On Wednesday, June 7th, ILS celebrated our 2017 Graduation Vespers. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and rejoicing with our 8th grade students as they completed their time and course of study at ILS and prepare to embark on the next part of their educational journey as they move on to different high schools next fall. Along with their families, we are so proud of this ILS Class of 2017, and we keep you in our prayers and hope you will return often to visit.
Pastor Esget gave the graduation sermon, advising our graduates to be thoughtful and discerning when it comes to the advisors that will guide them in the years ahead. The sermon can be read in its entirety online.
“Each one of you has received great gifts. Huit, you have a quick wit; Gabriel, you are bold and confident; Josie, you are bright and thorough; Kris, every day you work harder and smile more, the Lord Himself has adopted you and made you His own; Preston, you quietly, honorably, and respectfully do exceptional work; and Justus, you fill every day with joy and encouragement.
And all the gifts you have received can be turned against you by counselors who don’t have your best interests at heart. Tonight’s Psalm tells us there are two different kinds of counselors. They are represented by the counselors who guide earthly rulers, and the counsel that God Himself gives to you.
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever; the plans of his heart to all generations. (Ps. 33.10f).
The counsel of the nations—all the counsel the world will give you—is going to come to nothing. God’s counsel is what lasts, even if it means being different or weird or out of step with everyone else.”