A Wordsworth worth of words

Years ago, probably 20 years ago, maybe more now, my wife and I were visiting my sister in Chicago, and she had a bookshelf that had some really old books on it. I was admiring all of them, but one in particular, and she said I could have it. It was an old original 1891 printing of "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations"

Thank you Sissy!

I've had it for all these years, and I love to take it down off of my own shelf every once and a while, (ever so carefully that is.) and have always been blessed with deep thoughts and often very light heartwarming thoughts as well. Just the other night I was reading from the William Wordsworth section. I found once again the section where he talks about  his "Intimations on Immortality" . 

The words went into me like a tiny needle injecting thoughts into my veins, to invade my mind with the notion and realization of two things 1) This earth, as beautiful and glorious as it is, is yet missing something that it had from it's original days. And 2) that every day we have, and are experiencing on this earth is the only one like it. Never to be repeated again. And thus this moment in time, this very day is a sacred gift.

"The Rainbow comes, and goes, And lovely is the rose.

 The sunshine is a glorious birth;

   But yet I know, where'er I go, That there hath passed away a glory from the earth."

This quote from his lengthy prose, tells us also about all kinds of loss, that we struggle with in our human experience. That this world in which we live, is not exactly perfect. And that pain and suffering is a real thing that we all experience. And we can think deeply upon it. 

This reminds me of the fact that in our time, we often are tempted to think that we are so smart, and have all of this new learning, and new knowledge. Not realizing that it's actually not that new. It's only the incomplete thoughts that have already been thought out thoroughly by much older and wiser thinkers than ourselves from ages past. I've said it before on this blog, but it remains true, the mental and emotional state of what C.S. Lewis described for his time and it remains true for our time. We suffer from a "Chronological Snobbery" The idea that 'if it's old, it's wrong, and if it's new, it's right.'.

Lord save us from our presumptuous, unthinking selves. 

       

Spirituality without Theology

What is it about our American Christianity that wants to believe what it wants to believe, as opposed to Biblical, Theologically pure Christianity?

It's very easy in our American Christianity to go with the current, and flow of thought. Whatever sermon series the preacher of the day on television may (or in our own pulpits) be touting about how to live the best version of yourself, or your best life now. Or how we need to be in "revival" or speaking to our felt needs, by tugging on our emotions. A Christianity that has been correctly named "Moralistic, Therapeutic, Deism". We see how different our Christianity today is from Biblical Christianity, in what it means to be a Christian.

When one delves into the whole of Scripture, and see's Christ throughout, we see God's work throughout. In response to Christian moralism, rationalism, and mystical Christian experience, Gene Edward Veith's book entitled "The Spirituality of the Cross" answers with this...

"The Spirituality of the Cross negates all moralism, but it inspires selfless service. The Cross swallows up rationalistic speculation, while it affirms the truth of revelation in all of its ineffable mysteries. The Cross counters the mere quest for mystical experience by lifting up what is inglorious, ordinary, even painful, yet, through the Word and Sacraments, offers a true union with Christ."

When our preachers, and our 'Christian teachings' are trying to pull us away from the true, pure, Gospel of our Lord, and tell us that we need to seek God, who is present in the world ...but in a way that requires us to "hunt for God" as if he's out there, or in there somewhere, and we just need to find Him, and in a way trap Him so that we can have some of Him, and so he can then bless us. This thinking although well-intended, is simply wrong. Let's imagine, you're in a crowded amusement park with your Dad, and you split up and he says to you, meet me back here at the car in one hour, where we've parked, at the north east corner of parking lot B. And in one hour you start looking for your Dad by the pony rides. And then you look for him by the tilt-a-whirl. And then by the Ferris-Wheel. It's the same with Christ. Suffice it to say, that Christ is right where he said He would be. Waiting for us as planned. In His Word, In our Baptism, in the bread and wine, the Holy Sacrament, and in the preaching of His Word, and in the loving of our neighbor, as we live out our vocations, as husbands, wives, children, uncles, aunts, employees, friends, grandparents etc. etc.

Just recently in my daily reading of Scripture, I read Isaiah 51. Which speaks to this notion of God with us. And not "somewhere out there..." The Lord works in and through us, and those around us. Luther called them "the mask's of God".

