John 8:31-36

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy:

Sammy: Good morning, Pastor. Good morning boys and girls. Hey Pastor, why do you look like you are looking for someone.

Pastor: I am expecting a friend come today. I thought he would be here at worship. But I can’t find him.

Sammy: What does he look like? Maybe I can help you find him.

Pastor:  Well, you can’t really miss him. He’s a really big guy. He’s in a strange outfit, and he’s really grumpy. And his name is Martin Luther.

Sammy: Oh, I thought you were talking about Santa Clause for a moment. But he’s not grumpy. You really know how to disappoint someone Pastor.

Pastor: Sorry to disappoint you, Sammy. But Martin  Luther is as fun as Santa Clause.

Sammy: Pastor you really shouldn’t lie in church.

Pastor: No really. He always brings pretzels and cider with him. So that means snacks Sammy.

Sammy: Okay, I think I like him now. But why is he visiting today?

Pastor: Well today is reformation Sunday. It’s a day when we remember Martin nailing the 95 theses on the door of his church. This moment caused a movement to spark reformation within the church.

Sammy: Oh okay. So he was really important. And I just realized something pastor. His name is Luther. Aren’t we part of a Lutheran church?

Pastor: Good job Sammy. We are a Lutheran church. He is the person that wrote a lot of what we teach here at St. Paul’s. His courage is why we are here today. Let us pray now: Dear Jesus, Thank you for reformers like Martin Luther. Thank you for teachers that followed his lead by teaching people the true gospel. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

“He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered.  They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him” (Mark 3:1-2).

Legalists seek whom they may accuse.  The devil is an accuser.  Our Lord knows we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.  He does not need to accuse, for He came not to condemn but redeem and save us.  In the church, there are those who love to point and accuse.  The Gospel is about love and forgiveness.  See things as they are, and be freed by the truth of the grace of Christ which comes to those who believe.

Lord, I see wrong and remain silent.  There have been times when it was I who pointed the finger at another.  I get all wrapped up in my own thoughts and feelings and do not live according to the truth which You have proclaimed.  Guide me out of the pit of wickedness that rules this age to live according to the goodness of Your grace and mercy.  Help me now and always to humbly abide in and with You.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for standing against the accusers of this world.  You did not confront pride with pride but humbly paid for all sins with Your body on a tree.  You have paid the price so that I do not need to live in the arrogance of self-righteousness.  Help me to learn how to live this new life which You have given me by grace.  Lead me on the upward journey to be willing to face all accusers and remain faithful to You.  Amen.