Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Before we begin Week 3, I owe you a brief apology. Although I posted Week 2 last Monday, I discovered today that it somehow was not actually published. It has now been reposted on both our website and Facebook. I also apologize for getting Week 3 out later than intended.
If you missed Week 2, I encourage you to take a few moments to read it before continuing with this week's reflection.
I also want to encourage each of you to fully engage in this exercise. These weekly reflections are not simply another devotion to read, but an opportunity for us as a congregation to pray, reflect, and discern together where the Lord is leading Holy Trinity. Please take 15–20 minutes each week to work through the Scriptures and questions, discuss them with one another, and record your thoughts in your discernment journal. Your conversations and insights are an important part of this process as we seek greater unity and clarity for the future of our congregation.
Thank you for your patience and for walking together through this Season of Discernment.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin Pahl
Twelve Weeks of Prayerful Discernment
Listening Together for Where God Is Leading Holy Trinity
Week 3: Receiving Before Doing
Scripture Readings
Read:
Luke 10:38–42
John 6:25–40
Isaiah 55:1–11
Reflection
Over the past two weeks, we have been reminded that God is the primary actor and that Christ Himself continues to build and sustain His Church.
This week, we arrive at another foundational truth:
Before the Church is ever called to do, she is first called to receive.
That may sound obvious, yet it runs contrary to much of our culture. We often measure success by productivity, activity, and accomplishment. Even within the Church, we can fall into the trap of believing that faithfulness is measured primarily by how much we are doing.
Jesus gently corrects that assumption.
In Luke 10, Martha is busy serving while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His Word. Martha's service is not condemned, but Jesus reminds her that one thing is necessary. Before service comes listening. Before activity comes receiving.
John 6 continues this theme. After feeding the five thousand, the crowds seek Jesus, asking what works they must do to please God. Jesus redirects their attention away from themselves and toward Him. The work of God is not first what we do for Him, but believing in the One whom He has sent. Jesus is the Bread of Life who freely gives Himself for the life of the world.
Isaiah echoes this invitation centuries earlier:
"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters... Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."
God's gifts are not earned.
They are received.
This is true not only for our salvation but also for our life together as a congregation.
Holy Trinity does not exist because of our efforts.
We exist because Christ continues to gather us around His Word and Sacraments.
- Each week He forgives.
- He teaches.
- He feeds.
- He strengthens.
- He sends.
Everything begins with His gifts.
As we continue our Season of Discernment, this truth guards us from two dangers.
The first is anxiety.
If everything depends upon us, we will eventually become overwhelmed.
The second is pride.
If we believe our plans or abilities are the source of the Church's future, we will lose sight of Christ's gracious work among us.
Instead, we are invited to receive.
- Receive His Word.
- Receive His forgiveness.
- Receive His promises.
- Receive His direction.
Only then do we go forth in service.
Perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of this Twelve Weeks of Prayerful Discernment.
Before asking, "What should we do?"
We are learning once again to sit at the feet of Jesus.
Luther's Five Questions
Instruction
- What do these passages teach us about receiving God's gifts before engaging in God's work?
- What does Jesus teach us about the relationship between listening and serving?
Thanksgiving
- How has Christ faithfully nourished Holy Trinity through His Word and Sacraments?
- What gifts of grace do we often take for granted?
Confession
- Where have we allowed busyness to crowd out time in God's Word?
- Where have we measured faithfulness primarily by activity rather than by abiding in Christ?
- Where have we forgotten that everything begins with God's gracious gifts?
Petition
- Ask the Lord to deepen our hunger for His Word.
- Pray that Holy Trinity would remain centered upon Christ and His means of grace.
- Ask for wisdom to serve from the fullness of what we have received rather than from obligation or anxiety.
Recognition
- Where do you already see God's gifts shaping the life of Holy Trinity?
- How has regular worship, Bible study, Christian fellowship, and the Sacraments strengthened our congregation?
- What evidence do you see that Christ continues to nourish His people among us?
Three Layers of Reflection
Personal Reflection
- What in these readings most encouraged you?
- In what ways do you identify with Martha? With Mary?
- How might Christ be inviting you to spend more time receiving His gifts?
Congregational Reflection
- What helps Holy Trinity remain centered on Christ rather than merely staying busy?
- How can we better encourage one another in worship, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship?
- Where do you see Christ feeding and strengthening His people through our life together?
Discernment Reflection
- As you reflect on these readings, what themes continue to emerge?
- What should never change about Holy Trinity, regardless of how our ministries develop?
- How can our future mission always remain rooted in God's gifts rather than merely our activity?
- What recurring observations should be shared with the Planning Committee?
Conversation Challenge
This week, ask another member of Holy Trinity this simple question:
"What has God used to strengthen your faith through Holy Trinity?"
Listen carefully.
You may hear stories of worship, Bible studies, friendships, quiet acts of mercy, faithful visits, or moments when God's promises sustained someone during a difficult season.
Record these conversations in your discernment journal.
As we continue listening together, we trust that Christ is not only revealing opportunities for future ministry but also reminding us of the gifts He has already given His Church.