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
    and to the quarry from which you were dug.
2 Look to Abraham your father
    and to Sarah who bore you;
for he was but one when I called him,
    that I might bless him and multiply him." - Isaiah 51:1-2

While the Holy Scripture rightly tells us that "no one can see God and Live." Christ comes, and puts Himself, in a box. So that we can behold Him. Not only that, He gives Himself for us, His life, for ours. And the universe is (and always has been) in subjection to Him, under His feet. He has revealed Himself, in, and through His Word. Thanks be to God!

Veith's book concludes that the Spirituality (which is a word that has been dissolved of it's meaning in recent times) of the Cross is simply this.

"Though it's not easy to struggle with ones own nature, to be broken by the Law of God, fighting through trials and suffering. But on another level it is indeed easy. Simply a matter of receiving Christ's gifts. And the Gospel of Forgiveness and grace in the Cross, is, as the catechism says "most certainly true." This truth is no mere intellectual assertion but a faith lived out in worship, in the inmost depths of the heart, in love of others, in work, and in the day-to-day routines of ordinary life."

Now there are those who would say... "Why the Cross? Why must I accept that 'version' of the truth?"  And to that, our good Doctor Martin Luther is very useful in understanding that mind when he writes...

"God seems as though he had dealt inconsiderately in commanding the world to be governed by the Word of Truth, especially since he has clothed and hooded it with a poor, weak, and condemned Word of the Cross. For the world will not have the truth, but lies; neither willingly do they aught that is upright and good, unless compelled to by main force. The world has a loathing of the Cross, and would rather follow the pleasures, of the devil, and have pleasant days, than carry the cross of our blessed Savior Christ Jesus."

So why does our "home-grown" Christianity believe, and teach what it wants? This may in-fact be one of the greatest questions of our age. It is the most human of natures, that we not take God at His Word. To pursue our own self justification, and not the justification that comes from another who is greater than us.

The beloved Psalm 52 that poses the question most excellently. I encourage everyone to read the entire text of the Psalm and see how the Lord comes to us with His gifts, simply because the righteous are those who trust in His name. Thanks be to God!

"Why do you boast of evil, oh mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day..."

The Fire and the Staff...

It's been said that "There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and the tired man who wants a book to read." I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like one, and then other times like the other. But more often it seems, I’m the tired man. I've recently read a book called "The Fire and the Staff" by Klemet Peus. This wonderful book is one that I recommend picking up! And take your time with it. The reasons are many, starting with the breadth of topics that are addressed in the book. Topics that span a great many doctrines and questions that every Christian has had, and perhaps even some that you've not yet considered, mostly due to our business of life. Topics such as the Divine Service, and what is happening in the service. Worship, and what it is. The question of 'what is faith, actually?' Objective justification, and conversely objective condemnation, regarding Original Sin. Why do Pastors wear collars, and robes? Baptism, the Lords Supper, So many rich topics with such depth of understanding, presented in a way that is very tangible, and accessible, and often knit together with wonderful, relate-able stories from the author and his years as a Lutheran Pastor, and from history. However the most amazing thing that happens in the book, is you start to see how in the end, the practice of one’s life will directly creep into his, or her doctrine. And simultaneously how the reverse is also true. That a person’s doctrine will affect that person’s practice, and their life. And the major thread that weaves through it all, is the True Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Doctrine is life” he says, and as a shepherd uses his staff to keep his sheep close to, and warmed and safe by the fire, so the Doctrine of Christ does for us! This book brings to light so many things about our faith, things that in our "American Christianity" we may have found ourselves very accustomed to, and takes a much closer look into those things in the Light of Holy Scripture. Some of the things that reformed theology and others try to explain away. 

I'm not often brought to tears when reading Theology books, but this one did it. The story about a baby's Baptism. "Pastor," Said the father of the baby as he was helping the pastor dig a post hole at his house. "I never would have known what Grace alone meant if it hadn't been for seeing my daughter being baptized as an infant." "How do you mean?" asked the faithfully probing pastor. "That morning of her baptism, we changed her, we fed her and dressed her, we chose her food, and we chose her clothes, and when I saw that water being pored over her head, and hearing the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit being spoken over her, I realized what Grace Alone really means." Reading that, I had myself, understood anew how the Love of the Father is truly lavished on us in our Baptism. The Author also talks at length to our "American Christianity" and how we (American Christians as a whole) in many ways, through our practices, have left Christ and His Gospel out to dry. And it brings to light our confession of the glorious light of the Gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The Gospel of our salvation won for us objectively on the cross!

