This evening is commencement at Concordia Seminary. Our graduates, commencing their service as pastors and deaconesses, have often heard me say, “It’s a great time to be the church.” Why is that?
Richard Dawkins is the author of many books, including “The God Delusion.” This morning I came across his advice to a mother carrying a baby with Downs Syndrome. “Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice” (Wesley J. Smith in “National Review,” May 19, 2021). Saying it would be “immoral,” implies he has a standard of morality. Obviously, it is not the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) or “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22::39) but he and those who have power over others. Think Holocaust. Dawkin’s opinion is wrong on many counts, but theologically it is idolatry. “I am God.”
“You have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement’” (Isaiah 28:15).
The Supreme Court has agreed to take up an abortion case. Loud voices will be heard from all sides. It’s not just abortion, though. It’s about death however or whenever it takes a life. The church has a message that will not be heard through most media but needs to be clear and consistent when congregants gather. “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). The end of death began at the cross, “the powers of death have done their worst,” but in the resurrection, “Christ their legions hath dispersed” (Lutheran Service Book, 464:2). When He visibly returns, “Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” and all who have made a covenant with death (Revelation 1:7).
“Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand” (Isaiah 28:15).
Why is this a great time to be the church? Decades ago, when church memberships were growing, new sanctuaries and parochial schools being built, and public morality was Judeo-Christian, you could say it was a great time to be the church. Our time is more energizing for people of faith because we have a message the world needs to hear, but even more because we introduce people to the One who says, “I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And He’s coming back!
PS: Diane and I are going to sneak away next week. Lord willing, we'll be back after Memorial Day.