The Resurrection of Our Lord- The Small Catechism- Luther's Flood Prayer (cont'd)

"Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life."

Today we celebrate new life!  The long road from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday has come to an end.  Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Today, in churches throughout the world, baptisms are taking place.  New life is given.  This is possible because the tomb could not hold Jesus.  The power of God raised him up, declaring that sin and death do not have the final say.  What appears as an end, is only the beginning.  Death is transformed to eternal life with God.  Alleluia!  The devotion suggests that because of the resurrection, we are given new wings.  We take flight, so to speak.  But the author also reminds us, "it is God's wings, not our own, that hold us up."  We will continue to fight against the "old Adam" within, the sin and death that binds us.  But God has already won the victory.  We are set free to love God and one another until that day when we, too, are called to enter God's eternal kingdom.

Thanks you for following my thoughts throughout our 2017 Lenten journey.  I've enjoyed revisiting Luther's Small Catechism during this 500th anniversary year.  His words still speak to us and help us understand the essentials of the Christian faith.  God's blessings as you continue to celebrate the good news of the resurrection throughout the Easter season!

The 40th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism-Jesus in the Tomb

Today's devotion in "Free Indeed" moves one day ahead to focus on the resurrection.  I will reflect on that tomorrow, Easter Sunday, as we conclude this year's Lenten journey.  Today, I'd rather have us think about this day of mystery, Jesus in the tomb.  Here Jesus completely identifies with all of humanity.  He died.  He was placed in the tomb, sealed by a large stone.  His life was over.  We have each been given life.  Who can understand that?  Why was I born to the parents who raised me?  It was not by my choosing, it just came to be for me.  It is pure gift.  But the days we are given are limited.  We will die.  There is an end.  What's beyond that end?  Because Jesus spent this day in the tomb, and because we live on this side of the cross and resurrection, we already know the answer.  But today is a day to pause and recall the complete identification of Jesus with us in his death.  He was in the tomb.  We are humbled by such love. 

The 39th Day of Lent- Good Friday-Luther's Catechism-The Flood Prayer

In our Baptism service, we pray a prayer by Luther with many references to water.  "In the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world," "through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family," "through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom," "at the river Your Son was baptized by John," and finally, "by the baptism of Jesus' death and resurrection you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live in you."  Today is Good Friday.  We specifically remember "the baptism of Jesus' death."  Today is the day of humiliation, suffering, and death.  To go back to the words of Jesus in the Last Supper, this is done "for you."  It is done for me.  It is done for all creation.  It is the taking on of all the world's sin, whose penalty is death, on to Jesus, whose death pays the penalty.  The flood of anger and hate overcome Jesus, the end result being the cross.  Today is the day to contemplate this act of love, for you and for me. 

The 38th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Maundy Thursday- Table Blessing after Meals

Do you pray after meals?  I must confess, I do not.  In fact, after many years as a Lutheran pastor, I was not even aware that Luther instructed families to pray following meals, as a further expression of gratitude for what has been received.  "Similarly, after eating they should in the same manner fold their hands and recite devoutly:'Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God's mercy endures forever.  God provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they cry.  God is not impressed by the might of a horse, and has no pleasure for the speed of a runner, but finds pleasure in those who fear the Lord, in those who await God's steadfast love."

Today is Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper and the betrayal of Jesus.  It was a Passover meal, a meal of gratitude for God's deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery to the Egyptians.  It was during this meal  that Jesus gave it  additional meaning, "This is my body, this is my blood."  He further gave us a model of servanthood by washing the feet of his disciples.  Can we ever express enough gratitude for all God has done for us?  Before the meal is good.  Before and after the meal is even better.  Living with gratitude at all times is better still.

"Mighty and merciful God, accept our thanks and have patience when we forget our dependence on you.  Amen"

The 37th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Table Blessing

Here Luther encourages families to pray together before meals.  "The children and the members of the household are to come devoutly to the table, fold their hands, and recite: "The eyes of all wait upon you, O lord, and you give them their food in due season.  You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature."  As the devotion points out, if only it were so easy!  Even getting children and parents to sit down for one meal together is a challenge.  Then to take time to pray before rushing off to the next activity- impossible!  But what are we teaching our children when we do such things?  What does that say about us?  So, even pausing for a brief prayer like "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed," is a holy moment that matters.  It reminds us from whom the food before us ultimately originates.  It invites Jesus to be present and to bless the gifts.  It may be a small thing, but repetition matters.  "It is necessary repetition that works its way from our lips into our bones, convincing us that our food and our lives are pure gift."  So, whether you eat alone this day, or with others, remember to pause and gifts thanks before the meal. 

36th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- The Evening Blessing

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen"

Each day is a gift.  Luther's evening prayer is a reminder of this.  God has kept and protected us another day.  Where we have sinned, we ask for forgiveness, by God's grace.  When night falls, we give everything into God's care, "my body and soul, and all things."  Luther then adds, "Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully."  If only that were so easy.  The troubles of this world often keep us up- or wake us up- during the night.  But, like the morning blessing, this prayer reminds us that God is present and watching over us.  God can handle the problems we face.  Knowing that, we rest, to awaken to a new day to all that God has planned  for us.

"In you loving arms, O God, grant all your children rest and safety. Amen"

35th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- The Morning Blessing

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen"

How do you start your day?  My guess is that many of you begin by looking at your phone.  Any calls during the night you may have missed?  Text messages? E-mails?  What's the latest news?  I admit I often do so as well.  We start the day with stress, and it only gets more intense from there.  Luther didn't have a smart phone.  But he knew something about stress.  His writings and speeches nearly got him killed, taking on the papacy and governing authorities.  He suggested starting the day by making the sign of the cross and saying, "God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, watch over me. Amen"   I think that's a much better start (along with a cup of coffee 😊) than looking at our phones.  He then said recite the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer.  All of this places our lives under the care of God.  He then adds, if you'd like, say the above morning prayer.  We thank God for protecting us during the night, and pray for God to watch over us during the day.  With that stress free beginning, we enter our day.  Maybe that will lessen our stress throughout the day, knowing we've entrusted whatever comes our way  to God.  I think so.  Peace.

“I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.” - See more at: http://lutheranreformation.org/theology/luthers-morning-prayer-model-christians-daily-life/#sthash.EZ5c7dou.dpuf

“I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.” - See more at: http://lutheranreformation.org/theology/luthers-morning-prayer-model-christians-daily-life/#sthash.EZ5c7dou.dpuf

“I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.” - See more at: http://lutheranreformation.org/theology/luthers-morning-prayer-model-christians-daily-life/#sthash.EZ5c7dou.dpuf

Sunday of the Passion- The Small Catechism- The Sacrament of the Altar (cont'd)

"Who, then receives this sacrament worthily?"

This has always been a troubling question for me, and, I think, for the Christian church throughout the ages.  On the one hand, it's simple.  Luther says, "a person who has faith in these words, 'given for you' and 'shed for you for the forgiveness of sin', is really worthy and well prepared."  So, that's all there is to it.  Have faith.  Trust the words "for you."  And that really is how I see it.  But, on the other hand, some who read this may be old enough to remember having to go and "register" with the pastor the night before receiving communion.  I remember having to turn in a card as I went forward, assenting to the fact I believed in the true body and blood of Christ in the sacrament.  Still today, there are churches that won't allow visitors who are not of their denomination,  who may not understand their doctrine on communion, to receive the sacrament.  How can this be?  Well, the intentions may be good.  No one should take the sacrament in an unworthy manner.  Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 11.  ^" Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord.  Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves." (vs. 27-29)  But, who judges this?  What does it mean?  Surely we should not receive the Lord's body and blood in a flippant manner.  But can we ever be worthy enough?  So, I say, come to the table.  It is for everyone.  We come to receive God's forgiveness, love, and grace.  Believing the words "given and shed for you is enough."  It's not about our worthiness or preparation.  Come.

The 34th Day of Lent- The Small Catechism- The Sacrament of the Altar (cont'd)

"How can bodily eating and drinking do such a great thing?

Luther responds to this question in much the same way he responds to a similar question about baptism.  It's not the water in the baptism, it's the water with the word of God.  It's not the eating and drinking in the Lord's Supper, "but rather the words that are recorded:'given for you' and 'shed for you for the forgiveness of your sin.'" It's the words with the elements that make the difference.  When we believe these words, and receive the sacrament, we have what the words say, "forgiveness of sin."  I am blessed to be able to serve communion to the congregation on a weekly basis.  I say your name, and I say "for you."  No matter what joys or sorrows you may be experiencing, this gift is for you.  There is nothing more personal that that.  You receive Christ into your body in the gift of bread and wine.  You are united with him.  Forgiveness is "for you."

The 33rd Day of Lent- The Small Catechism- The Sacrament of the Altar (cont'd)

"What is the benefit of such  eating and drinking?"

The above question refers to the Sacrament of the Altar.  How does receiving communion benefit us?  Eating and drinking physical food and water is essential for life.  Without it, we will die.  So also with the Sacrament of the Altar.  It is spiritual food.  It is life giving.  It renews and restores us.  "The words 'given for you' and 'shed for you for the forgiveness of sin' show us that forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the sacrament through these words..."  And what is truly amazing is that these gifts are given time and time again, whenever we eat and drink the bread and wine.  We don't have to earn them.  We may have even acted in ways contrary to the way the Giver would want.  Yet, like a loving parent God gives over and over.  As Isak Dinesen says in "Babette's Feast,"  "That which we have chosen is given us, and that which we have refused is, also and at the same time, granted us." That's the love of God, God's grace, offered to you, in the Sacrament of the Altar. 

The 32nd Day of Lent- The Small Catechism- The Sacrament of the Altar- (cont'd)

"Do this for the remembrance of me."

The older I get, the more memories I accumulate.  But, I'm also aware that some memories fade, or are completely forgotten, until something brings them to mind again.  Some memories are difficult, some pleasant, as we don't get through life without collecting both.  In the Lord's Supper, we remember.  We remember the Last Supper and the words Jesus spoke at that meal.  "Take and eat, this is my body.  Take and drink, this is my blood.  Given for you."  In that memory, the meal becomes present once again.  It is more than a memory, it is Christ present in the bread and wine, for me, once again.  In that memory we are also reminded what God, in Christ, has done for us.  "This cup...shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin."  As today's devotion says, "In remembering, we see the pieces of his life united in one purpose: to reveal God's face of mercy and forgiveness."  What a wonderful memory!  What a wonderful promise!

