Tag: worship

A Clear Call

~ Jesse Yow ~ 3 Comments

Call me old if you want, but I remember the shock of John Kennedy’s assassination. I recall the surprise and sinking feeling that came with Robert Kennedy’s assassination. I was dismayed by Martin Luther King’s assassination, and amazed at comments about how “he deserved it.” I remember the attempt on Gerald Ford’s life, the attempt on Ronald Reagan’s life, and the shoe (in lieu of something worse) thrown at George Bush. Political spin and racist remarks aside, this track record casts a dark and disturbing shadow.

A few days ago many of us saw the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Maybe not in person, but the news media showed us the footage over and over again. And then the questions, garbled answers, speculation, and conspiracy theories began. Some think it was a hoax, which is hardly a surprise given the series of hoaxes foisted onto the American people over the past several years. Some connect the assassination attempt to the January 6 riot but don’t mention the lawlessness that has been swirling around since the much more destructive nationwide riots of 2020. Some call for unity and a toned-down rhetoric while continuing their own incendiary words. And of course the finger pointing, dismissive comments, and divisiveness continue. 

What do we make of this sad history and the even darker (if possible) recent events? There are many ways to look at it amidst all the equivocating and rationalization. At the most fundamental level, though, we are in trouble and we need help that no politician or political party can provide. In the midst of this mess, I see God’s clear call to repent. As individuals and as groups we need to repent. We need to return to the one true Lord, who loves us enough to die for us. We need to confess that we have been listening to other gods and straying from what is important and true. We need to live the words of James 4:7-10, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Let us remember the Lord, and turn to Him.

Contest Theme: Church and Chapel

~ Jesse Yow ~ 2 Comments

The “Christian Photographers on Facebook:” contest theme last week was “Church and Chapel.” Contest entries included photos of chapels, churches, and cathedrals. Some of them were interior views and some were exterior. The first three photos below were my contest entries; the other three are some of my favorites as well. Enjoy!

Chapel of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. This chapel is larger than first appearances might suggest. I have enjoyed worshiping here several times during installation services for servants of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Sanctuary at Our Savior Lutheran Ministries in Livermore, decorated for Easter festival worship service. As you might guess from the handbells, the worship service included a lot of wonderful music.
Bell tower at the old San Diego Mission, built with adobe construction. Maybe not the best for earthquake country, but it has survived for a long, long time, and the bells still sound great!
Altar area inside the Sagradra Familia cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. The stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings are amazing! Note the man standing near the lower right center of the photo for scale.
Pipe organ and choir loft in the Evangelical Lutheran City and Parish Church of St. Mary’s in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther preached here!
Altarpiece created by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his son Lucas Cranach the Younger for the Evangelical Lutheran City and Parish Church of St. Mary’s in Wittenberg, Germany. A replica stands in the chapel in the International Center of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in St. Louis.