All Things Work for Good

The eighth chapter of the Book of Acts describes a huge transition for the Church of the Way in Jerusalem. As Stephen’s body was being buried, Saul began a persecution of others who believed in Jesus as their Savior. This led to an exodus of believers to Judea and Samaria, which led Philip to speak the Gospel to people in the city of Samaria, which led Peter and John to travel to Samaria and baptize these believers. While those who suffered persecution and death at the hands of Saul may have wondered how this disruption of the church in Jerusalem would benefit Christ’s Church, St. Luke shows us how the Gospel was actually spread to more people by tribulation.
Those who witnessed the deaths of Stephen and St. James may have also wondered what good God brought to the Church, when they could have lived many years testifying to people about what Jesus did to save all people from their sins. In both cases, these two died at the hands of people who had opposed Jesus. It was God’s good will that their witness and faith in Jesus be seen by His enemies. Only God knows how their martyrdom led other people to desire the same faith. This also shows how God was gracious even to the enemies of the truth.
Just over 20 years ago, two of our ELS pastors died of cancer. They also could have had many more years to work in the kingdom of God, but He chose to take them home. The people whom they served have spoken of their unwavering faith and how they were an inspiration to the members who witnessed this.
Last January, we learned that Mrs. Ruth Webber had cancer at the age of 23. Their son, John, is now six months old and is doing well. While we cannot know now how God will turn all this into good, Scripture declares that God is gracious and merciful, that His wisdom far exceeds ours, and that He will bless those who trust in Him.
Through Internet technology, Ruth’s story has been followed around the world. People from Scotland, Peru, Norway, South Korea, and across the U.S. are aware of what is going on and are praying for this family. Thank you to all the ELS and WELS members and congregations, and so many others who have prayed for and helped this family. They have been blessed with many close and helpful friends. It is truly awesome to see how many people and congregations have given witness of their faith and compassion through the quiet help they have given.
Because of these deeds of kindness, God has already worked much good for the Webber family and for all the rest of us. Perhaps God is using this situation to show how much the Internet can connect us with other people who need to know about Jesus’ work of salvation or who need our prayers.
The Bible speaks about the heroes of faith who “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” because they desired a better and heavenly country (Hebrews 11:13). We should always thank God that He has called us by the Gospel, justified us by faith in Jesus, sanctified us by His grace, and promised to take us into heavenly glory. Whether we live two decades or the proverbial four score and ten, God can use the witness of our faith and lives as light and salt to lead people to hear the Gospel and believe on Jesus.
Theodore Gullixson is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin.