From the Pastor's Pen

Sunday October 27, 2019 was Reformation Sunday, the day we commemorate the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and monk, was a main figure in the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther’s life and ministry were changed through his understanding of the writings of the apostle Paul. Being saved by grace through faith, and not works, was a revelation and gift for Luther. Luther came to understand the true nature of Christian freedom through Paul’s reflections from Rom. 3:19-28: 21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ[a] for all who believe. (vs 21) The gospel reading this past Sunday was John 8:31-36 where Jesus is having his “the truth will set you free” conversation with a group of Judeans. The Judeans are divided at this point in time. Some believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Others opposed him. Jesus tells this group that even though they may believe in him, their belief alone does not make them a true disciple. Jesus tells them to be his disciple they must remain in his word. Then, and only then, will the truth set them free. What does it mean to stay in Jesus’ word? The Greek for word is logos. A logo is a pretty familiar term today in marketing and advertising. In biblical texts, Jesus is the logos or word that God speaks, and all things came into being through God. Jesus is God’s word made flesh (John 1). Jesus’ word is the path to truth. Jesus encouraged his disciples to “continue in my word” (John 8:31). To continue makes it sound as though Jesus’ disciples should continue on the same path. But in actuality, Jesus means walking a path of transformation; a transformation that grows out of repentance and forgiveness, and through life and death. It is a gift from Jesus. To continue in God’s word is a call for the church to keep moving and to embrace the reform Jesus is creating in and among us each and every day. We commemorate the Reformation as a time when knowing Jesus and his saving work which freed us from sin was rediscovered by the reformers five hundred years ago. It is easy to look past how much has changed in our lives and the life we share as the church since the Reformation. It’s easy to forget that our present experience isn’t a reflection of how it has always been. Kathi Matthews-Risley Student Minister, St. John-St.Paul Lutheran, Marxville, Wisconsin