October 2023 - LPNI

In Genesis we read:  God said, “Let us make humans in our image, in our likeness.  Let them rule the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the domestic animals all over the earth, and all the animals that crawl on the earth.” So God created humans in his image.  In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. (Genesis 1:26-27 GW)

What does it mean to be created in the image of God?  Does it mean to physically look like God?  I believe it means to reflect the nature of God.  What is God’s nature.  The Apostle John wrote:  The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8 GW)

What does it mean when we say God is love?  I have often said that English is not a very precise language. In English, the word “love” can have many meanings.  The Greek language, which is the language in which the New Testament was written, is much more precise.  The word that is translated by “love” in English Bibles is the Greek word agape. Agape has a very specific meaning.  It means to give of oneself for the benefit of others.

Jesus said it this way:  The greatest love (agape) you can show is to give your life for your friends. (John 15:13 GW)   Jesus, of course, did this when he took our sin upon himself and died on a cross so we can be reconciled to God.

Jesus gave this command to his first disciples that same evening.  In John 13:34-35 we read: “I'm giving you a new commandment: Love (agape) each other in the same way that I have loved you.  Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.”  John 13:34-35 (GW)

In 2014 we attended a Lutheran Parish Nurses International (LPNI) study tour in Germany.  LPNI nurses were present from all over the world.   Part of the tour was a seminar at which LPNI nurses from each country stood before the conference and shared examples of their work in their countries. As I listened to their stories, the thought that went through my mind was:  “These nurses get it!  They understand Jesus’ command.  In Jesus’ name, they give of themselves for the benefit of others.  In so doing, everyone knows they are his disciples.”

In the beginning, God said, “Let us make humans in our image, in our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26  GW)

The nurses of LPNI are witnesses to God’s design.  May we all follow their example and show to the world that we are Jesus’ disciples too!

Rev. Dr. Steven Simon

LCMS clergy, retired

7464 Sunset Harbor Dr. #131,  Navarre, FL 32566