On October 31, 1517, the day before All Saints Day, a German monk named Martin Luther posted a notice on the door of the church in Wittenberg Germany, challenging the pope and other leaders of the Church to a theological debate. Luther was concerned that these teachers had drifted from the gospel by suggesting various ways that our efforts and works would open heaven to us. Luther reviewed the Scriptures and concluded that trusting in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus was the only way to be right with God and have entry into heaven. Luther’s focus on this gospel of Jesus brought a number of reforms to the Church. This Sunday October 29 we will commemorate the beginning of the Reformation, which is really a celebration of the gospel.
Take time to consider the significance of Romans 3:21-24, 28: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus… For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.
The service on Sunday October 29 will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #506 Glory Be to God the Father; #566 By Grace I’m Saved; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #576 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less.
Scripture lessons for the day are Psalm 46; Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Psalm 46 begins with the attribution that it was for the choir master and of the sons of Korah. These musicians were descendants of Levi, the Israelite tribe responsible for worship. The notation also indicates the psalm is a song “according to alamoth’. ‘Alamoth’ can be translated as ‘young women’, so as a musical term this might suggest which voices in the choir this is intended for. The psalm compares God to a strong fortress, a place of protection against disasters and enemy attack. The psalm urges us to be still, to consider God’s might, to trust that He is with us. In His care, we have no good reason to be afraid. Neither physical not spiritual enemies can destroy us. The psalm is the inspiration for Martin Luther’s hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God.
The first reading for Sunday is not an Old Testament reading, but rather a passage from Revelation 14. St. John describes a vision of an angel flying about, proclaiming the gospel, alerting people that the time of God’s judgment has arrived. The Greek word translated ‘angel’ can also be translated as ‘messenger’. Certainly, throughout history God has sent prophets and other messengers to call people to repentance, to fear God and to give Him glory. Martin Luther’s pastor referred to this passage when speaking of Luther at his funeral. Luther dedicated his adult life to pointing people to the gospel of Jesus that they might be saved from God’s condemnation. Confess your sin and admit your need of God’s forgiveness. Trust in the Lord Jesus and you too will be saved.
In the gospel reading from John 8, Jesus compares sin to slavery or imprisonment. Those who commit sin are slaves to sin. Sin oppresses us, laying the heavy burden of guilt and shame on us. Those who are Jesus’ disciples will know the truth about Him, and this truth will set them free. The Jewish religious leaders claimed they had always been free and had no need for Jesus. Regarding their relationship to God, they had been relying on their ancestral connections to Abraham, thinking God’s promises to him were also theirs by simply being blood relatives. They were also forgetting their forefathers’ frequent acts of disobedience, and forgetting God’s judgment and punishment (for example, sending their ancestors into captivity in Egypt and exile in Babylon. At the time they themselves were controlled by occupying Roman forces.). Slavery was actually a frequent feature of their history, a result of their stubbornness, self-reliance, and apathy towards God. Jesus came into the world to die in your place, to pay the punishment your sin requires. He sets you free from sin’s grasp. And if God’s Son sets you free, you are free indeed—free from shame, free from Satan’s rule, free from death’s penalty, and free to serve God without fear. Trust Him. He has done all that is necessary to set you free. There is no work required of you.
Collect: Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture lessons. I’ll also use this opportunity to prepare you for next Sunday, November 5. There will be a national time change—fall back one hour. And we will observe All Saints’ Day. remembering Christian friends and loved ones who have left this life this past year, and now await Jesus’ return and the day of the resurrection of all flesh.
God bless you all. Pastor Boster