The 31st Day of Lent- The Small Catechism- The Sacrament of the Altar

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Today we turn to the second sacrament recognized by Luther.  It is referred to with several names including the "Sacrament of the Altar," the "Lord's Supper," Holy Communion," and the "Eucharist," (a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving).  As with baptism, Luther begins with a simple, yet profound,  definition.  His definition reveals his understanding of a sacrament.  There is an earthly element, in this case bread and wine.  It is instituted by Christ.  But more than that, in these elements we receive Christ himself.  We  remember the Last Supper.  We  remember the cross where his body was broken and blood poured out for our sins.  But the Sacrament of the Altar is more than remembering.  "It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine..."  God is revealed to us in many ways.  There is the beauty of creation.  We have the gift of prayer.  There are many hymns and songs that  move us.  We have the Holy Scriptures.  But in the Lord's Supper we are given Christ himself, his body and blood, to eat and drink.  What a gift!  What a mystery!  Thanks be to God for Christ's presence in bread and wine!

The 30th day of Lent- The Small Catechism- Confession- (Cont'd)

"Which sins is a person to confess?"
 
"Before God one is to acknowledge the guilt for all sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord's Prayer.  However, before the pastor we are to confess only those sins of which we are aware and which trouble us."

Sometimes we need to get things "off our chest."  It is good that we can bring all of our concerns before God.  God is there to hear our prayers and receive all we offer- good or bad.  There are  some very large and difficult issues in the world that are troubling and I, alone, cannot fix.  War, hunger, disease and its causes, etc. are things that I am aware of and perhaps even unknowingly have contributed to in some way.  These we confess before God.

But sometimes it is good to talk with another person about something that troubles us.  To speak with someone face-to-face, a trusted friend, a pastor, a Stephen minister, can be helpful as we unburden our concerns.  In other writings Luther says that we are at the same time both "saint and sinner."  In the quote in today's devotion, Brene' Brown writes, "We attempt to disown our difficult stories to appear more whole  or more acceptable, but our wholeness- even our wholeheartedness- actually depends on the integration of all of our experiences, including the falls."  Confession allows for this integration.  It speaks to who we truly are, and to a loving God who provides divine grace to make us whole.

29th day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Confession

"Confession consists of two parts.  One is that we confess our sins.  The other is that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness from the pastor as from God himself and by no means doubt but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven." 

Luther's words about confession and forgiveness in the Catechism do not typically receive the same attention as the other parts of the Catechism.  I'm not sure why that is.  We often open our worship services with words of confession and forgiveness, reflecting Luther's understanding.  Together, we confess our sin.  Together we receive absolution, the good news of God's forgiveness in Christ.  We also may confess things that lie heavy on our heart to a trusted pastor or friend.  We need to hear absolution then as well, knowing that God forgives our troubled past.  The devotion suggests that should someone choose us as their confessor, "you are called to speak on God's behalf and give them divine forgiveness."  Even I, as a pastor, probably do not do that as directly as I should.  People need to hear that good news.  "You are forgiven, for Jesus' sake."  When the occasion arises to speak these words of grace may we be moved to do so. 

5th Sunday in Lent- Holy Baptism- (cont'd)

"What is the significance of such a baptism with water?"

I might rephrase Luther's question like this, "What difference does baptism make for my life today?  How does it impact my life?"  I know my baptismal date and place, July 31st, 1955 at Grace Lutheran Church, Palo Alto, CA.  That's a long time ago.  It's a date in history.  But Luther does not approach baptism as if it is a one time event on a certain date on the calendar.  Instead, it is a daily experience to be renewed constantly.  "Baptism signifies that the old person in us with all sins and evil desires is to be drowned and die through daily sorrow for sin and through repentance, and on the other hand that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever."  That's a long sentence!  But the key word for me is "daily."  Baptism is a "daily" dying to the sinful self, and a "daily" rising to the righteous self made possible through Christ alone.  Luther was fond of saying, "Remember your baptism."  Remember, indeed.  And as you remember, experience again the daily dying and rising that baptism offers.  That's how baptism impacts our lives.    

28th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Holy Baptism (cont'd)

"How can water do such things?"

In answering this question, Luther points to Titus 3: 5-8.  It is not the water, but the water with the gift of God's Holy Spirit,  "Through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."  The verse goes on to say it is all because of the gift of Jesus, "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  In other words, it is not our own doing.  As the devotions says, "God gives us much responsibility in creation, but God did not consult us before giving us Jesus."  In this I find rest.  In this I find peace.  In my humanity I fall short every day.  I am far from perfect.  I take my responsibilities in my family, my work, and in the world, seriously.  But I can never fully measure up to all that I could be.  As Luther discovered in his life some 500 years ago, all of that striving is still not enough.  But the gospel sets us free from this.  "Freed from our own schemes of getting a piece of the inheritance, we settle down into the promise already offered and assured.  The death of Christ declares that the inheritance is  ours, this day and forever; so also Jesus shared resurrected life with us, this day and forever."  That's no joke.  That's God's love and promise. 

27th day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Baptism (cont'd)

How can water do such things?
"Clearly the water does not do it, but the word of God, which is with and alongside the water, and faith, which trusts this word of God in the water."

