Overheard at a local hardware store, in a galaxy far, far away . . . (actually it was in Zionsville, IN)

 

Guy 1: “Hey, you look familiar! Have I seen your face somewhere before?”

Guy 2: “Ummm. Probably not. I just moved to the area.”

 

Guy 1: “No man, I really think I have seen your picture somewhere…maybe the newspaper?”

Guy 2: “I doubt it. The picture that was in the paper of me is actually a few years old and my wife says I have aged considerably since then, besides growing my beard during the winter.”

 

 

 

Me: “I am the new pastor at Advent Lutheran Church here in Zionsville.”

Guy 1: “Cool! I knew I recognized your face. What kind of Lutherans are you?”

 

 

Me: “We are Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.”

Guy 1: “Yeah! I’ve heard about you guys . . . the MISERY SIE-NOD!”

 

It is true that somewhere along the path of life this gentleman that I met in the hardware store had heard or been exposed to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Misery! It has been a long-standing joke, not just among Lutherans, but also among Kansans, Iowans, Illinoisans (is that a word?), etc. It is actually fairy accurate!

 

In April of 1518, Martin Luther is called before the Augustinian Order in Heidelberg to defend and further explain his views on indulgences, which he had just attacked six months earlier in the 95 Theses. Ironically, the word “indulgence” does not occur once in the records of this debate (called a “disputation” and something we need more of in the church). Many theologians believe it was even more important than the 95 Theses. The Heidelberg Disputation contains 28 Theses followed by 28 Proofs (explanation of the Theses).

 

1) The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance man on his way to righteousness, but rather hinders him.

2) Much less can human works, which are done over and over again with the aid of natural precepts, so to speak, lead to that end.

3) Although the works of man always seem attractive and good, they are nevertheless likely to be mortal sins.

 

1) The Ten Commandments won’t help you obtain righteousness.

2) You can’t keep the Ten Commandments.

3) Whatever you do won’t really get you anywhere and is probably sin.

 

 

Yes! As Missouri-Synod Lutherans, we talk about sin, death and helplessness. It is our nature and the state of this life as we await Christ’s return. We acknowledge, even embrace it. Living is difficult. Raising children is challenging. Suffering hurts. And dying might be the hardest thing we ever do.

 

 

Embrace the misery. Recognize the problem. And then?

 

I will let Luther answer this one:

17) Nor does speaking in this manner give cause for despair, but for arousing the desire to humble oneself and seek the grace of  Christ.

18) It is certain that man must utterly despair of his own ability before he is prepared to receive the grace of Christ.

19) That person does not deserve to be called a theologian who looks upon the invisible things of God as though they were clearly perceptible in those things which have actually happened (Rom. 1:20; cf. 1 Cor 1:21-25),

20) He deserves to be called a theologian, however, who comprehends the visible and manifest things of God seen through suffering and the cross.

21) A theology of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is.

 

Misery, yes. But through the suffering and the cross of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there is grace and mercy. Covered with His righteousness in your Baptism. His life-giving Body and Blood coursing through your veins and weary bones. His Word of Absolution, which is absolute comfort, spoken to you.

 

Let us be theologians of the cross, shall we? Certainly as we speak with our neighbor in the hardware store, but especially as we receive His gifts in the Divine Service.

 

Jesu Juva (Jesus, help me),

Pastor Mackay

 

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

 

You can read a free translation of the Heidelberg Disputation here: http://bookofconcord.org/heidelberg.php