Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
EXAMPLES FROM THE REFORMATION: MARTIN LUTHER
Even though attempts to reform the church began with men like John Wyclif, Girolamo Savanarola, and John Huss, still we mark this day, October 31st, as Reformation Day. This because of the rather uneventful event that took place on this day in 1517 when a concerned Augustinian monk named Martin Luther nailed 95 points for discussion on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
We know Martin Luther as the Christian who, by the grace of God, rediscovered the Gospel of Christ which had been in many ways hidden by falsehood and tradition. We know Martin Luther as the man who wrote the Catechism to help fathers teach their children the truths of God's Holy Word. We know Martin Luther was a loving father and pastor.
He was also a concerned and careful Christian man. Yes, Martin Luther was unashamed of the Gospel of Christ and spoke boldly against men like the Dominican monk and indulgence peddler John Tetzel, who by his words and actions opposed the gospel of Christ. He did so out of a deep concern for the souls of Christ's people.
Luther also cared for his enemies. When John Tetzel was cast aside and blamed for the events that transpired, Martin wrote to him: "Don't take it too hard. You didn't start this racket. The child has another father."
As Lutheran Christians we should stand up and speak out in defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we do so, let it be out loving concern for God's Word and the souls of other human beings. God help us that when we defend the Gospel that we also do so by a Christian example and in Christian love. Let us be careful to speak the truth in love and not justify using hurtful, reputation-destroying words.
To this help us, dear heavenly Father.
Renew me, O eternal Light,
And let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace
That issues from Thy holy face.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 398:1)
