You, like the Jews in the wilderness, are assembled on the edge of battle. You, like the Jews, are tempted to be distracted by the size of the enemy. You, like them, are all too aware of your own shortcomings and failings. You know your own sin, you know the doctrine of depravity, and you know that the history of the Church contains many provocations, failings, and apostasies.
But still — do you know the power of Your God? Do you know His promises? Do you know the extent and power of His forgiveness? Do you know that He has determined, the sinfulness of man notwithstanding, and with a wisdom that cannot be answered, to conquer the world through word and sacrament? And not through the petty manipulations of politicians and generals?
Do you know that He has been engaged in this glorious process for thousands of years? Do you know that He is winning? Do you know that the only thing which prevents our seeing this is unbelief?
Look around our small town. Consider this community. Is there any reason that can be given from Scripture why this place cannot be full of the knowledge of God?
We are now ascending into the heavenly places to worship God together with all the saints. Take note of the great truth that this does not whisk the Church away from the earth, making her irrelevant, but rather bestows upon her the only possible earthly relevance she can possess. And that relevance is the gospel, the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.