The Meyer Minute

The Meyer Minute for November 12, 2021

Some great new restaurants have opened in downtown Collinsville, and one is the “Old Herald Brewery and Distillery.” The name comes from the building, the old home of our defunct local newspaper, the “Collinsville Herald” or “Herald Journal,” through the years it went by several names. As a pastor here in the 1980’s, I often took news stories about our church into the Herald building.  

I think about the old Herald because of something Timothy Snyder, a professor at Yale University, said. “What I would say is missing is ‘local reality,’ local news. If local news were stronger, we’d all have a stronger sense about how the elections actually happened. And if local news were stronger, people would have an easier time talking to one another about the things happening to them, rather than everything becoming a national spectacle” (“Reliable Sources,” CNN, January 3, 2021). Diane was an election worker for many years, she knows how it really works. Beyond elections, the lack of one major source for local news, like the old Herald, has created a void. Local Facebook pages are fine, but limited, not a one source for all local news. The void is being filled with national news, dysfunction, headstrong partisans, tragedy after tragedy, and in it all little me, little you, don’t count. 

Nothing God-centered or neighbor centered in the national news. “Individualism tends to weaken mediating power centers that stand between the individual and the nation as a whole—from families to local communities (including local governments), (and) religious institutions…. In their place, it strengthens individuals, on the one hand, and a central government, on the other, since such a government is most able to treat individuals equally by treating them all impersonally. For this reason, a hyper-individualist culture is likely to be governed by a hyper-centralized government, and each is likely to exacerbate the worst inclinations of the other.” (Yuval Levin, The Fractured Republic, 99-100). 

Which is why, I think, the local congregation is more important to the community than ever before. Yes, it’s the place where God’s Word and Sacraments come to us, and that should always be foremost, but the second great commandment is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Local newspapers are not likely to come back, but a congregation can be a caring, outgoing presence that is aware of community needs and interests, and in the name of Christ strives to help. We're not in the church world of the 1950's anymore.   

The Meyer Minute for November 11, 2021

Across the street from our house sits the local American Legion Post, its building and parking lot complemented by a small park with a pavilion and picnic tables. Every day there’s some activity at the Legion. Fridays are busiest with the weekly fish fry, Saturdays often bring a wedding reception, but Veterans Day is special. After today’s parade on Main Street, many veterans and their families will gather at the Legion across the street and also at the VFW a block to the north. You who saw combat, mechanics, engineers, doctors, nurses, cooks, accountants, communication specialists, lawyers, chaplains…all the skills and professions within the military that have contributed to our national well-being. We thank you.  

Even on slow days, you can be sure some cars will be in the lot. Why do they gather? It’s a home away from home. It’s a place where veterans can gather and reminisce. They can discuss the latest local and national news. They can speak their minds, their opinions challenged or endorsed by others. Yes, they do it over a beer and maybe playing a video game because it’s also a place to relax and socialize. The Legion and VFW are what sociologists call a “mediating institution,” a place where individuals know they belong, a place that helps them see their role in our bigger, impersonal society. As we honor veterans for their service on active duty, their continued gathering, support for one another, and contributions to our communities continue to contribute to our well-being.  

The greatest military before ours was the legions of the Roman Empire, “the largest permanent organization in the western ancient world, one without which the Roman Empire could not have existed, let alone been created; of the men who made it work and the women and children who shared their lives” (Guy de la Bedoyere, “Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier,” 2). Roman legions, active and veterans, without any doubt helped make possible the peaceful conditions in which Christianity grew. As in the first century, today we pray “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:3). Our veterans provided that for us when they were on active duty, and they continue to do so for us today as they gather, support one another, and contribute to our communities. 

The Meyer Minute for November 10, 2021

Yesterday I began my Seminary class with this question, “What happened on this date in history?” Over the years November 9-10 has seen some very important events. 

One student answered, “the birthday of Martin Chemnitz,” but other than that, silence. I went to the board and wrote “Kristallnacht.” “Do you know it?” Only three students raised their hands. “Google it,” I said. They all did and read this: “Kristallnacht or the Night of Broken Glass…was a pogrom against Jews carried out by the Nazi Party’s Sturmabteilung paramilitary forces on 9-10 November 1938. The German authorities looked on without intervening. The name Kristallnacht comes from the shards of broken glass that littered the streets after the windows of Jewish-owned stores, buildings and synagogues were smashed.”  After reading more, I asked, “Where was God?” 

“What else happened on this date?” Nowadays students google answers, so I got a correct answer. On November 9, 1989, East Germany declared the Berlin Wall would open the next day. Immediately the wall was climbed by joyous east and west Berliners. We then talked about lives lost and disrupted by the wall communist dictator Erick Honecker had put up in 1961. “Where was God?” 

