The Meyer Minute for October 29, 2021

I’m concerned about this Sunday, about how we will observe Reformation Day, especially in the churches that bear Luther’s name. By the way, Luther did not want churches to be called “Lutheran” but when that became common, he urged congregations using his name to be known for preaching the Gospel of grace. This Sunday there will be harking back to the blessings that have come to us by God’s working through the Reformers. Good. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

“Imitate their faith.” Luther did not live in a time when church and state were sharply distinguished as they are today in America. Everyone in 16^th century Germany was nominally Christian, which then meant the institutional Roman Catholic Church. Yes, the Reformation changed much of the church but more than congregations were effected by the reevaluation of grace and works. Since the church was not compartmentalized as it is today, the Reformation also effected society.  That’s where I think we may miss it Sunday, and miss it many Sundays. I’ll be preaching at a small congregation that has declined over the decades, even though it sits among more people than ever before in its history. Similar decline is seen throughout many denominations. Studying the Old Testament prophets should make us community minded. Jesus, the person of their prophecy, says, “Your Father who is in heaven…makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). God loves people outside the church as much as us in the church.

The grace we treasure Reformation Day is for good works in our communities. Luther: “Now when you have Christ as the foundation and chief blessing of your salvation, then the other part follows: that you take him as your example, giving yourself in service to your neighbor just as you see that Christ has given himself for you. See, there faith and love move forward, God’s commandment is fulfilled, and a person is happy and fearless to do and to suffer all things. Therefore, make note of this, that Christ as a gift nourishes your faith and makes you a Christian. But Christ as an example exercises your works.” (“A Brief Instruction, Luther’s Works, 35.120) “Imitate their faith.”