Like any good teacher, Luther here repeats with emphasis what he said earlier about baptism.  It is not the water that matters most, "But the word of God.... and faith, which trusts this word of God in the water."  For Luther, baptism and faith are interwoven and connected.   One leads to the other.  To baptize with no expectation of faith is a misunderstanding of baptism.  I like what today's devotion says about faith.  Like baptism, this, too, is God's gift.  "Trust is not our work, but a gift that God's persistent, steadfast mercy awakens in us."  We don't create faith by ourselves.  This is God's work as well.   So, in baptism, the Christian life begins.  God comes to us again and again through the Holy Spirit manifest in the beauty of creation and through the love and kindness of others.  We learn to trust God, and, in turn, share God's love through the way we live our lives.  We don't do this perfectly, but God returns over and over  with grace and mercy to set us on the right path again.  Thanks be to God for the twin gifts of baptism and faith, two sides of a coin, which bring forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God.

26th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Holy Baptism- cont'd

"Baptism brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare."

Yesterday I talked about two of the three ways a sacrament is defined according to Luther.  There is an earthly element (water) and it is a command of Christ. (Matthew 28:19)  Today we learn about it's benefits.  Baptism brings about "forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation."  The gift of God's grace is poured out upon us when we are baptized, bringing with it the promise of new life in the present, and eternal life forever.  Today's devotion brings the baptismal life into the here and now.  Because, in the waters of baptism, we are given new life, we seek to bring that new life to a broken world.  The author writes, "God has poured out divine love upon us so that with every step we take, that love sloshes on those around us."  What a great image that is!  The waters of baptism are not to be neatly confined in the font, but to spill over upon those around us.  The next time I do a baptism, I don't think I'll worry so much about water spilling on the floor.  It should be "sloshing" around, moving out into the world.  Today, think about ways the waters of baptism once poured upon you, might overflow in love to those you meet. 

25th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Holy Baptism

"Baptism is not simply plain water.  Instead, it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's word."

With today's devotion we turn our focus to a new section of the Catechism, Holy Baptism.  This is one of the two sacraments Luther defines in the Catechism, the other being the Lord's Supper.  In his explanation he gives us the three essential parts of a sacrament.  There is an earthly element, in this case water.  It is used in accordance with God's command.  The command is found in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."  It is a gift of God's grace, which we'll talk about in the next few days.  Today's focus is on the water.  As the devotion points out, it's not the water alone that matters.  Water from the tap works.  Water from a well is fine.  Water in a lake or water in a flowing stream is acceptable.  When we went to Israel last year, we brought back water from the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized, and used some of that water in our granddaughter's baptism.  That was special, but it's really not about the water.  It is water used with the word of God that makes baptism effective.  Without the word, it's just water.  And it is the word that declares, "You are a child of God, sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, and marked with the cross of Christ forever."  Thanks be to God for the water and the word!

24th Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- Conclusion

"For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.  Amen"

The Lord's Prayer concludes with a petition of praise.  It is as if we are saying everything we have just prayed is now turned over to God.  It is placed in God's hands.  This is as it should be.  We give it all to God.  "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever."  In all our prayers, no matter what the petition, we turn it over and leave it in God's hands and will.  As much as we might want a certain outcome and pray for that result,  "the kingdom, power, and glory" are in God, and we trust God to answer in God's time and way.  This is faith.  It is trusting in God no matter what.  With our human needs and wants, this is not always easy to do.  But this final doxology (words of praise), remind us each time we pray the Lord's Prayer, that "the kingdom, power, and glory" are all God's.  In God alone we trust.

23rd Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- The Seventh Petition

"And deliver us from evil"

Evil takes many forms.  It is in the terrorist attack that takes innocent lives and injures many more.  It is in the unexpected cancer diagnosis.  It is in the car accident caused by the drunk or distracted driver.  It is in racism, where one group oppresses another because of the color of their skin.  It is in words of slander and when one person cheats another from what is rightfully theirs.  Luther writes, "We ask in this prayer, as in summary, that our Father in heaven may deliver us from all kinds of evil- affecting body or soul, property or reputation..."  This is a powerful prayer.  It is not one we should gloss over quickly, as we so often do.  This is a prayer that evil will not overtake our lives, nor have the final victory.  It is a reminder of our responsibility to work against evil.  Evil is all around us in many forms.  But we believe God has already won the victory in Jesus Christ.  With that knowledge we pray confidently every day. "And deliver us from evil." May it be so.

Fourth Sunday in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- The Sixth Petition

"Save us from the time of trial."

The traditional wording of this petition is, "And lead us not into temptation."  I like the new wording better.  Would God intentionally lead me into temptation?  What kind of God would that be?  Luther sets the record straight when he writes in his explanation, ""It is true that God tempts no one."  But, there are many temptations that seek to damage our relationship with God and others.  In this petition we are asking for God's strength and power to save us from the temptations that come our way.  We pray that God would "preserve and keep us" from the dangers of sin and that, "although we may be attacked by them, we may finally prevail and gain the victory."  Much can go wrong when we start down the path of temptation to sin.  We pray this petition to ask for God's presence so that, as Jesus  did when confronted by Satan, we might stand strong and defeat the daily temptations that enter our lives. 

22nd Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- The Fifth Petition

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

Sin.  It is all around us.  It is deep within us.  It causes so much pain among people and in God's creation.  The quote today by Steven McFadden in The Little Book of Native American Wisdom speaks volumes.  "We know that we are the ones who are divided and we are the ones who must come back together."  The good news is that we are not without hope.  It begins with God who in infinite love gave his Son to forgive humanity of its sin.  For this reason we can pray, "Forgive us our sins" and know that God, by God's grace, does forgive us.  Knowing that, we can forgive others, and seek forgiveness from others, when we have done wrong.  This is essential in healthy families and communities, as we all make mistakes that cause harm, and we all need to forgive and be forgiven.  This is how we begin to "come back together." This is how unity and healing is possible.  "Lord, let my prayer bring healing and unity to others and the earth." Amen

Twenty First Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- Fourth Petition

"Give us today our daily bread."

