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"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:32–33).
By now we are likely aware of Pastor Pottschmidt’s decision [read here] whether to serve St. Paul’s—Des Peres as our senior pastor or to remain at St. Paul’s—Concordia, Missouri. I know how we all have been praying!
However, before receiving his decision, one evening last week I attended our neighborhood "Hot Dog and Apple Pie and Cornhole" celebration of our nation's 250th. Many neighbors asked me, "Well, are you close to being done at St. Paul’s?" My response was, "Either very soon, OR by Thanksgiving." That response caused many curious looks.
In Mark chapter 13, Jesus tells the disciples of the coming events leading up to the fulfillment of God’s eternal kingdom. Jesus’ response must have also caused the disciples to give curious looks. It could happen very soon, or it may be some time in the distant future. But be assured that IT WILL HAPPEN.
Jesus concludes by saying, "What I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." That means keep at it. Don’t be distracted. You have been given an assignment to complete, a great mission to fulfill, and a new commandment of "Love one another as I have loved you" to do!
That’s plenty to keep both pastor and congregation busy. These things will always be our focus … regardless of it being the vacancy senior pastor or the new senior pastor proclaiming God’s words of grace from the St. Paul’s pulpit.
No, you don’t know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return. However, you do know that we are in the ides of summer. Already this week our St. Paul’s campus is busy with 250+ children and over 100 teachers and aides at VBS. Already youth are preparing for their "off-site and out-of-state" mission trip. Already backpacks and school supplies are being gathered not only for our own children, but for children of St. Louis County who will be all smiles at the prospect of returning to school fully equipped. Already the sign-ups for other Care and Connect Week events are filling up — whether traveling to the site of Christian Friends of New Americans or offering prayer support for the many hands that will serve beyond our own campus.
Whatever Pastor Pottschmidt’s decision. However long I may still be serving. Whatever you find yourself doing. We have much to do and much to look forward to.
To quote Jesus one more time, "What I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
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