This year’s theme, as chosen by our seniors, is taken from Matt. 22:10: “All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” The message of Jesus to His disciples in the 1st century is the same for Christians in the 21st century: STAND FIRM. We live in a world that has rejected its Creator and now views Him as its enemy. Because we have been marked by God at our baptisms as His own, the world hates, rejects and attacks us, too. Sometimes the assault is obvious, such as when we are physically or verbally attacked for our faith. Other times the attacks are more
subtle, chipping away at our faith in ways we don’t even realize. Whether it is the music we listen to, the shows and movies we watch, the magazines we read or the websites we visit: Satan is working through our culture to weaken our trust in God’s promises and encouraging us to lean more on “other things” for personal happiness and strength. Satan is crafty and relentless; a “roaring lion seeking someone to devour”.
Knowing that this would be reality for His followers, Christ Jesus encourages His people to be ready… and to STAND FIRM. We are to arm and protect ourselves with God’s Word, which is our sure and certain defense against all of Satan’s attacks. We are to encourage one another in, and be encouraged by, the fellowship of all believers. And in all things we are commended to pray, trusting in God’s promise that He hears us, cares for us and will answer according to His gracious mercy.
Ours is not an easy path; but we do not travel it alone. In all times and places, Christ our Lord has promised to be with us. He gives us the comfort, strength and peace to endure and to overcome all things. By the power of His Holy Spirit, He enables us to STAND FIRM. And finally, He reminds us that this battle is not in vain. He has already, through His death on the
Cross and His glorious resurrection, called us heavenward and given us the crown of life. We do not strive to attain it, but instead strive because it is already ours. To God be the Glory!
