Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 15, Number 26, DeMotte, Jasper County, 11 May 1945 — THE PASTOR’S COLUMN [ARTICLE]

THE PASTOR’S COLUMN

by REV. GEO. GOTSCH

Pastor of the St. John’s Lutheran , Church of Union Township Next Sunday is our day of confirmation. Five children will renew their baptismal vow at the Altar of the Lord. The sermon text, their memory text, chosen as a motto for their life, is John 10:27.28. Here is a short meditation on these words. Jesus describes His sheep as such as hear His voice, the Gospel of their salvation. This word they use, especially when it is brought to them in the preaching of the Word of God. They also may and should use it in private. Furthemore, Jesus describes His sheep as such-as follows Him. The Sinless, Holy One who spent His life in service to God, is their model for their daily life as children of God. And in His willing and patient suffering He again is their model in taking their cross upon themselves and following Him. And the Good Shepherd knows His sheep. His knowledge is one of tender love and care. He knows their needs and supplies their wants for body and soul and feeds

them on the green pastures of His saving Word, leading* them to their everlasting habitations. Yes, the Good Shepherd gives unto them eternal life. Heaven, salvation belongs to them now already. As sure as a child is the heir of its parents, and the inheritance belongs to none other, so sure, and much more so, salvation is hte heirloom of the sheep of Jesus. They shall never perish. Their death is but a sleep through which they shall enter into eternal life; and no one can pluck them out of His hands. Confirmation services begins at 10:30 a. m. A week from Sunday is Pentecost Day. Preparatory service at 10:00, Communion service at 10:30 a. m. ,