The author talks about Faith “it’s like a trick or treat bag”, he talks about passive faith, and active faith. "Saving faith is passive” he says. “Like a trick or treat bag, because we only think about the bag when we don't have one. Then when we do have the bag, we now only think about what is in the bag.” He continues with the scenario in regards to repentance and faith... "Trick or treat’ literally means I'm going to throw eggs at your house unless you give me candy." but what it really means is "I expect that you will give me some candy." Repentance and faith are in a way, mixed into the same dough. Because we trust that God is Good “(if we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness.”) Also comparing passive faith with active faith, in keeping first things first. "Active Faith", the author says, "can only be a response to Passive Faith." Imagine playing in the game of baseball in the outfield, when the ball is coming towards you, you can't throw the ball before you catch it.” We can’t and shouldn't let "Church activity" get in front of our own Salvation. You must first be passive and receive the ball. “Catching the ball does not depend on throwing it. Throwing the ball depends on catching the ball”, not the other way around. “As soon as you take your eyes off the ball to look around the field (to see where you might throw it) you'll not be able to find the ball again. The ball is God's Grace, and if you are thinking about what you are going to do with it before you catch it, you'll lose the Grace of God.”

This book exposes a lot of things about our home-style Christianity, and how some of the practices, have come from something other than the pure Gospel Doctrine. Here are a few nuggets that you can look forward to reading in the book.
“People today want ‘Spiritually without Theology"
"our spiritual health is in what we receive, not in how active, or how involved we are."
He talks about Church growth advocates, who promote a certain "dynamism" of character in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel and in Church life. He corrects that notion with "The Gospel is dynamic, not the one who speaks it, the Word is dynamic, not the one to whom it is spoken. The Message is dynamic, not the congregation that authorizes it's spread."  The author fearlessly addresses the role of women in the church, and the role of men. The Lord’s Supper, ‘witnessing -vs- confessing’ the list goes on.
Are you the “tired man” like me? Then I encourage you to pick up this book, and take your sweet time, and read it! Through it all, shines the beaming light of the Glorious Gospel of our Lord and Mighty Savior Jesus Christ!  Thanks be to God!

Thy Strong Word

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;

At thy speaking it was done.

For created light we thank thee

While thine ordered seasons run.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,

Dark as night and deep as death,

Broke the light of thy salvation,

Breathed thine own life-giving breath.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;

Bright with thine own holiness,

Glorious now, we press toward glory,

And our lives our hope confess.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

From the cross thy wisdom shining

Breaketh forth in conqu'ring might;

From the cross forever beameth

All thy bright redeeming light.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Give us lips to sing thy glory,

Tongues thy mercy to proclaim,

Throats to shout the hope that fills us,

Mouths to speak thy holy name.

Alleluia! Alleluia! May the light which thou dost send

Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluias without end!

God the Father, light-creator,

To thee laud and honor be.

To thee, Light from Light begotten,

Praise be sung eternally.

Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to thee.

Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the holy Trinity!

Text: Martin H. Franzmann, 1907-1976
Tune: Thomas J. Williams, 1869-1944

Singing, the Lords Grace

In the Roman Catholic understanding (and the understanding of many other denominations in Christendom) of the divine service, what we are doing in the service is providing God our service to Him. Sort of an alms or sacrifice to God. With the thought that He requires it from us. That it's something we do in order to receive God's blessing. With a side order of "What a good boy am I" mind set. When the priests would offer the bread in the communion it was thought that we were sacrificing once again, a "re-presentation" of our Lords body to provide our forgiveness. To appease God.

What is truly meant to happen in the divine service is this, Christ serving us. We receive His Gospel. We receive His forgiveness. We receive His Holy Spirit through His Word. Like the old hymn that says "Thy strong Word bespeaks us Righteous, bright with thine own Holiness." Ultimately, the divine service is one of passivity. We receive from God. In the wise words of my good Pastor, Benjamin Meyer "it all comes back to justification, and in terms of that...we bring nothing."