Last Wednesday evening Austin McDowell, a young adult in our congregation, gave a talk on the Lord's Prayer at our evening Lenten service.  He mentioned that with this petition, he almost felt guilty when he said it.  He has never lacked daily bread in any significant way.  Like many of us, he has always had enough food, water, clothing, shelter, etc.  Yet we are keenly aware that not everyone is so fortunate.  But this petition is not so much about praying for our own personal daily bread.  When we pray "Give us..." we are praying collectively for all God's children, wherever they may be.  It is a prayer that all may have enough for the basic necessities of life.  Austin also made the point that this prayer is a reminder to those who do have enough, to share our abundance with those that do not.  This is what the author of today's devotion says as well.  When we share with others, we show our gratitude to God and make possible for others to receive "daily bread" as well.  I liked today's simple, devotional prayer.  "Lord, grant me a hunger for just sharing that all may be filled." Amen

Twentieth Day in Lent- The Third Petition, cont'd

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

What is God's will for our lives?  Often we speak of this in terms of the direction our lives might take.  Should I accept this new job opportunity?  What will I major in at the university?  Is this the person I should marry?  What direction should my life now take?  But for Luther, God's will is not so much about direction, as it is about living in a strong and secure relationship with God.  He writes, "...whenever God strengthens us and keeps us in his word and in faith until the end of our lives.  This is God's good and gracious will."  There is much that hinders us from living in that relationship.  Luther identifies the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh as the main enemies.  So, it is always a battle to remain in God's will.  But the victory is already won through the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  Knowing that, we can boldly pray that God will daily strengthen us, keep us in his word, and grant us faith until life's end.  This is the will of God.

The Nineteenth Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- Third Petition

"Your will be done on earth as in heaven."

In this prayer we acknowledge that there is a will greater than our own.  "Jesus teaches us to pray acknowledging that God's will is to be supreme over our human will." (Alicia Vargas)   Luther tells us that we are praying that God's will "may also come about in and among us."  On the personal level, discerning the will of God for our lives can be difficult.  There are so many voices pulling us one way or another.  How do we know if what we're hearing is from God, or some other source?  That is, in part, why we pray this prayer- to trust God's guidance to help us sort things out.  That is why we listen to trusted friends- to receive their counsel.  That is why we trust our hearts- to do what we feel is right from within.  We also have to acknowledge that we could be wrong, and may have to reset our path if we have taken a wrong turn.  That is all part of discerning the will of God.  But on a broader level, God's will for us and the world is abundantly clear.  It is revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Look at his life, look at his teachings, look at his miracles.  There you see God's will.  It can be summed up in the two great commandments he gives, to love God and to love our neighbor.  When we do so, we can be assured we are acting in accordance with God's will. 

The Eighteenth Day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer: The Second Petition

"Your Kingdom Come"

Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, is fond of saying that we live in a both/and world.  So often we divide into either/or, when in reality it is both/and.  An example would be the way we speak about God's kingdom.  Through the passion of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God's kingdom is both already here, and yet to be fully revealed.  God's kingdom has come, and God's kingdom will come.  I find comfort in Luther's words, "God's kingdom comes on its own without our prayer."  In the end, it's not up to us.  But I also find challenge in his words, "We ask in this prayer that it may also come to us."  We pray that God's kingdom will be part of our lives right now, and that we might reflect God's reign to others.  Where do you see evidence that God's kingdom is already here?  What part can you play in helping your family, neighbors, co-workers and friends see evidence of God's reign already?  As the author today concludes, "We pray that we may play a part in making this new creation a fiesta for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the goodness of God!"

The seventeenth day in Lent- The Lord's Prayer- The First Petition- Hallowed be thy name.

"It is true that God's name is holy in itself, but we ask in this prayer that it also become holy in and among us."  Martin Luther

Beginning with the first petition of the Lord's prayer, Luther in his explanations provides a pattern of understanding that I've always loved.  God's name is holy.  It is holy in and of itself.  There is nothing that I can or cannot do that can affect that in any way.  God will always be holy regardless of what I, or anyone else, does in the world.  God is God.  God is holy.

However, what we pray for is that God's name may be holy "in and among us."  Now that's something I can control.  By my words and actions,  I can seek to embody God's holiness.  Because of my sin, I can never be holy as God is holy.  But there is a way of being and acting that can reflect God's holiness.  As the devotion says, "To be holy means we are set apart for works of mercy and justice in the world."  As Luther cries out in his explanation, "To this end help us, dear Father in heaven!"

The Third Sunday in Lent-The Lord's Prayer- Introduction

What is your image of "father?"  In my case I did have a loving father and provider.  He died on Dec. 14th, 2005, and I still miss him.  So, for me, to pray to God as Father has never been a problem.  But all human fathers are imperfect.  Some are better, more loving, and available than others.  In praying to God as "Our Father" we are not praying to God as human father, but to the perfect, loving Father who has made all that exists.  Father, and certainly mother as well, are human words that describe a personal relationship.  No human words can ever adequately describe this.  God is like a loving father.  God is like a nurturing mother.  We find examples of both images in scripture.  What's most important is that God, our creator, is also our father, a loving parent who knows us personally and intimately.  For that reason, says Luther, when we pray "we may ask him boldly and with complete confidence, just as loving children ask their loving father."

