From Hometown to Heavenly Jerusalem: Finding Joy in Despair

In the quiet corners of our hearts, we often hold dear the places that have shaped us, the people who have nurtured us, and the memories that have comforted us. For the confirmands, their hometowns represent more than just geographical locations; they are sanctuaries of trust, peace, and security. Yet, life's valleys can challenge even the strongest sense of home. What happens when the very foundation of our comfort is threatened? How do we find the strength to rejoice amidst despair? Let us explores the profound journey from the familiar comforts of home to the eternal promise of the heavenly Jerusalem, drawing inspiration from the confirmands' reflections and the prophetic words of Isaiah.

Contributions from the Confirmands

What my hometown means to me:

• Friends
• My family
• Beautiful surroundings
• Trust, peace, security
• Where one is at home
• Familiar environment
• A place of retreat
• I grew up here
• It’s good here
• Here I feel comfortable and safe
• I would miss my home
• I can’t imagine living anywhere else
• Everything is just perfect here

If my hometown were destroyed…

• Then I would be pretty overwhelmed
• I would move in with my best friend
• I would travel to Mallorca
• I would move to Austria
• I would be sad
• I would have to find something new
• Seek shelter with friends
• Look for a new place to live
• The community could rebuild everything
• I would be sad because the village community here is amazing
• I would never move to another village because it’s beautiful here

What I do when I hit rock bottom:

• Listen to music
• Do things that bring me joy
• Maybe seek therapy
• Meet up with friends
• Do sports
• Find distractions
• Talk to friends
• Do everything to improve and turn things around
• Fight my way back up and pray
• Drive a tractor and think
• Seek help
• Go to parties to lift my mood
• At first, I’d be sad, but after a while, I’d come to terms with it—eventually, things will look up again

The Essence of Hometown: A Sanctuary of Comfort

For the confirmands, their hometowns are more than mere places; they are the embodiment of everything that brings joy and security. Friends, family, and beautiful surroundings form the tapestry of their lives, creating a familiar environment where they feel at home. The sentiment, "Here I feel comfortable and safe," echoes the deep-rooted connection they have to their hometowns. The thought of losing this sanctuary is overwhelming, prompting considerations of moving in with friends, traveling to distant places like Mallorca or Austria, or seeking new beginnings. Yet, the underlying sadness at the potential destruction of their hometown underscores the profound attachment they feel to their community and the life they've built there.

Navigating Rock Bottom: Strategies for Survival

When life hits rock bottom, the confirmands employ various strategies to cope. Some turn to music, sports, or the company of friends, seeking distractions and joy in familiar activities. Others consider therapy or driving a tractor to find solace in solitude and reflection. The importance of maintaining a positive outlook is evident in their resolve to fight back and improve their situation, even if it means seeking help or attending parties to lift their spirits. The confirmands' resilience is a testament to their ability to find hope and eventually come to terms with adversity, trusting that things will look up again.

The Prophetic Vision: Rejoicing Amidst Despair

Let's draw a parallel between the confirmands' experiences and the historical plight of Israel during their exile in Babylon. The prophet Isaiah's call to "Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her" serves as a beacon of hope for those in despair. The promise of rebuilding Jerusalem and the renewal of its people highlights the transformative power of God's love. Just as a mother comforts her child, God offers comfort and security to His people, inviting them to find peace and joy in His promise.

The Symbolism of the Lord's Supper: A Foretaste of Heavenly Joy

The Lord's Supper emerges as a powerful symbol of this divine promise. Despite feeling unworthy or overwhelmed by sorrow, the confirmands are encouraged to partake in this sacrament as an act of obedience to God's word. The bread and wine represent the hope and joy that sustain us, even in the darkest moments. The Lord's Supper is not just a ritual; it is a tangible reminder of God's unwavering love and the ultimate promise of a heavenly home that cannot be destroyed.

Embracing the Call to Rejoice: A Journey of Faith

The journey from the comfort of a hometown to the promise of the heavenly Jerusalem is one of faith and resilience. The confirmands' reflections on their hometowns and their strategies for coping with life's challenges resonate with the prophetic call to rejoice amidst despair. Let's underscore the importance of embracing this call, not because we feel joyful, but because we are children of God, and He does not give up on us. The Lord's Supper serves as a constant reminder of this promise, inviting us to partake in the hope and joy that await us.

A Call to Hopeful Rejoicing

In conclusion, let us hold fast to the comfort and security of our earthly homes while embracing the prophetic vision of a renewed Jerusalem. When life's valleys threaten to overwhelm us, let us remember the confirmands' resilience and the power of God's promise to transform our deepest sorrow into hopeful rejoicing. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, may we find strength in the foretaste of our heavenly home, trusting that God's love will guide us through every trial.

So, dear congregation, let us heed the call to rejoice, not because our circumstances demand it, but because our faith in God's promise sustains us. Let us embrace the hope that comes from knowing that, just as Jerusalem was rebuilt, so too can our lives be restored. Let us look forward to the day when we will see the heavenly Jerusalem and our hearts will rejoice.

Amen.

Sermon held on 02/13/2021