Within the Hymns that teach us the very grace that we have received, we are taught once again to believe in His Mercy. To trust His Word! Also we are to rejoice in the Forgiveness of our sins, won for us, through the Blood of Christ.

I have found it fascinating, and overwhelmingly comforting to know that when I am singing in the Church Service I am singing God's Grace to myself, and to the Bride of Christ, my brothers and sisters. Also the Lord Himself hears and attends to the praise of His people. And here is the thing... the praise of His people, is this... His bride, singing God's very Grace to herself. Truly a divine service. Divine because it is simply recalling and proclaiming the Work of God in Christ, "reconciling the world to Himself"

I'm currently reading a book called "The Fire and the Staff" by the late Lutheran pastor Klemet Preus. And in this book, he talks at length about the service, and music in the Church. Preus states this...

"...the church has sung the Word of God's Grace to herself for centuries. She has become the beneficiary of God's love through the ceremonies drawn from the Bible. She is blessed with the liturgy. In liturgy we take God's Word and return it to God by giving it to His people.That is liturgy."

It also helps to understand that God does not need our worship, or our liturgy. But He loves us, and longs to give us His gifts. Lets remember that the next time we are singing a hymn in Church. The Lord God Almighty, is giving you another gift of His grace! Sing, the Lords Grace!

What a beautiful Savior!

So much falsity

"It's not about what you believe, it's about being kind to others, and loving others" ... is just one of so many ideas floating out there that are so misleading, and moving people away from the truth!

"Deeds not creeds" is the once again popular idiom. One that was popular around the time of the early American puritans. It has come around again to try and persuade us that doctrine doesn't really matter.

What are we to do with SO much error out there, and how are we to respond as believers in Christ, and confessors of the Word?

This statement above 'deeds not creeds' (which is actually a creed itself) completely leaves out two huge questions. One, of a persons final, and eternal zip code. It assumes that 'ALL that matters truly, is this life right here, and right now.' completely ignoring a persons eternal destiny. Also it makes the ancient assumption that if you're a good person, you'll be treated "fairly." and end up in some kind of a heaven.

I remember a recent "Christian Movie" that I saw, about a Pastor who was both very moved in heart for his recently acquired congregation, and it's people. At the same time, up against the proverbial rock and hard place, of facing the seemingly unavoidable task of closing down the whole church because of costs. He was having a little heart to heart talk with his older son about it, and the son asked... "Dad, what are we going to do now?" to which the Pastor, and father replied "...well son, all we can do, is pray for God's help." to which his son retorted... "I thought you were God's help.?". And when the pastor heard his son say that, the look on his face was that of surprise, and a little knowing smile grew on the pastor's face, to insinuate that his son was correct, that he, the pastor was 'God's help' At first take, it does sound right, and it does have the sound of wisdom. I'll admit myself, that I was taken with the witty comeback. "ZING, he gotchya there Dad." I said to myself. The son was saying that we should be able to solve our own problems. That God has given us a mind, and arms, and legs, and a creative imagination to help us. The more I thought about it, this (like the original deception in the garden of Eden by a snake) has a speck of truth. God does give us abilities, and we are to use them. But certainly, we are not to confuse the help of the Almighty, for our feeble arms and legs, and "desperately wicked" hearts.

The young boy's comment, would lead us to the thought ...not pray to God for help. That there isn't really any need to pray. Instead we should just figure out our issues, and work to solve them. "deeds not creeds". Again ignoring eternal destiny, and focusing on this world view with only this single vantage point. Reminds me of the word 'secular' which when translated from the ancient Latin means "this world" or "this age".

The movie was based on a true story, and they did save the church, and had to work hard at it. But I come back to the message. What is it saying? 'It's up to us to save ourselves.' ...Which is not the Gospel of Christ at all.

The Holy Bible is replete with testimonies of the faithful, calling on the Lord for help. Calling on God to 'blot out my transgression' and all kinds of pleas for mercy, and grace! Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament, when the armies were surrounding him and his little army. He was outnumbered, he was sure to fail. But he waited, prayed, and said "Lord, our eyes are on you." And the Lord delivered him, by Himself. Defeating the powerful and encroaching armies. The victory was the Lords!


