Immanuel Lutheran Palatine Media

Some of you may remember a beloved cartoon character called ‘Underdog”. He was a caped crusader who’s physique in no way struck fear into the heart of the evil doers he sought to avenge. He was like young David who came ready to slay Goliath. His opponents often laughed at him. Nevertheless, whenever Sweet Polly Purebread got in trouble and cried out for help, Underdog would faithfully say “There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!” Each time his words proved true. Everytime he would save Sweet Polly Purebread, who would exclaim ‘My Hero!”. As Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, he tells them that there will be persecution, but that there is no need to fear, because The Heavenly Father loves and values them above all creation. So just like the disciples, even we have nothing to fear even though things are scary and we may fell like we need help from our hero – Jesus. Jesus inspires us to speak boldy of Him even in the midst of persecution. Yet, when we do fear, we can cry out for help and be saved! 

We begin the long, green season of Sundays after Pentecost by acknowledging the
apostolic ministry whereby the authoritative Word of God is delivered to the world.
Fundamental to faith in the Word is the understanding of our sin and the love of God for
all. Through the apostle Paul, we are given this understanding—sin is an inherited disease
from which no one is exempt as descendants of Adam. Even greater, however, is to
understand and believe that forgiveness of sin and eternal life come to all who hear and
believe the Gospel call to repentance. By Baptism we receive forgiveness and the
righteousness of Christ our Savior. God’s Word continue to be proclaimed to this day.
Thank God for the ministry and His ministers who open to us the way of saving faith.