Josef Lada (1887-1957 ) was a much-loved Czech illustrator. His work remains popular today and his folk art is a common feature on annual calendars. In fact, this World Mission Souvenir is actually a framed page taken from a Czech calendar. Lada’s work features a variety of repeated themes, among them this lone figure and his faithful dog. The man is sounding his horn before a dark, quiet village. What do you imagine the story to be?
Is it mid-night, and the sentry is warning the public of approaching danger?
Is it evening, and the night watchman is announcing that all is well in the community?
Is it early morning, and the sexton is rousing his neighbors to wake up for worship in the church where windows are already lit?
Maybe the man is simply signaling to his wife: “Honey, put the goulash on the stove – I’ll be home soon.”
This is a time for new calendars. As we prepare for the year ahead, we can be thankful that God’s Word is not ambiguous. Holy Scripture has clear, significant messages for us:
Warning for our fallen sinful nature: the wages of sin is death (Romans 6).
Comfort for our stricken conscience: the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6).
Invitation to our Savior’s presence: come to me, Jesus calls, … I will give you rest (Matthew 11).
What a blessing that we can face the uncertainties of the days ahead knowing exactly what our loving God wants us know – about ourselves, our Savior, and the blessings of our Christian faith!
(The ELS relationship with our sister-church in Czechia is conducted by the Europe Committee of the Board for World Outreach.)
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Steve Petersen