Good evening, fellow redeemed!
Today, the Church commemorates St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Tradition tells that St. John was the lone apostle of Jesus' 12 who died a natural death in old age. John's life was not without trial, though. Reportedly, John survived an attempt on his life in which involved boiling him in oil. John also was exiled from his beloved Ephesus, sent to the mines of Patmos, where he was given the Revelation and wrote the record bearing the same name. John died either late in the first century or early in the second century.
The point of celebrating such days right after Christmas, at least in modern times, serves to ground us in the reality that the world hates the message of Christ and His followers. Christianity, then, doesn't guarantee us a good life - far from it. But, in Christ, there is the promise of life everlasting. Thus, Christianity does promise a good death - a death which has been overcome at the cross by our Lord and Master, and a death from which we will be called in resurrection.
This week, I am out of the office, visiting family and friends in Austin and taking some much needed time off. If an emergency arises, please call one of the Board of Elders, who will in turn call me.
Rather than my regular list of prayer concerns, I will simply ask that you pray for Christ's Church and her proclamation, for those who serve in our armed services and their families, and for my uncle, Raymond Whitaker, who will be undergoing surgery soon. Also, pray for our brother in Christ, Emmet Wright, our sisters in Christ, Ruth Prytz, Esther Felsberg, and Donnae Blake. Pray also for those who travel.
God bless, and see you in the New Year!
PKJ
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