The Sixteenth Day in Lent- The Third Article- cont'd

The Third Article of the creed specifically names both the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins.  The Holy Spirit is the active presence of God in our daily lives.  One work of the Spirit is forgiveness, which we need constantly.  "Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins- mine and those of all believers," writes Luther. 

Given that we have such forgiveness, what does this mean for daily living?  That's the focus of today's devotion.  The author writes, "We act in ways that are freeing and seek out opportunities to serve and give and love.... We are freed from sin to live in ways that promote justice and peace so that all may experience the love of God."  That's really what it is all about.  Forgiveness from God frees us to love others.  As Luther would say, "This is most certainly true."

The Fifteenth Day in Lent- The Creed: The Third Article

I'm not entirely sure why, but it is Luther's explanation of the Third Article of the Creed that I remember most from my confirmation days, and later my time at Luther Seminary.  Martin Luther emphasizes that faith and a relationship with God is all God's work.  It is God's doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  "I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him."  It's not my understanding or knowledge that earns me faith.  It's not the effort I put into religious studies that does so.  It is God's Holy Spirit that draws me into faith.  "But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in true faith..."  How, precisely, does that work?  I'm not sure.  Here's where there is an element of mystery.  Jesus says the Spirit is like the wind, blowing where it wills.  Rather than try to figure it out, it's best to just give thanks and praise to God for the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit.  Then, as the author suggests, share the stories of how God works in our lives, pointing to who God is and what God desires.

The Fourteenth Day in Lent- The Second Article cont'd

"People matter most."  That is a phrase I heard long ago, but continue to think about regularly.  Although I confess I do not always live that truth out as fully as I should, I still believe it to be true.  Of course, as we know from the first commandment, God is first and above all.  But in terms of things on earth, "people matter most." 

In today's devotion, Luther, as he reflects on Christ's sacrifice writes, "He has done all this in order that I may belong to him..."  We belong to God.  Because we belong to God and live in that relationship, we begin to understand the importance of all our relationships.  God relates to us.  We relate to God.  We relate to one another.  As the author writes, "We know that life is better when we are loved and when we love. We know that life is best experienced in community- in spaces where we can share our fears and joys and questions."  What are your most important relationships?  Who do you most care about and love?  Where do you experience meaningful community?  As you reflect on these questions, give thanks today for those relationships and think about how you can care for them in the very best way possible.  "People matter most."

The Thirteenth Day in Lent- The Second Article

It's interesting how we see things through the lens of our own life experience.  Two people can hear the same speech or read the same words and draw very different conclusions.  Luther's explanation of the second article of the creed is written personally and with an eye toward the individual.  "I believe that Jesus Christ.....is my Lord."  "He has redeemed me..."  "He has purchased and freed me from all my sins..."  And of course it is Jesus who has made this personal  relationship possible.  "Not with silver or gold, but with his holy, precious blood and his innocent suffering and death."  Thanks be to God!

The writer of today's devotion, Rozella Haydee White, says she reads these words from her "lived experience of a Black woman of Christian faith."   From that life experience, she is familiar with how individualistic faith can be improperly used to perpetuate injustice "and a complacency that prevents people from addressing oppressive systems and structures."  This is certainly true as well.  So we need voices like hers, reminding us that the cross does save us personally, but also calls us to eradicate injustice, oppression, and suffering wherever it is found.  

The Twelth Day in Lent- The Creed: The Second Article

Lutherans are sometimes referred to as "second article Christians."  What is meant by that is we place a primary emphasis upon Jesus- his life, death, and resurrection, which is the emphasis of the second article of the Apostles' Creed.  While I hope we are well balanced in our theology, including all three articles which include God the Creator and Holy Spirit, there is no doubt that we are a faith that is Christ centered.  Today's devotion speaks about the incarnation, which means God becoming flesh, a human being, one of us.  As the author points out, "by choosing to become human,  God shows us that we are worth restoring."  And not just us, all of creation.  As we read in last Sunday's lesson, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son."  At a time of great division in our land and in other countries as well, we hope, pray, and work for God's restoration, "one that brings all things together for good.  No one and nothing is outside of God's restorative power." Thanks be to God!

The Eleventh Day in Lent- The Creed: First article, cont'd

Not only is God the Creator of me and all that exists, God is also provider and protector.  Luther lifts this up by saying, "God daily and abundantly provides..."  He then goes on to list a variety of things God provides, "shoes and clothing, food and drink, house and farm, spouse and children....along with all the necessities and nourishment for this body and life."  So, it is all gift.  It is all God giving to us, freely, though we surely do not deserve it.  I liked today's quote from The Color Purple.  "People think pleasing God is all God cares about.  But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back."  God is "pleasing us back" in the abundant ways God provides for us.

God also "protects me against all danger and shields and preserves me from all evil."  Given the danger and tragedies of our world, this is a harder statement to accept.  Why does it seem that some are protected, and others not?  There is some mystery to this and we live in a fallen world where bad things happen.  That's all the more reason to pray for God's protection to be with those we love and all of God's children throughout the world.  Today give thanks for all the ways God provides for you in daily life, and pray for God's protection from all danger and harm.

