Pastor's Corner

A young Dayton serviceman stationed in California shared that he was discouraged. He missed home. He missed Dayton. He happened to be in a public place where a radio was broadcasting the news. Strangely, a small, insignificant item was mentioned about Dayton, Wash. A warm, homey feeling crept over him. He took that news report as a special gift and was encouraged.

The Bible says, "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land" Prov. 25:25. It is inestimable what a timely word can do in providing encouragement, especially when it is a word from home. The Lord sent us a saving, transforming, and encouraging Word from home.

Jesus is called "The Word" in John Chapter 1. It says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" Jn. 1:1, 14. Jesus Christ is God the Son and the Living Word of God. He was sent to dwell among us to save us. His word is given to bring us home to the Lord, even when we had wandered from Him in sin.

In so many ways we do not feel at home in this world. The Bible says, "They were longing for a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" Heb. 11:16.

Because we trust Him for a better dwelling, God is not ashamed to call us His children. This world and the evil in it will be judged. Yet the living Word of God, Jesus Christ, makes His home within us so that we are confident for judgment day and for whatever the future holds.

By Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church