It's an interesting question:
What shall we look for in the Gospel?
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| Something pretty to look at while you ponder. . . |
If you had to answer it on your own, what would you say??
Here's what Luther has to say on the subject:
And the Gospel is nothing more than the story of the little son of God and of his humbling, as St. Paul says, <460202>1 Corinthians 2:2: “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
I have mentioned all this, gracious lord, because it is my purpose to inscribe this book to the sovereign of those people who are of my blood, and that it may not be deemed peculiar that I, contrary to the usage of the world, have not begun with the oldest but with the youngest lord of the family. For the nature of this book, in which the littlest and youngest has been pictured, demands that the introduction be like the contents. And I do not only wish to talk of this doctrine of the Gospel with words of mouth, but also wish to write a booklet concerning it. For it is necessary for the lords in this world, who live continually in the prerogatives and respect of their high position, to think at times, according to the Gospel, that they are nothing before God, and that it is as necessary for them to think of this as it is for the others.
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The Last shall be first, the first shall be last; the wise, will be foolish and blind and the blind shall see.
Why is this such a "curse" to our human nature? Why is it so difficult to wrestle with and come to terms with?
Have a blessed day. Share this with those you know want to dig deeper and let's keep the conversation going!
a.
I shall look for comfort,wisdom, truth, guidance, discernment, and understanding in The Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteWe are "cursed" in our flesh because we want to be in control. We want to believe that our actions gain us power in worldly riches and we are fooled that these acts are soley ours. We see a mirage of our own wisdom and strength and beleieve the rewards of this world belong to us.
ReplyDeleteLuther says that the "Learned are perverted". . . how does education often contribute to our egos and a struggle with pride? He was a very highly educated person and yet he continues to call himself a "fool." Is this true humility on his part do you think? How do we find true humility for our lives?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Rob. Our old Adam wants to cling to us and we get so caught up in our importance that we push Christ right out! I once read a line in one of my Family Systems texts that gave some really good practical advice about our own sense of self-importance: think of yourself as a mere speck of dust in the grand scheme of things and you won't take things so personally (either in a good way or a bad way). And when you think of it, even though we are valued by God as more than the dust from which we came and shall return, there have been so many people before us on this earth and so many people who come after us, that our small existence really isn't all that important. Sure, it's important to those who love us, but we shouldn't put more importance on it than there actually is. I hope that didn't sound too defeatist because I don't mean it that way. :)
ReplyDeleteNot defeatist at all. God wants us to prosper! Christ suffered in order for us to see death as "Grauation" and entry to the many rooms prepared for us! We are comforted by His Holy Spirit in order to love others and make deciples. Our lives do not belong to us, life is a gift and our minds and bodies are on loan to us from God. God requires us to learn and grow by actively studying and preparing. We can keep our egos in check like ML did in referring to himself as a fool. We keep our ego in check when we give all the Glory to Him! As we become highly educated we are crowned in worldly visible accoutrements like robes, tassels, certificates, ribbons, and plaques that tell us we have accomplished much and other people should recognize our importance. As our friends and neighbors hold us in high regard for these accomplishments, we begin to believe that we are "special". I believe that ML ws displaying true humility and teaching us how magnificent God is and that His knowledge surpasses our understanding. We can find true humility in our lives when we sacrifice in love for others. I love the ending of Les Mis - "To love andother person is to see the face of God".
ReplyDeleteI need to re-read what I write before I post - Yikes! Lots ot typos and rambling. I love this study and pray that others will join in!
DeleteWhat are we looking for? Answers. We want encouragement, truth, vision, light and something to strive for. We often forget that we are 'nothing before God' as Luther reminds us.
ReplyDeleteWrapping our mind and hearts around habitual Grace is overwhelming - how are we suppose to share God's love when at times we feel so unworthy to be saved through His only Son? The times I feel that way, I pray immediately for guidance in my actions and in my words that I share with others.
- this also touches on confrontation. I enjoyed your sermon last week and thought about times we should challenge ourselves and our family to Serve God first.
My new curiosity in the Gospel is becoming a Fisher of Men. Luther was the sent to be the Fire that was needed in the church. I hope that each and everyone of us keeps the fire in our heart to serve God in our thoughts, words and deeds. It is easy to fall prey to the evil in this world and if we keep Christ the center of our convictions the battle against evil will become just a little bit easier.
Many thanks for your posts...it has been a challenging week and this has been a huge help. Looking foward to continued study and many thanks to you Pr. Amy!
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