President’s Message January-February 2013

Dear members and friends of our ELS:
Entering the new year with hope? “That depends,” you might say. “Talking about the economy? Hope for America? Hope for a world with fewer wars? Hope that as another year gets tucked under the belt my health holds out? Hope for my children and grandchildren to enjoy a good and God-pleasing life?”
What if the question was simply, “Do you hope to have eternal life?” By faith in Jesus your Savior, your reply is immediate: “Well, of course! I’m certain of it!” On what are you basing your answer? No doubt you would say, “The Bible says so.” Correct.
But the little question “Do you have hope?” can derail our thinking because of the troubles we see with our eyes. We can forget the big picture. Someone has suggested this analogy for hope: It is like the sun. As we journey closer to it, it casts a wider shadow over our burdens right behind us. The closer we draw to the Sun of Righteousness (that is, HE draws us to Himself), the less the burdens and challenges of the present life remain in our view.
Yes, there is hope for the New Year! Where is it found?
It’s in letter form—God’s letter to the world—God’s letter to you and me: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
Plan 2013 as a year to keep this biblical letter handy. Pull it out and read it often. This “hope letter” is meant for mulling over. Why so? Here at least are four good reasons:
1) It has a contemporary appeal! Paul says that it is “written to teach us.”
2) It has a comprehensive appeal: “Everything that was written in the past…” Both the Old and New Testaments have important lessons, applications, and especially promises for our lives.
3) God’s “hope letter” is Christ-centered, making us wise for salvation through faith in His grace alone (2 Timothy 3:15).
4) It carries a practical purpose: Scripture keeps us ready for the day we enjoy heaven, but even now it provides “endurance and encouragement” for coping with whatever comes our way in 2013 and beyond.
Letter writing/reading has waned thanks to email and Facebook. But God’s Letter of Hope—whether a printed copy or in electronic form—never fades. It’s always in! It is the living and enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:23).
Have a meaningful read. Blessings are sure to follow.
Rev. John A. Moldstad, ELS President