Rev. Dustin ParkerPastor's Ponderings May 2010
The Pastor’s Ponderings
Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther responded to this question, “What should admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently?”He answered, “First, both the command and the promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need, because of which the command, encouragement, and promise are given.”
He went on to answer the follow up question, which asked what a person should do if they aren’t aware of this need, in the following words.
To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7.Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15–16 and in 1 John 2 and 5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.
Certainly, even though there have been advances in technology, and In other things, the fact is that we are still as challenged by the world, and its sin and trouble. Ranging from economic and financial problems to what seems to be very little morality left in any form of entertainment, and a general lack of ethics, we live in an age challenged by sin. There are also troubles, we can hardly go for six months without some massive disaster, natural or manmade occurring.
Our time is no different when it comes to the challenges of Satan either. He still prowls about, looking for those to tempt, and in St. Peter’s words, devour.
These ancient words of Luther’s are applicable for us today as well. We need God’s continued presence in our lives, the constant assurance of His grace, His forgiveness and His peace comfort and strengthens us, in the midst of the challenges thrown into our lives. As we are drawn to His table, we find that – and more!
In 1 Corinthians 10-11, the Apostle Paul talks of how the Lord’s Supper is a community based meal – how we come together as His people – as His fellowship, and commune together. That church was corrected with pretty strong words, as they didn’t do this together. For at the Lord’s table, His mercy does heal wound between us, and causes us all to grow closer, as His love unites us.
It is for these reasons, the incredible challenging times we live in, all that would cause us concern and worry, and to help us grow in our love for each other, that we have shifted to celebrating this incredible gift every week! Later in this newsletter, the entire series of questions from Luther will appear. They are a great thing to think through, as we prepare to receive this most incredible gift.
Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther responded to this question, “What should admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently?”He answered, “First, both the command and the promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need, because of which the command, encouragement, and promise are given.”
He went on to answer the follow up question, which asked what a person should do if they aren’t aware of this need, in the following words.
To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7.Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15–16 and in 1 John 2 and 5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.
Certainly, even though there have been advances in technology, and In other things, the fact is that we are still as challenged by the world, and its sin and trouble. Ranging from economic and financial problems to what seems to be very little morality left in any form of entertainment, and a general lack of ethics, we live in an age challenged by sin. There are also troubles, we can hardly go for six months without some massive disaster, natural or manmade occurring.
Our time is no different when it comes to the challenges of Satan either. He still prowls about, looking for those to tempt, and in St. Peter’s words, devour.
These ancient words of Luther’s are applicable for us today as well. We need God’s continued presence in our lives, the constant assurance of His grace, His forgiveness and His peace comfort and strengthens us, in the midst of the challenges thrown into our lives. As we are drawn to His table, we find that – and more!
In 1 Corinthians 10-11, the Apostle Paul talks of how the Lord’s Supper is a community based meal – how we come together as His people – as His fellowship, and commune together. That church was corrected with pretty strong words, as they didn’t do this together. For at the Lord’s table, His mercy does heal wound between us, and causes us all to grow closer, as His love unites us.
It is for these reasons, the incredible challenging times we live in, all that would cause us concern and worry, and to help us grow in our love for each other, that we have shifted to celebrating this incredible gift every week! Later in this newsletter, the entire series of questions from Luther will appear. They are a great thing to think through, as we prepare to receive this most incredible gift.
