Rev. Dr. Jonathan Blanke, Senior Pastor
Pastor’s Corner for September 22-28, 2024
God-Given Strength under Control
(James 3:13-4:10)
As I write the devotion for this week, it is that time of the year when autumn starts again. While any day is a good day to consider the goodness of our God and our place in the beautiful world of His creation, doing so especially as the leaves change and the weather turns cool seems especially appropriate. This weekend St. James helps us focus on our call to be people of humility… those who show by their actions “the meekness of wisdom” (3:13).
When most of us think of meekness, we probably call to mind an image of milquetoast, passive, “let-me-be-your-doormat” behavior. The picture of meekness and humility in the Epistle of James is anything but. It is, rather, a picture of strength under control. When I think of THAT picture of meekness, one that flees from “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” (14), I call to mind people in my life who I respected as leaders. My parents. Those who mentored me, often without realizing it. Work colleagues. People who are or were not perfect, but people in whom the love of God in Christ compelled them to live for others.
If you are inclined to think of humility primarily as a trait for OTHERS to grow in, consider again the picture of the perfect Son of God on a cross. He died for your sins and mine. He took on our weaknesses, he carried our out-of-control behavior so that we might be declared forgiven and renewed in Him. That is the only true picture there will ever be of true humility.
All of which doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t aspire to live more and more as people who seek what St. James calls “the meekness of wisdom.” It just means that it all starts with an attitude of empty, open hands, eager to receive that wisdom, “wisdom that comes down from above.” Our God is good. He is the Giver of all good things. So we seek to grow as people of humble, grateful, and yes, even meek hearts. Jesus has done it all for us!
That’s not only something to think about on the first day of autumn. It’s a good focus for any day of the year!
In Grateful Thanksgiving to God for Bill Xenakis
It is my great pleasure to announce to all of you a generous gift to RLC from the Xenakis family in memory of Bill and in thanksgiving to God for all of God’s gifts. The Xenakises have requested a special offering of $12,000 to RLC be dedicated for the purchase of communion rail kneeler cushions in the main sanctuary. They also have requested $500 be dedicated to the RLC Love Fund (a fund of special offerings used to offer financial assistance to members of the RLC community in need) in a separate offering. We are so grateful for their generosity and love! To God be the glory!
In peace and joy,
Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan Blanke grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He received his Bachelor's degree from College of William and Mary in Virginia and attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies, Book of John. He served as a Vicar at Messiah Lutheran Church in Richardson, Texas.
The Blanke family lived in Japan while he served as pastor and missionary to Okinawa Lutheran Church and taught Biblical Studies at Japan Lutheran College in Tokyo.
Pastor Jonathan lived in southern Maryland from January 2014 to November 2019 and was thankful to have served as the Sole Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park, Maryland.
He and his wife, Juli, have two grown children. In his free time, Jonathan likes to travel, "play around" on the piano, and enjoy the outdoors.
Click HERE to view a brief video from Pastor Jonathan.