“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
(Proverbs 13:12 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
I love the verse above. When I read it for the first time, I realized that King Solomon who penned it and, more importantly, the God who inspired it, really understands something about me – about every human being.
Think of the applications of this pearl of truth. A young person longs to find an enduring love. Someone under a financial load longs to get out of debt. A parent of a wayward child aches to see better days for her loved one. A childhood dream is yet to be realized and still seems so far away. A Maple Leaf fan … (well, you know how that goes!) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
But is there a Gospel application to this verse as well? I think so!
When people realize their shortcomings before God it creates an uneasiness that will not be stilled. That is, unless God stills that restless heart. King David had longed for it when he prayed, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. … Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51:7-8, 12 ESV)
We hope for God’s love and favour. And He has given us such through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Imagine the Old Testament faithful who believed and longed for God’s promise of a Saviour – They waited and waited. At times, it may have seemed He would never come. Generations passed and still the waiting. Why the wait? God alone knows His will and timing. But St. Paul makes it clear that God was not tardy or forgetful: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6 ESV) And so now, the initial waiting is over. The Saviour came – Forgiveness is fully realized – and all those longings I listed above? – they find courage to hope and continue reaching out in hope knowing that God loved us from eternity and for all eternity. Praise His name!
“… but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Indeed, one day our final desire will be fulfilled and all waiting will be over. For Jesus promises that in heaven, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 ESV)
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 21
10:00 Holy Communion
11:00 Strawberry Social
PoP News …
What a great weekend last week! The Saturday outdoor concert and Sunday service and BBQ (which also celebrated the conclusion of the Sunday School year) was wonderful. We even had rain during the after service meal to replenish the earth! (but that didn’t dampen our spirits!) 75 attended the concert and 82 were in church (or I should say ‘out’?). Special thanks to Brad and his entire crew (many who had volunteered beforehand and so many who chipped in, especially during the rather wet clean up time).
Please join us in the lounge after the Worship Service this Sunday to enjoy strawberries and ice cream along with some social time. Luscious ripe berries and Prince of Peace hospitality…irresistible! Sponsored by the Ladies Guild.
Vacation Bible Weekend: “Camp Discovery” – August 8 & 9
Registration is open for JK to starting Gr. 6. Come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat yummy snacks, play awesome games, and more. Plus, you’ll learn all about Jesus our Saviour and how He is at work through us! Can’t wait to see you there! Just fill in a registration form!
Other News …
EDLYA’s Annual Summer Retreat is July 31 to August 3 at Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo. For more information check online http://www.edlya.ca/.
Student Internship Opportunity: Halton Alive is an education and resource based charity serving Halton region. They are extending a special opportunity for youth to be a student intern at Halton Alive this summer. Ask the Prince of Peace office for more information if you know someone who would be interested.
Online News …
He’s almost here!: Check this out from CPH. It’s Lego Luther! Click here. (Did you know that on October 31, 2017 it will be the 500th anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church which many mark as the beginning of the Reformation? Many Lutherans around the world are making plans to mark the occasion and give witness to the central truth that Christians are “saved by grace through faith.”)
Lutherans involved in making a film to show at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival in St. Catharines. Lost Penny, a story inspired by the parables of the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, brought various members of local Lutheran Churches into the filming process, including the Niagara Area Lutheran Choir. You are invited to its screening Sunday, June 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Landmark Cinemas, Pen Centre in St. Catharines. Tickets: $12.50/$10 for students & seniors. For ticket info: http://www.cubecity.org/
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those under doctor’s care
- Those recovering from surgery
- Those in mourning
- Those suffering religious persecution in various parts of the world
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
