Trinity
June 16th holds three important celebrations: Trinity Sunday, Father’s Day, and Installation Sunday. Each celebration is important to St. Timothy Lutheran Church.
When Jesus instituted baptism, He clearly taught that the one true God is also three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This one true God created the world, saved sinners from eternal death, and revealed His truths through the Bible. The Bible also teaches that God the Father created and preserves the universe, God the Son became man and was crucified to rescue all people from sin, and God the Holy Spirit created faith in us by means of His Word and keeps us in that true faith. We are to believe these paradoxes about God because the Bible teaches them as truth. With the Athanasian Creed, the Christian Church confesses these truths as fundamental teachings of God’s Word to our faith.
God created human beings as male and female. God instituted marriage and defined it as “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife” (Genesis 2:24). God intended that the husband cherish and care for his wife as they work together in a family. God also intended that fathers “shall teach [God’s words] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Through instruction, example, and nurture, fathers help their children to know what is true, to know right from wrong, and to live with confidence in the promises of God.
In order that we know what the Triune God has done for us, in order to encourage parents to carry out their duties towards their children; Jesus instituted the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments. The Holy Spirit made pastors to be overseers, “to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Pastors and the flock are on a long journey, going through the valley of the shadow of death to the heavenly home Jesus has prepared for them. The under-shepherd whom God provides is to teach God’s truths so that the sheep remain on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. They are to call to those who are straying, rebuke those who speak against God’s Word, gently teach the baptized lambs, care for those who are sick and near death’s door.
God has called Rev. David Thompson to be the new under-shepherd at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. His installation on this Sunday will mark a new chapter in the journey to heaven. Though the person may be new, your new pastor will continue to proclaim Christ Jesus and Him crucified, to rightly divide Law and Gospel, to forgive and retain sins, to administer Christ’s Sacraments, and to feed the lambs and sheep with the green pastures of the gospel.
Sunday’s three festivals give us opportunities to thank God for His goodness—from His Word, with Christian families, and for our congregation.