The Meyer Minute

The Meyer Minute for February 28, 2022

For me, today’s thoughts started with a verse from the closing hymn. 

Alleluia, thou resoundest, / True Jerusalem and free;  

Alleluia, joyful mother, / All thy children sing with thee, 

But by Babylon’s sad waters / Mourning exiles now are we. 

(Lutheran Service Book, 417:2) 

“Mourning exiles” put a picture in my mind, the long lines of Ukrainians fleeing to Poland and Romania for safety, almost 400,000 now, mostly women and children. Exile is a sad biblical fact. Jacob and his children exiled to Egypt because of famine. When earthly Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C., the people of Judah were carried off to Babylon, hence the hymn’s line, “But by Babylon’s sad waters / Mourning exiles now are we.” But what are we exiled from? Look back at the hymn.  “True Jerusalem and free; Alleluia, joyful mother.”  

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:1-4). 

The Transfiguration of Jesus is told in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.  A glimpse of glory to give us hope, but then Jesus leads disciples down to the plain, down to wars and rumors of war, down to long lines of exiles, down to victims of abuse and addiction, down to where injustice and suffering are found. Where is Jesus now? “At the right hand of the Father, and He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom will have no end” (Nicene Creed). Does the church see itself in exile? “Alleluia, thou resoundest, / True Jerusalem and free; Alleluia, joyful mother, / All thy children sing with thee.” What thoughts are filling your mind this morning? 

The Meyer Minute for February 25, 2022

I could have been born in Ukraine, and so could you. We could have been the mother with small children taking refuge in a subway station, her husband gone to fight. We could be the elderly in the bombed apartment, the care facility, alone and scared with support and food failing. We could be… The willful evil of Vladimir Putin and his regime is having innumerable consequences for the world. One effect should be on us American pastors, how we preach. From theologian N.T. Wright: 

“The picture of Jesus as the coming judge is the central feature of another absolutely vital and nonnegotiable Christian belief: that there will indeed be a judgment in which the creator God will set the world right once and for all. The word judgment carries negative overtones for a good many people in our liberal and postliberal world. We need to remind ourselves that throughout the Bible, not least in the Psalms, God’s coming judgment is a good thing, something to be celebrated, longed for, yearned over. It causes people to shout for joy and the trees of the field to clap their hands (Psalm 98:8). In a world of systematic injustice, bullying, violence, arrogance, and oppression, the thought that there might come a day when the wicked are firmly put in their place and the poor and weak are given their due is the best news there can be. Faced with a world in rebellion, a world full of exploitation and wickedness, a good God must be a God of judgment.” (Surprised by Hope, 117). 

“No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 3:13). Where do you and I shelter as God’s judgment invades this world? In His Son Jesus. A student asked yesterday if I would somehow bring Ukraine into Sunday’s sermon. Absolutely. Don’t just tell us that we are sinners. Yes, of course, but show us examples, as Putin is right now. Let this be an object lesson, just as children’s messages have objects. Comfort us with the coming day when God will set all things right. We are scared children. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). 

The Meyer Minute for February 24, 2022

September 1, 1939. The international framework put in place after World War II being attacked. The History Channel in real time. I’m sad, angry, and powerless. “O Lord! O Lord, my Lord” (Psalm 140:6-7). 

The Word comes to me this morning through a work of art. On a wall near my home office is a copy of a painting by 16^th century artist Sebald Beham. It’s titled “Der Schmerzensmann,” “the Man of Sorrows.” That, of course, comes from Isaiah 53:3. “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Many artists have depicted “the Man of Sorrows,” Jesus Christ in His passion and death, but this Beham work is different. We see Jesus raised from the dead. The empty cross is in the background but before us is Christ, sitting on a huge stone. Perhaps the stone rolled away from the tomb? Behind our Lord’s head are rays of glory. He is now, as we learn from the catechism, in His “State of Exaltation.” But how does the artist present the now risen Christ? His head in His hand, downcast, obviously still in grief.  

While the West rallies, we have not done all that we could. In the moment of physical confrontation, each Ukrainian faces the evil alone. We are at the borders, but on the safe side. How shall interpret this theologically? The exalted Christ is still a Man of Sorrows, feeling our sorrows. “He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?” (Psalm 94:9). Yes, Christ “has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Peter 3:22), but true God, He remains true man. He feels for us. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

He is the Man of OUR sorrows who promises, “Surely, I am coming soon.” “Our judge is at the gate; / The judge who comes in mercy, The judge comes in might / To put an end to evil / And diadem the right” “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Lutheran Service Book, 513:1; Revelation 22:20).  

The Meyer Minute for 2-2-22

We all should be gravely concerned about Russia’s advance into Ukraine. The president of Finland said we’re in a “colder war,” meaning it’s worse now than during the Cold War of the last century. A British official said this is as bad as the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. I remember that crisis, and how people crowded churches on Sunday. What should I think? I pray Psalm 140 on behalf of people in Ukraine. 

“Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me.  

“I say to the Lord, you are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! “As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise! Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily! 

“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.” 

For Ukraine, for us all. Putin's false glory brings us to the theology of the cross. 

The Meyer Minute for February 21, 2022

“Happy Feralia!” “What? It’s President’s Day, not…whatever you said.” “No, Dale, it’s Feralia. Through the marvels of time travel, you are speaking with Marcus, a first-century Roman. Today, February 21, is Feralia throughout the Roman Empire.” 

“Marcus, what’s whatever you call today?” “It’s Feralia, the day when all good Romans carry gifts to the tombs of our family ancestors. Tonight at midnight, we’ll place wreaths of flowers, sprinkle grain, salt, and bread soaked in wine at the tomb of our deceased parents, grandparents, and all who have gone to Hades. I, Marcus, the pater familiae, will preside at our family’s tomb.” 

“Marcus, I can’t imagine. Explain, please.” “Dale, historically, February was the last month of the year.” “Huh?” “No, think about it. Sept- in September means seven; oct- in October means eight; and so on. The names of the months don't match up in your calendar. We Romans close out the year in February by appeasing the dead, making good with them for whatever we did wrong. We sacrifice to them so that they will favor us and intercede for us with all the gods.”   

“Marcus, I’m thankful I live in my time. We have something called “All Saints Day,” but it’s a day when we remember all those who died believing in Jesus and will be with Him in heaven. We don’t live in fear of how ghosts might hurt us.” “Jesus? Is that the Jewish rabbi who is gaining a following throughout the Empire, even in our capital city of Rome? We hear that he was crucified but came back to life. Is that the guy you in your time believe in? 

“Yes, Marcus. We don’t believe our ancestors are mediators for us with the gods. Jesus is the one mediator between us and God. Marcus, only one God, who made us, will judge us, and because of Jesus will take us to heaven, not to the shades of Hades, a place none of you want to go.”   

“Hmmm… I’ll have to think about that. Just understand this. If you lived in the Roman Empire, today is Feralia. Tomorrow will be Caristia. Can’t wait to tell you about it.” 

The Meyer Minute for February 21, 2022

“Happy Feralia!” “What? It’s President’s Day, not…whatever you said.” “No, Dale, it’s Feralia. Through the marvels of time travel, you are speaking with Marcus, a first-century Roman. Today, February 21, is Feralia throughout the Roman Empire.” 

“Marcus, what’s whatever you call today?” “It’s Feralia, the day when all good Romans carry gifts to the tombs of our family ancestors. Tonight at midnight, we’ll place wreaths of flowers, sprinkle grain, salt, and bread soaked in wine at the tomb of our deceased parents, grandparents, and all who have gone to Hades. I, Marcus, the pater familiae, will preside at our family’s tomb.” 

“Marcus, I can’t imagine. Explain, please.” “Dale, historically, February was the last month of the year.” “Huh?” “No, think about it. Sept- in September means seven; oct- in October means eight; and so on. The names of the months don't match up in your calendar. We Romans close out the year in February by appeasing the dead, making good with them for whatever we did wrong. We sacrifice to them so that they will favor us and intercede for us with all the gods.”   

“Marcus, I’m thankful I live in my time. We have something called “All Saints Day,” but it’s a day when we remember all those who died believing in Jesus and will be with Him in heaven. We don’t live in fear of how ghosts might hurt us.” “Jesus? Is that the Jewish rabbi who is gaining a following throughout the Empire, even in our capital city of Rome? We hear that he was crucified but came back to life. Is that the guy you in your time believe in? 

“Yes, Marcus. We don’t believe our ancestors are mediators for us with the gods. Jesus is the one mediator between us and God. Marcus, only one God, who made us, will judge us, and because of Jesus will take us to heaven, not to the shades of Hades, a place none of you want to go.”   

“Hmmm… I’ll have to think about that. Just understand this. If you lived in the Roman Empire, today is Feralia. Tomorrow will be Caristia. Can’t wait to tell you about it.” 

The Meyer Minute for February 18, 2022

I’m thankful for memorizing Bible passages in grade school. Some passages were about doctrine, others for devotion, but I don’t recall memorizing passages about the mystery of God. Today I’m meditating on Psalm 18, a psalm David wrote after he was rescued from imminent death. 

“In my distress I called upon the Lord… From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through the clouds. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice….” That’s Psalm 18:6-13, but the cosmic scene goes on for more verses. Read it. 

Did that really happen? The Bible has other stories of God appearing in terror, like His descent upon Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). Did David see all that with his physical eyes or did he “see” through faith that the cosmic God had come to save him? I think the latter, the “eyes of faith.” Commentator Hans Joachim Kraus: “An event that is supraindividual, penetrating into the most remote dimensions, is called upon to illustrate the secret and the wonder of the work of God” (quoted by Dr. Timothy Saleska, Psalms 1-50, Concordia Commentary p. 343). 