Second Sunday in Lent- The Creed: The First Article

The first article of the Apostles' Creed is about God the Creator.  Luther's explanation begins with himself.  "I believe that God has created me."  This is highly personal.  He goes on to say, "and all that exists."  But to begin by saying "God has created me" is to say that I am created in God's image and I matter as much as everything else in creation.  As the devotion points out, it is hard to accept this about ourselves.  "This truth can be daunting because I struggle with my own worth and enoughness."  I don't think "enoughness" is an actual word.  But it speaks to me.  Am I worthy? Have I done enough?  How will I know?  But the good news is that it's not about my doing enough.  God has already done enough by creating me and redeeming me through the gift of his Son.  I am worthy, and so are you.  It is for that reason we care for ourselves, one another, and the world.  By so doing we honor God, who has created us, together with all that exists.

The Tenth Day in Lent- 10 Commandments Summary

God's word speaks as both law and gospel.  The law hold us  accountable.  It identifies our sin.  It threatens punishment.  When we fail to do as the law demands, we sin against a holy and righteous God.  It is for this reason Luther writes, "God threatens to punish all who break these commandments.  Therefore we are to fear his wrath and not disobey these commandments."  But this is easier said than done, especially when you consider how Jesus, and then Luther in his explanations, makes them even more difficult to follow.  They are excellent laws to strive for, no doubt about that.  But we all fall short and never do enough to keep them.

 But there's more to consider than only the wrath of God.  Luther uses the great conjunction, "however."  "However, God promises grace and every good thing to all those who keep these commandments.  Therefore we are to love and trust him and gladly act according to his commands."  God loves us.  God loves us enough to send his only son to the cross.  We no longer need to be weighed down by guilt or shame.  We can let that go.  As the devotions says, "If you're going to insist on hanging on to your guilt, what on earth do you need Jesus for?"  Knowing that even when we fall short, as we surely will, God still loves and forgives us, the commandments no longer are a burden.  They are gifts of God to teach us how best to live in a relationship with God and with our neighbors.    

The Ninth Day in Lent- The Tenth Commandment

"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

In some numbering of the commandments, #9 and #10 are combined as one, making "you shall not covet" the last commandment.  This makes some sense, as both are about coveting a neighbor's property.  Keep in mind that at the time the commandments were given, a wife was the property of her husband, along with slaves, livestock, etc.  But their is something different about coveting a house, in the 9th commandment, versus coveting a person and other living things in commandment 10.  As the devotion suggests, there is potential for adultery, breaking the 6th commandment, as well as harming other  relationships that exist in our neighbor's families.  Instead, Luther again wants  us to support our neighbor's families, rather than take from them.  Rather than entice people away from their families, we ought "urge them to stay and fulfill their responsibilities to our neighbors."  May we heed these words and do all we can to befriend, love, and support our neighbor's and their families. 

The Eighth Day in Lent- The Ninth Commandment

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house."

Today's devotion reminds me that the devil wants us to pursue empty promises.  One trick he uses is to make us think that someone's  physical house  is better than our own.  If we had that house, that lovely piece of property, our lives would be so much better.  But a house is just a physical structure.  I am grateful for my house, that's for sure.  I am very much aware that there are people with no houses at all, living on the streets or in homeless camps.  But it's not the house that matters.  It's what goes on in the lives of the people in the house.  As the devotion suggests, "In every house you will find some longing, some yearning for life to be different.  You will find people grieving, amazed that regular life can even continue."  So, rather than long for someone else's house, what can we do for the people in the house?  How can we be of service, to help make their lives a little less of a burden, more meaningful, more joyful?  When we do that, we share God's promise of love for all people, keeping the ninth commandment, and overcoming the empty promise of the devil. 

7th Day in Lent- The Eight Commandment

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."


How do you think Luther would feel about today's political climate?  "We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations."  Sadly, that seems exactly the mode of operation taking place right now.  The only way to "win" is to be as negative as possible against your opponents.  If Luther follows his own advice, he wouldn't be very successful as a politician today, or so it would seem.

But we can choose a better way.  We can choose to be different. As the devotions says, ""Choose to receive everyone and everything that happens to you in the best possible light."  Do this even when people may not treat us with the same kindness.  We can't control what other people may say or think.  But we can control our behavior.  Speak well of others.  Don't let modern politicians dictate our ethics.  Our commitment is to a higher power, who calls us to be loving and gracious in our treatment of our neighbors.

The Sixth Day in Lent- The Seventh Commandment

"You shall not steal."

Our new president speaks with some pride about his ability to make "deals."  I guess that's a part of the world we live in.  But is deal making necessarily a good thing?  Not according to Luther.  To take advantage of another in some "deal" is the equivalent to stealing from him or her.  Have you ever felt like you've been part of an unfair deal?  You've paid more for something than it was really worth?  You ended up buying some piece of merchandise of poor quality?  Have you ever been the one to make the deal, knowing that you were not being truthful about what you were offering?  All of this breaks the seventh commandment, "You shall not steal."  There are many ways to steal from another, not just taking someone  property. As people of faith, called to love one another, we need to reject stealing from others in all its forms.  Instead, we are called to "help them to improve and protect their income and property."  That's the kind of deal that is pleasing to God.