The bottom line is this, there is a God, and He has not remained silent. We have a God who has spoken! Thanks be to God. And that fact, is where the road splits. Splits into those who would hear the Word of God, and those who would prefer not to. We should hear and heed His Word! The powerful, and creative Word of God comes to us in paper and ink. It is His creative Word, not just information on a page. It's called His creative Word, because His Word creates faith. Also through the preaching, and speaking of His Word.

Nuclear Physicist Andrei Sakharov began his work in the Soviet Union, and became known as the "father of the hydrogen bomb" said this.

 "I've always thought that the most powerful weapon in the world was the bomb and that's why I gave it to my people, but I've come to the conclusion that the most powerful weapon in the world is not the bomb but it's the truth" - Andrei Sakharov

Winston Churchill was once quoted as saying something very similar...

"The most valuable thing in the world, is the truth. So valuable, that  it is often hidden by a bodyguard of lies." - Winston Churchill 

Loving our neighbors, and being kind is for certain something we are called to do in Scripture. However that is not all. We are called to walk in the truth. For that is often the kindest thing we can do, is to give our neighbor the truth, in a loving way of course.

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. - 1 John 1:6

"For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 1:3-4

 The thing we can and must do, as believers, and confessors of the Word of Christ, is to simply rest in, and stand on the Word of God! With love and compassion, in the "Spirit of truth" Stand firm on His Word of Law, and Gospel!

Thanks be to God!

"Food that endures"

When I was growing up as a teenager in my Dad's house we, like most families struggled with finances, and keeping enough food in the fridge and cupboards to feed everyone. I remember him jokingly making the statement... "boy, if we just didn't have to eat." as an expression of frustration, of not being able to get ahead financially because of the cost of food. Thinking that with everything else he had to pay for, not having to pay for food, would have helped a lot! And not only that, but food that had to constantly be replenished in a house with seven people. Below we see the point right after Jesus had miraculously fed the five thousand with only what was once just five loaves of bread and two fish. And afterward the Apostles go across the Sea of Galilee by boat to Capernaum. The crowd didn't see Jesus go with them, and not knowing where Jesus was, they followed the Apostles...

25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” - Gospel of John 6:25-27

Here, in this section of Scripture we see (as in other sections of Holy Scripture) that Jesus answers the question that they didn't ask. He answered the question that they should have asked of themselves. 'Why are we seeking this Jesus?' Jesus was fully aware that there was a lot of excitement around him, and they were only seeking after the physical food, and not the more important spiritual signs, or the more important reality of who He is, and the blessing that comes with that understanding. By telling them that they were really only seeking a physical blessing, He exposed their hearts. But then swooping down to lovingly tell them the truth. "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life". Later in the chapter He tells them, I  am the bread that came down from heaven. 

In Holy communion, while it is still just bread and wine, we do receive the Body, and the Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the food that endures to eternal life. Christ Himself. "Every good and perfect gift is from above." We believe that Christ fed (to the full) 5,000 men, and we likewise, by faith, receive his flesh and blood. He came down from heaven, to give us his body, and his blood, in the flesh, to be the one, all encompassing sacrifice for the atonement of the sin of the world. As we read in the Gospel of John 6:47-51 when Jesus himself, says... 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Jesus fed the five thousand, from what was only five loaves of bread and two fish. He miraculously gave them the food that fills now, and the food that "endures to eternal life", His own flesh and blood, by speaking to them the Word of His Gospel! Even though at the time (before Christ's Crucifixion, death, and resurrection) they might not have fully understood it. They would eventually come to understand His words, and what His miracles meant to them, and to the world.


One of the Hymns that I have recently heard is called "What is this bread?" The first verse says this...

"What is this bread? Christ's body risen from the dead: This bread we break, this life we take, was crushed to pay for our release. Oh, taste and see -- the Lord is Peace."

What can be said, about the Love of our Savior who would lay aside his majesty, and power, and go to the Cross, to pay for our release with his own body, and blood? It will take an eternity I'm sure! The Apostle Paul with inspiration of the Holy Spirit does exceedingly well...

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" Romans 11:33

(Ezra in Prayer)