Jury duty! A first for me! Last week I was selected for jury duty and served along side five other jurors in Magistrate Court. It was a privilege for me to fulfill my duty as a citizen of the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. I did notice that some of my fellow citizens did not seem as “privileged” as I was. The judge asked us if there were any prospective jurors who could not be fair in their judgment. Surprisingly to me and to the judge, three people raised their hands. The judge called these three people to the bench and asked them the following question, “Is it my understanding that you cannot be fair in your judgment even though you have not heard the case or even any details of the case?” These three people answered, “We cannot.” Of course the judge released these people from their jury duty. After these people left the courtroom, the judge looked over to the clerk and said, “Well, that’s a first.” Over the last few days I have thought about these three people and others in our communities who may be like them. There are people who simply cannot, or will not, or are not fair. I am sorry to have to write that statement. But unfortunately, the statement is true. We all can find consolation in the fact that though people may or may not be fair in their judgment, God is always fair. He is always right. He is always just. He is always perfect in His thoughts, in His word, and in His decisions. We may not always understand His thoughts and judgments, but His thoughts and judgments are fair, right, just and perfect the same.

The prophet Isaiah wrote God’s word in Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Our brother in Christ and apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18-27 concerning life, our sufferings, the futility that we are subjected to, the bondage of corruption that we will some day be delivered from, the weaknesses that we endure then writes in verse 28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Our Sunday morning series “Faith to Victory in Christ” continues this Sunday with a lesson from John 11, the Biblical account of Jesus power over life and death. We will look at the people in this account and learn “Lessons from Lazarus.” If you would like to read ahead to prepare for this lesson read John 11. Notice Jesus. He was all-powerful then. He still is. He will be forever. Notice the disciples, especially Thomas. Note their lack of understanding. Notice Martha and Mary. They believed that Jesus could have healed their brother. But obviously they did not believe that He could raise him from the dead. Notice the mourners. They recognized Jesus’ love and his power to heal, but questioned Jesus’ punctuality. Notice Lazarus. He was sick and dying, then dead and waiting. I look forward to learning lessons from Lazarus.

Last Sunday night at SAR we looked at Jesus as our Provider. He provides everything we need according to His will and purpose. He is the door where we enter for salvation and provision. This Sunday evening we will see that Jesus provides not only blessings and benefits, but also hardship and chastening. Our Scripture text can be found in Hebrews 12:5-11.

Our Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 11th through 15th. I hope you can schedule your summer activities around Vacation Bible School and be present every night. If you can help with this year’s VBS, that would be great! Brother Bill Young is our coordinator. We need you!