Fifth Day in Lent- The Sixth Commandment

" You shall not commit adultery"

As with all of his explanations of the commandments, Luther expands the meaning from the letter of the law" to the "spirit of the law."  Adultery is certainly a bad thing.  It violates the wedding vows.  It breaks the trust couples have in one another.  It can ruin other lives and relationships.  But Luther wants us to look at  our whole selves, which may or may not include marriage.  He writes that we should all live "pure and decent lives in word and deed."  So, respect one another, male or female.  And then he adds, "and each of us loves and honors his or her spouse."

An important part of living pure and decent lives and loving and honoring our spouse, is listening.  The devotion has a dialog between a couple doing an exercise called "active listening."  One person makes a statement.  The other person does nothing more than reflect back what the other has said.  There is no defensiveness, no attempt to find a solution to what the other says.  There is only a statement about what the person heard.  "I heard you say..."  Awkward? Yes.  But how often do we really listen to what another person is saying.  In our over connected world, where we're always checking our devices, this is harder than ever.  But the very best way to honor and love another is to listen to what they've said.  In our long term relationships this can easily be forgotten.  But it can also be refreshed rather easily.  Turn off your devices.  Listen.  Love.

First Sunday in Lent- The Fifth Commandment

"You Shall Not Murder"

Most of us, thankfully, will never murder.  Some, like a combat veteran, may have taken other lives in a battle of war.  All of us, probably, as Luther writes, have "endangered" or "harmed" the life of another in some way.  So, none of us are off the hook.  We all fall short.  We all need God's mercy and forgiveness for those times we have acted in hurtful ways towards others.

This commandment reminds me that all people are children of God and should be viewed in that way.  Even when a person's actions towards me have been hurtful, my response ought be one of love, "to help and support them in all life's needs."  It this easy?  Of course not.  But it is what we are called to do.  If we all sought to "help and support" our neighbors in "all of life's needs," imagine what a different world it would be. 

The Fourth Day in Lent- The Fourth Commandment

"Honor your father and your mother"

It is good to have wise elders and mentors in the faith.  My father and mother, Clayt (who died in 2005) and Joanne (who just celebrated her 90th birthday), have been that for me.  In their quiet, unassuming way, they witnessed to God's love in the way they cared for us and others around them.  Good, steady, Lutheran stock of European heritage.  But as today's devotion suggests, the world, including the Lutheran world, has changed.  We have elders from all kinds of backgrounds whom we ought listen to and respect.  They bring a wealth of wisdom and experience in our midst.  To honor, is first and foremost to listen. It is to engage all the stories of faith that make up the diverse communities of faith today.  As we honor others, we honor God, the one who commands us to "honor, serve, obey, love, and respect" our parents and others in authority.  To do so builds healthy communities for both young and old.

Third Day in Lent- The Third Commanment

"Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy."

How do we keep the sabbath day holy?  Luther tells us it is when we keep God's word "holy and gladly hear and learn it."  Notice that he does not mention Sunday, or any other day of the week, for that matter.  While Sunday continues for Christians to be the primary sabbath day, any day can be for us "sabbath," when we hear and learn God's word.

The devotion asks an additional question.  How do we keep the sabbath as a church community?  Is it just in the way we worship- our songs, liturgy, readings, preaching?  Yes, this is important.  But it is also in the way we welcome one another, especially those visiting who may be different from us and who will not be familiar with the way things are done as they enter.  Will they feel welcome by the community, or will our actions, whether intentional or unintentional, leave the impression they are not welcome?  As the author writes, "A holy sabbath, a kept sabbath, is a welcome table."

The Second Day in Lent- The 2nd Commandment

"You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God."

When I think of the second commandment, I typically think about not using God's name to curse or swear.  Luther names this as wrong in his explanation.  Or, I think of not using God's name in a flippant or casual manner, "in vain," as an older translation suggests.  But today's devotion takes this commandment to an even deeper level, using the name of God to justify acts of violence against others.  Historically, and sadly, this has been done not only by certain Muslims, but by certain Christians as well against other groups of people like the Jews.  Luther's own legacy is tainted by this in his later life.  So, today let us ask for God's forgiveness whenever we have used God's name and our religious convictions to put down or harm other people, who are also children of God.  Instead, let us use God's name to "call on, pray to, praise, and give thanks to God."  By so doing, we follow the true meaning of the second commandment.

First Day in Lent: Ash Wednesday- The First Commandment

"You shall have no other gods."

Ash Wednesday is a humbling day.  Ashes on the forehead and the words,"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" remind us who we really are.  We are mortal.  Our time on earth is limited.  For me, this day drives me back to Christ.  I know I have broken the first commandment too many times to count.  How many things of this world have I placed above God over the course of my life?  How many idols have I constructed and bowed before?  But then I receive a cross of ashes and hear the words anew, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."  All of life is dust.  There is only one God, and it is not me or the things of this world. There is only one God who is eternal and promises life everlasting.  It is to this God I return this day and seek to fear, love, and trust above all things.  

Introduction to 2017 Lenten Devotions

Greetings everyone!  For this year's Lenten Devotions we are using a devotional titled "Free Indeed," which is based on Martin Luther's Small Catechism.  They are available in the "Round Room" at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 1st, and continuing through Easter Sunday, April 16th, you are encouraged to read the daily devotion for your own spiritual reflection.  I will do the same and post my thoughts each day.  Feel free to add your comments as well, so we can all grow in understanding together.  Blessing to all as we journey through the catechism together this Lenten season!