Like Jesus, we need to put faith in families

A number of years ago when he was in high school, our son Tim served a term as youth representative on the Alaska State Board of Education. This opportunity came about because Tim was involved in student government at Palmer High and on a state level as well. (We are proud of all of our children, and we are proud of Tim.)

After meeting with the board at various sites around the state, Tim would come home and tell us of the many efforts the board was pursuing to improve the education received by the students of Alaska.

After listening to Tim talk about the plans and efforts of the board one night, I told him my opinion.

“Tim, I believe the best thing the board could do to improve the education of Alaska’s children would be to strengthen the homes and families in which children live,” I said. “But, I know what I’m saying is not necessarily politically correct.”

We held Vacation Bible School at St. John this past week. It was wonderful to watch the children learn about God’s love and grow in that love through their lessons, activities and the singing. Families brought their children to VBS because they wanted the best for their children.

But watching the families and knowing many of the situations they face, I was struck by the realization that families face more stress today than at any time in my experience and memory. In addition to the struggles that have always been present for families — stresses such as financial worries, illnesses or school worries — there are new stresses. Schedules are busier than ever. Our culture no longer believes there is such a thing as right and wrong. The media is pervasive in promoting values of selfishness and materialism instead of values of faith and love and sacrifice. Families are facing stresses that make it difficult to live in love and faith as a family.

However, this week in churches around the world people will hear Bible readings that tell about God helping families. The Bible readings appointed for this Sunday share accounts of both Elijah and Jesus encountering families facing loss. These were not what many consider traditional families. In both cases, the only son of a widow had died. And in both, cases God reached out and acted in compassion and love.

So, at St. John we will hear about Jesus encountering the widow of Nain. Her only son had died. We are told of Jesus in Luke 7:13, “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” Jesus then raised her son from the dead.

God cares about families. God cared about families in Elijah’s day and in Jesus’ day. He cares about families today. God cares about husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, children and parents, brothers and sisters. Sometimes the stresses of life can overwhelm families. But in the midst of life’s challenges, God genuinely cares.

Our heavenly father loves us so much he sent his son for us. Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the forgiveness and love of God that overcome our failures and help us through life’s trials. The love of God is the best help and strength for families today.

It is also God’s plan that the church is his family where his love is shared. Hopefully, in churches people grow in God’s love and encourage one another in that love. Being involved in God’s church can help families know and live in the powerful love of God. Actually, two separate moms shared with me this week how God had helped and blessed their families through the church.

Families face tremendous stress today. I know this truth from personal experience. There is someone who cares about families and is stronger than the failures and stresses we face. He has helped families in the past. God’s love in Jesus is the best help strength for families today.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

Opinions expressed on the Faith page are the author’s and are not necessarily those of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, its staff or its parent company, Wick Communications Co. To submit a column or other news for the Faith page, send email to news@frontiersman.com, or call 352-2268.