Thursday, 29 January, 2004

We continue a devotional journey focused around portions of Carl E. Braaten’s book “Justification.”



It (the gospel of justification) is not fight over words among squabbling theologians; it deals with matters that determine the standing of every person before God. Martin Chemnitz made the paradox of justification clear: it is sinners who are justified before God, prior to any change for the better in their sinful condition and always in spite of the fact that they can point to no inherent quality that puts them in the state of grace. The gospel of justification does not stand upon their virtues, change of heart, or good works.



When I work with the 7th and 8th graders in our confirmation class, I am always trying to help them see that this stuff we say in church is not just a bunch of words. Often I will turn to people who they know. I don’t always talk about what they did, but whose they are. The claim by God is a claim that is the power that makes people come to life…life everlasting…life that is no longer word but completely new. The claim God makes on us is one that is more powerful than any other opinion or rule or action. Last night we once again spoke of Martin Luther King, Jr. He did, with others, many great things. He was, and I believe this was foundational to what he did, a beloved child of God, and in being washed in that blessed assurance, his life was new and no one had that power to destroy it or make less of it…even when they killed him. His life was the new life that comes as we are justified by God and we trust that such an action by God defines and shapes our lives.



Connection: Whose are you? Who rules your life? Those are both questions but I would suggest that we all not consider it a question we cannot answer. We are encouraged to say that our lives are ruled and possessed by the God who creates life out of nothing. Today is another day to have that life count among us.



Creating God, from you alone we are given the gift of new life. You shape us and you call us and then, you guide us along the way of our Lord, Jesus, that we may trust that your word is not merely word but a word for life. Thank you for you loving and saving kindness and love. Amen.



I want to offer another word of thanks to all of you who help keep me focused at the beginning or end of each day. Yesterday turned out to be #800 of these weekday devotions. Christ’s Peace!