February Newsletter Article: "Dying Words"

[This is from Messiah's February newsletter. I neglected to post this at the beginning of the month as I normally do. Thought it was still pertinent as a reminder to join us for our Midweek Lenten Vespers.]

A person’s dying words are sometimes the most important words they will ever speak. While being tracked down by government agents, a criminal informant is shot and mortally wounded. As the blood flows from the bullet holes in his body, the agents who shot him attempt to coerce him into telling them what he knows before he breathes his last. His dying words reveal to them the names of his accomplices, the places where they can be found, other crimes they plan to carry out, among other important pieces of information.

The dying words of our Lord Jesus are very important to us. As the blood flowed from the nail holes in his hands and feet, he spoke some words that Christians across the ages have contemplated during the season of Lent. His dying words reveal to us much about the meaning of his suffering and death.

Come join us for our special midweek services during Lent and Holy Week as we contemplate our Lord’s dying words and their meaning for us today. The title of our sermon series is “Words of Life from the Cross.” Each service begins at 7 pm, preceded by a soup supper at 6 pm. After most everyone has finished eating, we will gather in the chapel to sing some hymns appropriate to the season of Lent.

This year, we will also have a rotation of preachers from nearby sister LCMS churches who will bring the message to us. Four are pastors who serve congregations in our Lutheran School Association of Snohomish County … myself, Pastor Rick Johnson (Lamb of God, Lake Stevens), Pastor Gary Jensen (Zion, Snohomish), and Pastor Noel Koss (Peace, Monroe). The fifth will soon be a pastor … Vicar Jim Kyes of Lutheran Chapel on the Hill, Granite Falls.

The schedule of our Lent and Easter services is included in the newsletter. God bless the hearing of his Word as we prepare ourselves for a joyful celebration of our Lord’s resurrection.

In Christ’s service and yours,
Pastor Onken