Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
Every year there are anniversaries. That is almost insulting because it is so obvious. That is the very definition of one—an annual remembrance on the date of a notable event.
While every one is special like the celebration of a birthday year after year, there are some significant ones. Usually they end in a 5 or a 0. (A 25th or 50th Anniversary, for example.) But what about when there are two zeros? That is something to overlook.
This is not a commercial, but 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of happenings in the history of two well-known companies.
The first Chevrolet truck rolled off the assembly line for GM.
John Deere also entered the tractor business.
Both of those are recognizable since they are still around today.
But there is another one that is meaningful and momentous. At least for us. It is almost to the day. On June 13, 1918, 130 confessional Lutherans met at Trinity Lutheran Church here in St. Paul to establish the Minnesota District of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Other States. We consider that today.
But it is not about us, or them. But about God. And his grace. How do we observe this anniversary? Continue in Jesus’ Word with faith and for freedom. We read from …
John 8:31,32
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Truth whom we look at and lean on,
An anniversary is beneficial because it allows the opportunity to reflect. Think of a husband and wife as they contemplate whatever number of years that they have spent together on the date of their wedding.
And it could be in all three directions.
Acknowledging the past,
Appreciating the present,
Awaiting the future.
That is what this observance is about. As we go forward, we recall where we have come from and rejoice about where we are. Among the challenges and changes, the Lord remains the same. And so does what he says.
Continue in Jesus’ Word
1. With faith (31)
2. For freedom (32)
1. With faith (31)
The Third Article of the Apostle’s Creed is instructive. In it Luther reminds us: “I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him.” But what we could not do. The Holy Spirit did. “[He] has called me by the gospel (Luther’s Catechism p. 5). He invited you and me into God’s family through God’s Word. That is why our forefathers joined together. They had the same faith in our Triune God. They wanted to stay in that Word. We do too. Continue in Jesus’ Word with faith.
Jesus didn’t shy away from conversation. This time he was speaking “to the Jews” (Jn 8:31). They are described as those “who had believed him” (Jn 8:31). The Word had been planted in their hearts. Jesus’ desire was that it persist. Some turned to Jesus while other turned away from him (Jn 6:66).
It comes down to a connection with Christ. That is critical. Jesus comments as he stresses: “If you hold to my teaching” (Jn 8:31). Really, “if you remain, abide, in my word.” It is interesting that earlier in his Gospel, John identifies Jesus as “the Word” (Jn 1:1). That is how we communicate with one another—with words, what we think, what we feel. That is how God conveys what is on his heart—through Jesus, the Word. That God loved us and sent his Son to go to the cross and come out of the grave to give us life (Jn 6:68; 20:31). The result: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (Jn 8:31). That is one who listens to a teacher and learns from him. The mark of a disciple, really the essence of a disciple, is that he or she gives his ear or her attention to Jesus.
It is not surprising that Moses mentioned that as he was taking leave of the people whom he had faithfully led for the last 40 years. “Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live” (Dt 4:1). He reemphasized the Ten Commandments, but more important, God’s tremendous love. He chose them to be his own. They were to cherish that bond. They were to keep before them the Messiah who would come from them and for them to remove their sin. They were to guard that carefully and closely—passing it down from generation to generation (Dt 4:9). The psalmist Asaph spoke along the same lines: “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Ps 78:4).
It was Jesus who used that familiar illustration to instruct: “I am the vine; you are the branches” (Jn 15:5). He has grafted us to himself. We are alive. We witnessed that in a very powerful and beautiful way. God adopted Belle into his family through water and Word, bringing her to trust in him, just as he did with us. That has been going on for last century in the Minnesota District. God has used his Word to bring people to faith and build them up in that faith. That includes us. He leads us to him and keeps us with him. Continue in Jesus’ Word with faith. That makes us real disciples of him.
2. For freedom (32)
It is helpful that Luther states: “In the same way he [that is, the Holy Spirit] calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers” (Luther’s Catechism p. 5). There is a liberty that we enjoy. Just like those 100 years ago. Continue in Jesus’ Word for freedom.
John quotes Jesus as he was comforting his disciples in the upper room before his crucifixion the next day and his resurrection on the third day. “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). What he says is true. But it is also the truth (Jn 17:17). The Truth speaks the truth. He is not like the devil, “the father of lies” (Jn 8:44).
And so Jesus informs us that if, better when we continue in his Word, “Then you will know the truth” (Jn 8:32). We will come to realize what is firm, and not false. It is not just intellectual knowledge, but personal experience. And that means that based on that Word, this is correct for both of us:
I confess that I have sinned—in many ways and at many times.
I contend that I have a Savior who lived and died in my place.
Then Jesus goes on to relate the outcome: “and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32). He has released us …
From sin. It no longer enslaves (Jn 8:34). We don’t live to sin or love to sin (Ro 6:1,2). It doesn’t condemn us anymore because Jesus clears us forevermore. That is because Jesus laid down his life for his friends, for us (Jn 15:13). That is freedom.
From death. It no longer frightens. Heaven is ours. As Peter put it: “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Pe 1:3). No one and nothing can take that away from us. God gives it to us and guarantees it to us. That is freedom.
From the devil. He cannot dominate us because Jesus has defeated him (He 2:14,15). That is freedom.
For service. Linked to the Vine, we produce fruit—“fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16). We do things that are good—whatever fits under Jesus’ command: “Love each other” (Jn 15:17). That is freedom.
Like those before us, we leave a legacy for those after us. Continue in Jesus’ word for freedom for eternity.
A 100th anniversary doesn’t happen every day. It is traditionally labeled the “Centennial,” or the “Platinum Jubilee.” (It is not the green and gold of John Deere or whatever color the first Chevy pickup was.) It is more important how we commemorate it than what we call it. For 100 years, the Minnesota District has recognized the importance of Jesus’ Word. We follow their lead. Continue in Jesus’ Word with faith and for freedom. Happy Anniversary. Amen.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Pe 3:18).
June 10, 2018
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
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