A Number to Know

12 October 2022

What numbers are you thinking of these days?

62. Baseball fans cheered when New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge recently broke Roger Maris’ 1961 American League home run record (and probably all-time record outside of the asterisk-laden steroid era).

15. I know a few folks who took the extension for April 15 Tax Day and are now chunking it out for the October 15 final deadline.

31. As we speak, children are joyously planning out their costumes for Trick-or-Treat.

3.24. Nice that the average price of gallon of gas is not as high as it used to be.

77. Hard to believe that our beloved Minister of Music has only 77 more days before crossing the transition line into retirement.We will savor them.

Numbers can be spiritually meaningful for us.

40. Noah weathered the storm for 40 days and nights. 40 years of desert development for the Israelites.40 days of spiritual retreat before Jesus launched his ministry.

95. Martin Luther certainly could have written more suggestions for church reformation, but we’re glad his theses list stopped at 95.

3. Our creeds declare Jesus suffered three days in land of death as part of his life-winning plan for all of us.

Certain numbers we’ll never know.

While Scripture states God knows the number of hairs on our head, we can’t complete that census . . . although it might be easier for me than you.  And none of us knows how many days of life God will grant us, so “Carpe Diem!”

But friends, I’ve just heard of a powerful, new number that we should be thinking of, is spiritually meaningful, and we can indeed know! 988. “988” is the new three-digit, nationwide phone number for 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

At our council meeting last month, Eric Bauer led a wonderful devotion about this topic. He reminded us that too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. No doubt, COS includes families who’ve faced these deep pains and concerns first-hand.

In our sermons these last couple of years, we’ve noted how Covid has only exacerbated the rising levels of anxiety, loneliness and depression in the lives of both family members and neighbors. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death.

As I write this, two faces pop to my mind. First is Kat Harville, a girl I baptized who is now writing songs in Nashville. In one of her songs on Spotify, “Role Models,” Kat asks helpful and challenging questions about being transparent when we go through tough times. “I’m so good at fakin’ cause no one knows that I’m breakin . . . But we’re not gonna talk about it (I think we should talk about it).” Kat’s lyrics remind me of my “Falling” sermon about hiking as a Mt. Rainier team. The healthy dynamic about hikers is they’re trained to immediately cry out when slipping on the ice, so the whole team can help them. Unfortunately, too often in regular life, we’re reluctant to share with others when we struggle and might need a little help. 988 is a wonderful new blessing to make reaching out easier!

Jerry Weyrauch is the second face. After Jerry’s 40-year-old daughter took her own life, he forged his grief into outreach. Jerry contacted every pastor in our four-state synod and challenged them to preach a sermon on the suicide pandemic. I know Jerry would be thrilled with the introduction of this 988 resource of hope! And I hope you are too . . . . and eager to share it.

Excited with you about how Jesus will use these 3 numbers,

Pastor Fritz

Let us pray.

Dear God, we know numbers can be interesting. Sometimes cold. But sometimes numbers are just packed with promise and purpose. Thanks for this new 988 nationwide number that we can either share or use ourselves to access help when situations feel void of hope. Help us remember 988 and share it. With this 988 number, let your special children be reminded they are never “just a number” in your eyes. May your Holy Spirit use it to increase joy and life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.