reformation sunday
the PRAYER. . .
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:31-36
the DEVOTION. . .
It’s an important word for us Americans, the word ‘free’! “Land of the!” “Let us die to make men!” “Where at least I know I’m!” It’s an important word for us West Texans! A Death Valley Days, Twenty Mule Team kind of word that colors our world with liberty and independence. The sky’s the limit! No boundaries! No restrictions! Everything possible!
And as you can see in this week’s gospel, the word’s important here in the church, as well. But for an altogether different reason. Here, it’s more measured, more restrained. Subtle. Focused. The definition begins with the first words of worship. “We confess that we are captive – in bondage – and cannot free ourselves.” Thought, word, deed. Done and undone. Bottom line, we have not loved. Loved god. Loved neighbors. And contrary to popular opinion, have not, even, loved ourselves. So, we ask god to forgive and renew and lead. And when god does, we’re set free! Free not for anything, for everything. But free to do the one thing we never could. Free, at last, to love! To love just like Jesus!
Bob Barndt, pastor