<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, designated by much of Christianity as "Good Shepherd Sunday." We celebrate Jesus guarding and guiding us, but especially we rejoice that he laid down his life for his sheep. Q: In 1 Samuel 13:13, Samuel lays into Saul and informs him that had he not transgressed he could have had the royal line established in his family over Israel forever. Given that Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin and the royal line promised to Judah (Gen. 49:10), was this a true statement? Was God willing to change his mind? Did Saul have a chance or was he set up to allow David (of Judah) to be the heir to the throne? It seems like Samuel was telling Saul that he could have had the kingship over Israel forever if he had not disobeyed God. But if that is true then the royal line would not have been from the tribe of Judah. A: I can only guess. Saul was only the first king who was a shame to Israel. The Lord wanted to remain the king of Israel, but his people would not heed his Word. Saul may have been "set up" because the Lord knew he'd fall, but God did not cause the fall. God would have in whatever way he desired finally established the rule of Judah. The biggest thing we must note is that Jacob's blessing and prophecy concerning Israel is Messianic. That is, it is finally fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. As for the earthly kingship, I think it is likely that God brought about this false start to show his displeasure with Israel's desire for a king. He also demonstrated that even a popular man could be a poor, ungodly king. Q: I occasionally attend a Lutheran church close to my house, but feel uncomfortable because I have nothing in common with the other people attending. There are very few programs for my two kids (my son has ADHD, and he cannot sit through an entire sermon), and most of the people attending are older than me. How can I feel more comfortable in the church? A: Yours is not the only one that is overwhelmingly composed of older people. This is one of the sad facts of much of Christendom. Some members may complain, but others will be overjoyed that any children (even those who sometimes seem to be "problems") are in attendance. What is preached and taught is essential, but "fitting in" makes hearing and applying the preaching and teaching much easier. ADHD children present a special challenge, especially since I firmly believe that they should be in the service whenever possible. Actually, some of what challenges him (the regularity of the service) may also help him learn how to behave. Ritual and repetition are important to the learning process for all children, and ADD and ADHD children often gain special benefit. With the sermon, remember that the Word of God is "living and active," even working on those who have a hard time staying focused. Constant exposure often brings gradual improvement as Word and Spirit operate on heart and mind. And, as I commented, repetition is a big part of learning. Ensure that your reaction to his problems during the sermon doesn't form a ritual that makes this the best time for him to act up. Don't remove him for the whole sermon the first time he does something. Establish a longer and longer wait before removing him from the service. When you do take him out, make sure that he doesn't see this a being a reward. Bring him back into the service as soon as you have control. If you must take him out and back in 10 or 15 times, do it. But as the weeks go by, make sure that you are doing it less and less. It will take discipline and dedication on your part, but in the end, you and he, and the other worshipers, will profit. You will "feel more comfortable" as you learn more about your brothers and sisters. Not all will become close friends, but this is true wherever you are. However, many will become more understanding of your situation, and some may work with you, perhaps taking turns spending sermon time with your son until he learns to focus and gain insight from the sermon. Bible classes for you may also help. If he is in school, or if you can find a sitter, are your days free? If not, can you get someone to watch him for evening Bible study? If any of this looks helpful, or if it has triggered other thoughts, make sure to bring it up with your pastor! He may have other suggestions. Also, any pastor worthy of the name is going to want to do everything possible to make sure that all of his sheep are fed the Bread of Life and given drink from the Living Word. As for programs, you might need to take the initiative in beginning and maintaining them. Again, ask your pastor for help. Anyone willing to work with a congregation's youth is a welcome addition! Until next week, when, Lord willing, we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.