One other historical event from these days, Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany and baptized the next day in Saints Peter and Paul Church. He was given the name “Martin,” because November 11^th is the Day of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of soldiers, a fourth century cavalryman who cut his military cloak to give half to a beggar. Now back to the haunting question, where was God? Martin of Tours knew, Martin Chemnitz knew, and Martin Luther said it most clearly: God is present in suffering. 

“God’s love does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it. Human love comes into being through that which is please to it. This is the love of the cross, born of the cross, which turns in the direction where it does not find good, which it may enjoy, but where it may confer good upon the evil and needy person” (Heidelberg Disputation). This is called the “theology of the cross,” which is more than “Jesus died for our sins.” It should be what Christian life is about, God’s love through us turning to “where it may confer good upon the evil and needy person.” 

The Meyer Minute for November 9, 2021

A beautiful rosy sunrise is how today begins here in Collinsville. “Rosy fingered dawn” was how the Greek poet Homer described it thousands of years ago, a great image for beginnings and hope, but what about the end? Last Sunday in church we sang, “The golden evening brightens in the west,” and our church tolled the bell for the 28 members who died since the last All Saints Day. Is life winding down or just beginning? Is it morning or evening? 

After writing this Minute, I’ll empty out the ceramic pots that decorated our porch this season, pots with flowers and herbs, ornamental grass and even potatoes. It’s a winding down, cold, gray winter is coming, but even as I put the pots away, I’ll be thinking of next spring, of rosy fingered dawns still to come, new births, new growth. “‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And this word is the good news that was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24-25, quoting Isaiah 40:6, 8).         

I offer this as a little illustration of the beauty of Christian faith as we age. “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (Psalm 92:12-15). 

For a Christ-centered life, the approaching evening brings anticipation of a morning like none other. “But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day: The saints triumphant rise in bright array; / The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia! (Lutheran Service Book, 677:7). “You believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 8-9). 

The Meyer Minute for November 5, 2021

We’re not out of the Coronavirus woods yet, but what a difference a year makes. My Minute from last year:  

Feeling great! Diane and I changed our clocks this weekend and set them ahead six months. 2020 is gone. We had been in fall, cold, gray winter coming. Now it’s spring, sunshine abounds. We had been cooped up by Covid. Now we’re out and about, still careful but mingling with family and friends. We had been in an insane election campaign. Now it’s over. I won’t tell you who won. Why should I? You set your clocks BACK? You wanted more of 2020? 

That’s silly, but only in part. Everyone has troubles and we Christians are not exempt, but when we are tried, we have an inexhaustible source of help. You draw from the rich and relevant teachings of faith, not just “Jesus died for your sins,” but how His death, resurrection, and Spirit really work in our troubled lives. An example is time travel. 

About the pandemic: “The unending sense of crisis is an ‘ongoing, chronic stressor’ that can lead to a collapse of the reassuring sense that our lives move in orderly fashion: past, present, future, which is key to mental stability. Instead, many of us feel stuck in a lousy present with little sense of the future” (Alex Williams, New York Times, November 1; 8). The ancient Greeks had two words for time. Chronos meant the ongoing march of time, day to day, week to week, what Mr. Williams was describing. But the Greek word Kairos meant “the right, proper, favorable time” (BDAG, 497). Kairos is, like when the tomato is ripe for you to pick, when it’s smart time to buy or sell, or now, Kairos means summoning faith’s resources in affliction. 

“We were buried…with him by baptism into death.” It’s not “baptism is like being buried.” No, mysteriously you were transported out of present time.  “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:4, 5). “Body here yet soul above,” the hymn teaches. Faith and hope time travel right now, lifting off from confinement when the things of sight can be so depressing. 

Yes, we did set our clocks back one hour, but having clocks all over the house, we were often confused. “What time is it really?” It’s time to “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). 

The Meyer Minute for November 4, 2021

In my corner of the world, it’s been one nuisance after another. A few days ago, I went to the bank on Clay Street to inquire about a safety deposit box but got so many frustrating bureaucratic answers that I went to Home Depot and bought one. Kids, if our house burns down, all the important papers are safe someplace in the rubble. While at Home Depot, I bought some wood chisels, but got home and couldn’t get them out of the adult-proof safety packaging. Thank you, Diane, for getting me through that. Our dentist on St. Louis Road says he’s getting out of our health network, now what? Being new to Medicare and supplements, it’s all bewildering. I’m going to have to live a long time to figure it all out. 

I’ve trying to rise above the nuisances, and suspect you also go through such times. In his commentary on Psalm 16, Dr. Timothy Saleska says the psalm gives “a more transcendent picture of life.” Here’s part of the psalm: “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” God and Christ, invisible though they now are, are literally now at your right hand!  

“Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Invisibly at your right hand now, beyond the grave, we will be with Christ at God’s right hand in the unending pleasures of eternal life. 

