Reflections By Rev. Dan Bogre

Dear Friends and Family of RRUMC,

Well? Are you vaccinated? I never thought I would hear that question asked so many times in my life. When I visit our folks in the nursing home I have to show my vaccine card. Almost every establishment you go into these days has a sign that says, “If you are vaccinated you no longer need to wear a mask.”

Truth be told, no one has ever asked to see if I am truly vaccinated except in the nursing homes. However, this is not an article about whether or not you should get your vaccine. It is an article about the fact that if you are not vaccinated you are more likely than a vaccinated person to get COVID. The researchers have said that the Pfizer and Moderna are both close to 100% effective in their ability to keep me from getting COVID. I got my vaccine along with my wife and two boys who are 12 and 14 so that we know we cannot get it. We are free. We have won a victory over COVID and can live our lives again.

There is another vaccine out there that we all have the option of taking into our lives. It is the vaccine that Jesus Christ offered up to each and every one of us on the cross. That vaccine says this in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The disease we suffer from is sin and only Christ can cure us of that disease that ultimately leads to physical and eternal death. The offer of salvation is also a gift that no one has to take. Just like the COVID vaccine, it is totally voluntary. It is offered to all of us without price.

There is no co-pay when it comes to our salvation. Jesus has paid it all - IN FULL. God in heaven truly does love everyone. His Son, Jesus Christ, came and died for everyone. There are no exceptions. The only difference comes into play when we have to decide whether or not we believe he is truly God’s Son and then welcome him into our hearts. It is at that moment that we are set free of the bonds of sin and death and called to live a “set free” life for him. Just like I feel free from COVID, I am free from sin and death. I can now live a life of thankfulness to the one who sent, and who is, the vaccine. I want everyone to hear about this vaccine and that is why the church exists.

We want to make sure that every person hears about the offer of the vaccine that is Jesus Christ. Ultimately, just like it is with the COVID vaccine, it is up to each individual to choose to receive it into their lives.

I am not going to tell you what to do in regards to your COVID vaccine. I am going to tell you that the most important decision you will ever make in your whole life is whether or not you choose to accept Jesus Christ into your life.

That is the only decision in your life that will have eternal consequences. That is why the church exists.

We exist to help people meet Jesus Christ in the midst of their story. The sin and death vaccine is available to everyone. Will you take it?

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Dan