What are you looking for? Do you feel like you just rummage through life, searching for something that will satisfy an otherwise unidentifiable longing? It seems in our current society contentment is shunned and the “haphazard search” is glorified. Think about it. When was the last time you watched a movie or a TV show about someone who was rather content? No! The more troubled, the more misled, the more “undirected” the better! Now that’s exciting!
“What are you looking for?” is the question from Jesus in John chapter 1 to His new disciples. They, too, were rummaging. The irony of the question is that they were just hoping for someone to bring back some nationalistic pride when they had really stumbled upon the “Word made flesh.” In our world of insatiable longing, we need to honestly ask ourselves what we’re looking for. Because, whether or not we’re really looking for it, Jesus is the only real source of contentment and rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
Rummage Sale
Yes, it’s June and it’s time for our 8th annual rummage sale. Over the years, our rummage sale has come to mean a lot to different people. To those who donate to our sale, it’s a chance to get rid of some unnecessary items. To those who shop our sale, it’s a chance to find a bargain. To Bethel, it’s a chance to get to know the neighborhood and raise money for our Lutheran School families. To our Lutheran School families, it’s a way to help out and say “thank you” for the assistance they receive.
It didn’t take much to see the beauty of this rummage sale as more than a fund-raiser. I saw what a help this sale had been to the people who found exactly what they need here. But this year I see it playing an even greater role in people’s lives. With so many out of work or struggling to get by, many people will rummage here and find exactly what they could not afford elsewhere. It also provides an easy way for people in our neighborhood to help one another by donating the things they don’t need. So this year, let’s be generous with our donations, generous with our time and generous with our hearts. Let’s pray that God will bless this event so we can serve Him, serve our neighborhood, and send some children to Lutheran schools.
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13
Blessings,
Pastor Seabaugh