Jesus isn't a toolset
It is always interesting to be an observer on the outside of the things that happen in this world.
Last week, an athlete that I have enjoyed watching and rooting for tragically drowned during a fitness competition. Lazar Đukić, 28, was finishing an 800-meter swim when he disappeared from the water's surface.
I was at a retreat with spotty cell reception when it happened. On the drive home, my phone started blowing up. Texts from friends at my gym started flowing in. Eventually, even people not connected with the sport began reaching out. Tragedy and grief hit people in lots of different ways, even when you aren’t directly connected to the individual that it hits.
The rest of the events for that day of the competition were canceled. The competition resumed on Friday and then concluded on Sunday. Even though I was not there, I could tell that each athlete was carrying a heavy burden from my couch. This was someone everyone loved. And now he was gone.
Over the last four days, many people have shared their thoughts and opinions surrounding Lazar’s death and the competition. But in listening to all of it, one thing struck me. A media member who was present for the entire event said this on his podcast:
“I was thinking about all the Christians who were there at the Games this year…… and those guys who travel around with these Christian tools…… that group was best able to handle and be prepared and process Lazar’s death….. they were crazy adequately prepared to handle the situation compared to other people.”
It was one of those comments that catches you off guard. Sure, over the previous few days, many of the competitors had shared about their relationship with Lazar. All of the Christians in the competition made a point to share how Lazar had confessed faith in Christ. God be praised for that. None of that was what led me to be caught off guard.
It was the phrase, Christian tools.
I shouldn’t be surprised by the phrase. I’m sure that is all it looks like to the unbelieving world. Just a mere toolset that Christians walk around with.
The reality, though, is much greater. You see, we don’t walk around with tools; we walk around with Hope—we walk around with Jesus.
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 ESV
Those Christians the podcaster was referring to were still in grief. But they did not do so alone. They did so with Hope—with Jesus—not a toolset, just the hope provided by a good and gracious Savior.
And so it is with you, dear brother or sister in Christ. When tragedy strikes, and it surely will, turn your gaze to Christ's holy cross. Look to Him. Hide yourself in His wounds. And do it all in the sure hope that Christ has done it all for you.
A Message from our CEO, the Rev. Bart Day
Greetings, friend in Christ.
I come to you today with a vital request.
As a faithful Lutheran, you know that so many people in our world need to hear of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, and you’ve seen how the Good News impacts your congregation and community.
This is why all of us want to see our churches thrive and have every opportunity to share the Gospel widely and generously.
Loans from Lutheran Church Extension Fund are made possible by investors; investors committed to sustaining and strengthening our church—investors who are pastors, teachers, laypeople, schools, and congregations.
For many LCMS ministries, a loan from LCEF is their only hope of realizing a dream, solving a critical problem, or completing another year of ministry. Investing with LCEF is a tangible way to love the church and its workers, as we grow ministries now.
The demand for loans is strong and is significantly higher than it was at this time last year—and that demand shows no signs of slowing down as we continue to receive new opportunities. To meet this need, we need substantial sums of new money, invested by congregations, like yours, to fund these new loans, expanding ministry today and tomorrow.
I certainly understand you have numerous investment avenues available, but none offer the unique opportunity to align your financial goals with your commitment to the church.
Consider this question:
What would it mean if you could preserve and prosper your congregation dollars while having the satisfaction of knowing that your money benefits the church?
Lutheran Church Extension Fund is the only investment option that can deliver on that promise. And practically speaking: our interest rates are up to six times higher than the national average.
You have a full range of products to choose from, like an all-access account that gives you ready access to your funds or several term notes with different durations and interest rates. I encourage you to explore your options at lcef.org/rates.1
Let me close with this.
Your congregation’s investment in LCEF is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to the growth and impact of LCMS ministries.
I pray you will consider putting your congregation’s dollars into an LCEF investment allowing us to fund even more loans in support of congregations, schools, and workers of the church.
Thank you in advance for joining in our mission. We appreciate you more than you know.
A Message from President Buss
Just yesterday I was out and visited a couple of hospitals. One visit was to a secular hospital and the other to a hospital connected to the Roman Catholic Church. Having served in a pastoral role earlier in the day, I was wearing a clerical collar. Much to my surprise, I was greeted as “Father” no less than 10 times in less than an hour. Honestly, I was surprised and humbled!
Those greetings remind us that, even in this increasingly secular world, there is still at least some respect for those who serve as pastors and religious leaders. We are grateful for our pastors as men of God with a special calling from God in the Church and the world. We give thanks for our ordained pastors in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). “Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38)
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
Rates as of August 2024. Balance restrictions apply. Rates subject to change. Visit lcef.org for details.