October 31, 2012 - Reformation Day

Today's Reading: John 8:31-36

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Matthew 20:17-34

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.   And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus is the Word of God that became flesh. He is, “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6b) Anyone who knows Jesus knows everything there is to know about God, and if we cling to His word we have the truth about God, and true freedom from sin, death, and hell.

But God's word isn't a buffet line. We're not free to pick and choose our favorite verses, leaving out this one, or turning the page on that one because we don't like what it says about God and us. Once we begin carving out the words that make us turn up our noses, the truth ends up tossed in the garbage. No. The truth about God is there in His word: in Jesus, in the Holy Bible, in Gospel preaching, and in the Sacraments. It's God’s word and truth, not because we've figured out the right recipe, but because God has given His truth to His people as a feast of words so we don't have to go begging for answers.

Who can be saved? Everyone, if you abide in My word. What kind of work does God require us to do to earn a place at the marriage feast of the Lamb? This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent. But how do I know if I truly believe? You have true faith when you live in the Word and gifts of Jesus, by which the Holy Spirit is given because no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. And freedom? Stand fast...in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Jesus is the Truth. He's the Word of God in the flesh. Every word of Scripture points to Him. Gospel sermons speak only about what He's done for you. The sacraments are Him coming to abide with us who take Him at His word. Let us believe it's true, and gladly hear it, learn it, and feast on it to the glory of His holy Name.

Though hordes of devils fill the land All threat'ning to devour us, We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow'r us. Let this world's tyrant rage; In battle we'll engage. His might is doomed to fail; God's judgment must prevail! One little word subdues him. (LSB 657:3)

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