For years, when I visited my mom I would often page through a little book called 500 Things Your Minister Tried To Tell You… But The Guy Sitting Next To You Was Snoring So Loud You Couldn’t Hear. It was a little book filled with churchy sayings, motivational Bible verses, and profound theological one liners. A real page turner!
One visit, I was stunned by the message from Mildred Bangs Wynkoop for me – for us:
“Every generation needs to rethink, restate, and creatively apply its theological heritage
to its own situation. In this way the heritage stays vital and relevant.”
Wynkoop, an educator, pastor, missionary in Japan, and seminary professor in the Church of the Nazarene tradition, knew the importance of ongoing assessment and clarification. She spent her life interpreting and translating her faith tradition for new generations. She knew that only dwelling in the past, with no consideration of context and a changing culture, would see the rapid evaporation of her heritage.
As Lutheran Christians, we have a powerful theological heritage and worldview. Grounded in the Bible, we were birthed out of the protests in the 1500s, as Martin Luther prioritized God’s love and God’s action as primary in the Story of salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. It is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
We embrace the mysteries of God that dwell in paradox, recognizing that we are both saint and sinner at the same time. God’s Word is law and gospel at the same time. We live in two kingdoms – a kingdom of God and a kingdom of humanity – at the same time. By the grace of God we live as free people, yet we are bound to serve – at the same time. We believe that God is still speaking, working, and dwelling among us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This way of thinking and living positions us well for this season of faith and life when we’re asking ourselves complex questions related to global unrest, polarizing political strife, wars and rumors of war, unrelenting disease, violent weather, and senseless suffering. “Who is my neighbor? What are our priorities? How do we need to live differently? How do I celebrate my civil liberties and still care for those around me?” Our Lutheran Christian perspective and voice is crucial during these uncertain days.
One of the songs we often sing at 10 am worship on Sunday morning gives us direction and is lifted from the Bible verses found in Micah 6:8:
“God has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
I’m grateful that Holy Scripture tells us that not only does God require these things of us, but that they are GOOD! Justice is good. Mercy is good. Humility and kindness and compassion are good. We know this, but we so often forget.
Let this be a reminder. We are called to love and care for our neighbors near and far. What this looks like may shift from generation to generation or even from week to week. Right now, work for justice, fully embrace mercy, and cultivate a life of humility. These are some of the ways that God’s love spills out into the world.
Still working on loving my neighbor,
Pastor Lowell
This blog has been adapted from a Lord of Life blog originally posted July 16, 2020.