with these people in a parental way, and in his evenhanded treatment of them he showed himself to be a model Father who disciplines his offspring.

 

 

This impartial dealing with Israel in the Old Testament sets it apart from many other historical writings that aggrandize flawless heroes.  The Prophets, with Jeremiah being a good example, foretold the woes that were to befall Israel because of sin.  Other nations are pictured as God’s agents in humbling Israel through conquest and subjugation.  When Jesus appears on the scene, the Jews were a small part of the Roman Empire, and under governors like Herod and Pilate.  How the mighty had fallen!

 

 

However, in the midst of this lackluster people, with their haughty puppet leaders, were those who were the intended products of the Law of Moses.  Mary, the young virgin called to be the mother of Jesus, together with Joseph, her intended husband, were exhibits of God’s nurturing a people.  Later, the Jewish fishermen Jesus called to be his disciples, had an initial spiritual hunger that God had already built into them.

 

 

But because Israel had been treated as a special child, it was not easy for the apostles of Christ to grasp God’s impartial love.  They were slow to recognize his intent for all men to be his redeemed children.  Nor was the early church, at first made up of Jewish believers, quick to accept uncircumsized Gentiles as brothers.  Only through laborious teaching, like that found in the letters to the Roman and Galatian churches, was God’s love for all men made clear.

 

 

Impartiality in the Church Jesus came to build called for the rich and poor to be treated alike.  Slaves were elevated to the status of brothers, and women were counted as joint heirs with men.  The commonality that Communist dreamers have never been able to accomplish by edict is a reality among those who take up the yoke of Christ.  In an earthly imitation of the nature of God, the Church is unique among all of the societies of men.

 

 

To be impartial like our heavenly Father is an ongoing struggle for each of us.  It is God’s way and must be ours as well.

 

 

– James Gibbs

 

 

 

Elders Open House  --  Our next Elders’ Open House will be  Sunday, April 15, at the homes of Gerry and September Flock and Lance and Betty Lake.

You are invited to visit their homes from 2:00-4:00 p.m. We will have maps to their homes available on  Sunday for your convenience.

 

 

Vacation Bible School  --  VBS is just around the corner!  How can you help make it be successful?  Check out the sign-up table this Sunday, April 15, following the morning service.

What do we need?  Your kids to attend, teachers, food, prizes, and lots more!  See you this Sunday or contact Denise Beeks any time!

 

***VBS DATES: June 19-22 (Please note the change of dates.)  Ages: Finished Kindergarten-6th Grade. Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

 

Camp News  --  This year camp registration fees will only be $50.00 per camper.  We anticipate that camp will fill up quickly.  Camper registration forms will be available in May.  Please mark your calendars for July 8-14 to join us at Box R Ranch.  Camp registration deadline will be June 25. We will not refund any camper registration fees after June 25.

 

 

 

Prayer Requests . . .  Our sympathy is extended to Dave and Carol Reavis and Lisa Allen on the sudden passing of their son and brother, Jess, this past Saturday.  Please remember their family in prayer this week...Carlena Eddy’s half-brother, Danny Newberry, had a massive heart attack and they don’t know if he will make it - he is 64 years old and lives in Ohio...Caramia Page will be having wrist and hand surgery this week at Ashland Community Hospital...Eva Loy Knight will be having a biopsy on her lung this week - please pray for good results...Tom Dixon is in Providence Hospital with pneumonia...For our members who have continuing health concerns...For friends of David Mayes - Cora and Barbara for spiritual growth and for David to be more Christlike....For our President and all of our military men, women and families.

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 15: Elders’ Open House; Flock’s and Lake’s Homes

April 21: Daddy-Daughter Dinner/Dance; 5:00-8:00 p.m.; FSR

June 19-22: VBS

July 8-14: CAMP

July 28-August 3: PUMP