“The abstractness of the lines—their vague and evasive language—gives us a more transcendent picture of life. It encourages our imaginations to explore the possibilities Yhwh (the Hebrew word for God) has in store beyond our common experience and usual definitions of ‘life.’ It would have us think about life without the usual patterns that the concrete world gives us—life without or beyond the shadow of death, everlasting life with Yhwh.” (“Concordia Commentary: Psalms 1-50,” 316) 

Good news, I am going to live a long time, you too! And transcendent Scripture is helping us figure it all out.  

The Meyer Minute for November 3, 2021

Each week our Seminary students attend Formation Hour, a time to talk about how things are going, academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The hour always closes with prayer. Yesterday one student asked us to pray for his mom, having a hard time after the death of her husband, his dad. Most understandable. We all know, and will know again, the hollowness of grief. Pastor Berthold Von Schenk wrote this about the loss of his wife.  

“Our human nature needs more than the assurance that someday and in some way we shall again meet our loved ones ‘in heaven.’ That is all gloriously true. But how does that help us now? When we, then, view death in the light of the Communion of Saints and Holy Communion, there is no helpless bereavement. My loved one has just left me and has gone on a long journey. But I am in touch with her. I know that there is a place where we can meet. It is at the Altar. How it thrills me when I hear the words of the Liturgy, ‘Therefore with angels and archangels and all the company of Heaven,’ for I know that she is there with that company of Heaven, the Communion of Saints, with the Lord. The nearer I come to my Lord in Holy Communion, the nearer I come to the saints, to my own loved ones. I am a member of the Body of Christ, I am a living cell in that spiritual organism, partaking of the life of the other cells, and sharing in the Body of Christ Himself. 

“The Blessed Sacrament links us not merely to Bethlehem and Calvary, but to the whole world beyond the grave as well, for at the Altar the infinite is shrined in the finite; Heaven stoops down to earth; and the seen and the unseen meet.” (“The Presence,” in “For All the Saints,” IV, 1377-1378)   

The Meyer Minute for November 2, 2021

It’s election day in the United States, and candidates and their supporters will gather tonight to learn their future. Did we win? Do we have the future we hope for? Election reporting is everywhere, but one election is little reported today or most days. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect…according to the foreknowledge of God” (1 Peter 1:1-2). Tonight, candidates and partisans will be anxious about the outcome, but for us the Bible’s teaching of election is pure comfort.  

The Reformers liked to think of only one doctrine, the doctrine of the Gospel for the salvation of sinners. What we today call “doctrines” are actually “articles” of that one saving doctrine, and the article or doctrine of election is about God’s eternal love for His Church. The Bible does NOT teach that God predestined some people to eternal damnation. “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). “God our Savior…desires all people to be saved to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Election is a mystery we cannot understand, nor should we try.  

“Our reason cannot fathom / The truth of God profound; 

Who trusts in human wisdom / Relies on shifting ground.  

God’s Word is all sufficient, / It makes divinely sure;  

And trusting in its wisdom, / My faith shall rest secure.” 

(Lutheran Service Book, 587:1) 

“Elect…according to the foreknowledge of God.” God’s foreknowledge is not a cold eternal judgment nor His foreseeing how we would live, but love. The word is like “Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived…” (Genesis 4:1). God’s eternal love led to our being called by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel of Christ. “…and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30). We are righteous through faith in Christ and eternal glory awaits the Church, the eternal All Saints’ Day.  

“The doctrine of election offers deep and meaningful comfort for those who seek assurance of the love of God and their own place in his plan, since it reinforces the truth that human beings are saved by grace alone, for Christ’s sake alone, through faith alone, which God creates and sustains through his means of grace.” (“Confessing the Gospel,” II, 1195) 

The Meyer Minute for November 1, 2021

An old joke tells that St. Peter was showing a newcomer around heaven. When they came to a closed door, the newcomer asked, “Who’s in there?” St. Peter answered, “Those are the – fill in a denomination – they think they’re the only ones here.” Many Americans imagine that if there is a heaven, they deserve to go there. What hater of humanity would suggest some will be turned away? 

Still, the prayer for today, All Saints Day, suggests heaven is indeed an exclusive place. It prays “we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.” It was no joke when Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15). Jesus was reminding him of his brash claim that he’d never forsake Jesus, though in a most unsaintly way Peter had done just that (Mark 14:26-31, 66-72). In this complex passage from John 21, two different words are used for “love.” Jesus used “agape,” selfless love. Peter responded with a different word for love, “phileo,” which means affection. Jesus asked a second time, again using agape but again Peter responded with phileo, affection. When Jesus asked a third time, He scaled down to the word for affection, phileo. Might Jesus have been meeting Peter where Peter was at, affection, but leading him to see that loving Jesus is ultimately selfless love, agape? That certainly was where Jesus next took the conversation. He prophesied Peter’s martyrdom, adding the punch line, “Follow me.” When Peter then asked what was going to happen to the disciple John, Jesus pronounced, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:21). Does that square with us comparing ourselves to others? The title for heaven does not belong to a denomination but to people growing in devotion to Jesus who loves us jealously.  

Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

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