“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth”
Genesis 48:15-16

Nearing the end of his life, Jacob gives a blessing to Joseph’s two sons [Ephraim and Manasseh]. Jacob, who is known for supplanting Esau’s birthright [Gen25], toiling under Laban for far too many years [Gen28-31], wrestling with God [Gen28], and living with the supposed loss of his favorite son Joseph [Gen37], it was [to say the least] a storied life for Jacob. Yet, now nearing his 147 th year, he thanks the Lord for His faithfulness. From Abraham [Gen12:1-3] to Isaac [Gen26:2-4], and Jacob [Gen28:10-15], the Lord’s promise continued from generation to generation. And therefore, the Lord’s will be done as Joseph would protect and lead the people through what could have been a life-ending famine. Looking back on his life, Jacob invokes the name of the one true God who had, along with his father and grandfather, been the Shepherd throughout his entire life. Through it all, we learn that there are no guarantees in this world, but one thing is certain: God and His Word.

As you dwell upon your life, we too thank the Lord for being the Shepherd “all my life long to this day”. For this is certainty: our Lord’s faithful and enduring word. For by His Word, we are not only convicted by the law but we also are comforted by the promise of the Gospel for the forgiveness of sins. And therefore, in faith, we continue with certainty in Christ alone.

How thankful we are that Christ has brought us safely to this day. For through His Word and Sacraments, we rest upon the newness of life to which He has given to us by His promise-filled work. So take heart, my friends, for one thing is certain. You are forgiven by the blood of Christ won for you by His death and resurrection. You are robed in His righteousness by the power of God’s Word in the water of Holy Baptism. You have been given the medicine of immortality to which you receive in the body and blood of Jesus at the Lord’s Table for the forgiveness of your sins. Here is where we rest. Not in wonder or bewilderment, but rather in certainty, assurance, and confidence in God and His Word. For this is the certain thing: it is Christ for you.

Have a wonderful February

✝️ Pastor Jeong

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2025/2025-02-Newsletter.pdf

Happy New Year!

Here are a few highlights of this month's newsletter.

Epiphany Dinner
Tonight from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

Wednesday Bible Study
Resumes January 15th.

Sunday School Teachers
We have limited teachers and are in need of a few more to join the rotation. Please sign up to teach at FLC.ms/team

Sunday Flowers
Sign up to bring flowers on Sunday. You can sign up at FLC.ms/team

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2025/2025-01-Newsletter.pdf