Memorizing Bible passages tempted us to imagine we comprehend God, but passages like Psalm 18 open my little mind to “the secret and wonder of the work of God.” Here’s another: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:12-19). God spoke and David was rescued from death. God speaks through His Son and we are saved for life. Do you “see” it? 

The Meyer Minute for February 17, 2022

As Vladimir Putin and his cronies calculate their next move, these bullies would do well to know they are under the judgment of God. Writing about Putin’s “aging and enfeebled rule,” Holman Jenkins, Jr. wrote, “Russia needs to shake off centuries of serfdom under czars and commissars. A slave mentality is not a vow of poverty. It applies as much to his cronies and lickspittles with their off-shore mistresses and bank accounts even as they pretend to lead the patriotic resistance to the West. These are people who have proved they will support Mr. Putin in the impoverishment and destruction of Russian society provided they can enjoy their billions a few years longer. A catastrophic ending has always seemed in the cards” (Wall Street Journal, February 16; A15). 

The prophets are political science from God’s perspective. “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment” says God. Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammonites, Moab…they’re all going to get it. Gaza will be punished “because they carried into exile a whole people.” The Ammonites killed innocents “that they might enlarge their border.” Josef Stalin exiled Ukrainians to Siberia, and today Putin is causing suffering and threatens carnage upon innocent people.  And about Putin’s lickspittles, I like that word! “‘I will strike the winter house along with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end,’ declares the Lord.” Putin and his lickspittles are doomed.  

God established government to protect and promote what is good. “Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate.” “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” O God over all nations, we beg You to diffuse present crises. Bring all world leaders to see the purpose for which they serve. Bring Your mercies to the fearful, the oppressed, and the poor in every nation. And may I and everyone reading with me, trust Your words through the prophets. “The Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” For the sake of Jesus, who Himself suffered at the hands of unrighteous rulers. Amen. (Biblical quotations from Amos 1; 3:7, 15; 5:15, 24) 

The Meyer Minute for February 16, 2022

The Meyer Minute for February 16, 2022 

Repentance easily becomes trite. Some form of confession and absolution is often part of our Sunday church ritual. Two weeks from today is Ash Wednesday and we’ll be hearing a lot of repentance talk in church and devotional literature. Lord knows I have much to repent of, but repentance talk easily becomes trite, “Yaa, I know.” “Trite” comes from a Latin word, tero, which means “to rub,” and its participle tritus means “wear down,” “wear out.” We churchgoers hear about repentance so much that the sharp edge of confessing my sin is lost. That’s despite Jesus’ promise, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).  

Repentance usually has us looking backward. For example, this common form of confession: “Most merciful God… We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.” When you are young, on the go, always doing, examining your past conduct obviously makes sense, but when you’re closer to the end of life, do you want to keep beating yourself up over your past? Hasn’t Jesus forgiven your sins?  

From an old Jewish commentary on the book of Genesis: “There are five incomplete phenomena. The incomplete experience of death is sleep; an incomplete form of prophecy is dream; the incomplete form of the world to come is the Sabbath; the incomplete form of the heavenly light is the orb of the sun; the incomplete form of heavenly wisdom is the Torah.” (In Heschel, 262). And repentance shows that our life in God now, in this present, is incomplete, “but when the perfect comes, the partial shall pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:10). Especially for Christians “three score years and ten,” repentance is a wonderful look forward. 

“Oh, that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy lovely face; / Clothed then in the blood washed linen, How I’ll sing Thy wondrous grace! / Come, my Lord, no longer tarry; Take my ransom’d soul away; / Send Thine angels soon to carry Me to realms of endless day” (Lutheran Service Book, 686, 4). In repentance God invites us to hope for the coming Day. “Repent…the promise is for you” (Acts 2:38). 

The Meyer Minute for February 14, 2022

A prayer for this Valentine’s Day from Johann Arndt, a German pastor who lived from 1555 to 1621. 

“Lord, give us hearts never to forget Thy love; but to dwell therein whatever we do, whether we sleep or wake, live or die, or rise again to the life that is to come. For Thy love is eternal life and everlasting rest; for this is life eternal to know Thee and Thy infinite goodness. O let its flame never be quenched in our hearts; let it grow and brighten, till our whole souls are glowing and shining with its light and warmth. 

“Be Thou our Joy and Hope, our Strength and Life, our Shield and Shepherd, our Portion forever. For happy are we if we continue in the love wherewith Thou hast loved us; holy are we when we love Thee steadfastly. Therefore, O Thou, Whose name and essence is Love, enkindle our hearts, enlighten our understandings, sanctify our wills, and fill all the thoughts of our hearts, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.” (in For All the Saints, III, 281)