Rev. Dr. Jonathan Blanke, Senior Pastor
Pastor’s Corner for November 16-22, 2025
Help Is on the Way
(Luke 21:5-38)
Back in the days when our family was moving back overseas and we were getting information about how to do this international move in a way that would be positive and beneficial for our kids, I remember someone offering the following: “As long as Mom and Dad are OK, the kids will be OK.” In other words, if you want your children to make that transition with the least amount of stress possible, do what you can to manage your OWN stress. And though there are always ups and downs with every move a family makes I still think that’s sound advice.
The Bible verses read at this time of the year remind us all that — sooner or later — we will have a major move coming up. Whether that move is triggered by the day of the world’s judgement or the end of our earthly lives, we do not know. But though you and I might not have parents still around to accompany us on that journey, we do have Jesus and Jesus’ promises. Despite the terrifying picture of the End so often associated with Armageddon, Jesus’ words about the End are tender and reassuring. What does He say? He assures us that just as a fig tree sprouting leaves is a sure sign that summer is around the corner, the scary events we see in the world around us (natural disasters, conflicts between nations, wars, religious persecution, and the rest) all show God’s righteous reign is near! For you and me and all who are in Jesus, that is not a reason for alarm or worry. It is a reason to “stand tall with [our] heads held high. Help is on the way!” (21:27-28. MSG) Even though the very heavens and earth themselves wear out, we take heart: Jesus’ words never will (21:33)!
Change is all around us. Now is the time of year that bulbs are planted. Leaves fall. Old plantings are ripped out. We know winter is coming! So too, upheaval in the world or in our own personal lives is not a sign of gloom and doom. It just means we have a move coming up. In our loving Savior Christ Jesus, all will be OK. Help is on the way.
Despite whatever unexpected changes we may experience this week, by the grace of God we live not in fear of what tomorrow will bring… but in quiet hope.
Peace and joy in Jesus,
Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan Blanke grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He received his Bachelor's degree from College of William and Mary in Virginia and attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies, Book of John. He served as a Vicar at Messiah Lutheran Church in Richardson, Texas.
The Blanke family lived in Japan while he served as pastor and missionary to Okinawa Lutheran Church and taught Biblical Studies at Japan Lutheran College in Tokyo.
Pastor Jonathan lived in southern Maryland from January 2014 to November 2019 and was thankful to have served as the Sole Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park, Maryland.
He and his wife, Juli, have two grown children. In his free time, Jonathan likes to travel, "play around" on the piano, and enjoy the outdoors.
Click HERE to view a brief video from Pastor Jonathan.