Morning Musings

Luther the Movie

Last weekend I watched LUTHER staring Joseph Fiennes. In fact, I watched it twice. It was awe inspiring, a very compelling film about arguable the most important events in the history of the church since the days of Peter and Paul. It was quite true to history, not very kind to the Roman Catholic Church at all. It was certainly a dark period in Roman Catholic history and the filmmakers capitalize on that. The Church was on the verge of a split already, factions warring over control. In the midst of all that a young monk, so moved by his fear of God and desire to experience the acceptance of a loving God, began to read the New Testament. There he discovered the opportunity to experience the righteousness of God because Christ already experienced the wrath of God.

We often think of Luther as an extreme revolutionary. In fact, this film bordered on overemphasizing that aspect of his nature. Luther was a revolutionary, but not extreme. He certainly had propensity to publically preach rather privately in his own parrish. But Luther was not altogether condemning the Roman Church, in fact he continued to show support for Pope Leo. His famous 95 Thesis were meant to emphasize the sincerity required in true penitance, not condemn that practices outright. Pentitence could not be bought with indulgences, but must proceed from a broken heart. A heart that is crushed by the reality of offending an Holy God. He maintained that true penitence will have an outward expression, but is rooted in heart. (see Psalm 51 for a model of true repentance.)

I wonder how much fear of being too "Catholic" drives the average protestant's theology. Are we so afraid to look too Catholic that we never allow for an outward expression of repentance? The Bible is clear that true repentence will have an outward expression (see 2 Cor 7.9-11 and parable in Luke 15). Are our hearts truly broken over sin? Do we really repent? Something to think about...

DENNY IN FOR GLENN BECK

One of my favorite people to listen to on the radio is Glenn Beck... the fusion of entertainment and enlightenment. What a job! He gets paid to sit in a chair and talk about the news of the day and make fun of it.

This week Mr. Beck is on vacation. He frequently has friends fill the void of his empty voice. This morning a commentator from my home town, Toledo, OH, was filling in, Denny Shaeffer from WSPD 1370. Denny is a professing born-again believer. It is amazing in a town so politically liberal and unionized as Toledo that Denny could not only keep, but dominate, the afternoon drive spot. But he does, and he does it very well. Denny's name will probably frequent this Blog, but for today I simply wanted to mention the way he responds to the question almost every caller starts with, "How you doing?" Denny simply responds, "Blessed!" Profound, is it not? What does it mean to be blessed? I was thinking about that this morning as I was listening to Denny take calls.

Psalm 1 indicates that blessedness is not so much a state of mind, but a state of activity. Blessedness is a direct result of activity, or the lack thereof. When we avoid the paths of the unrighteous around us and we "delight in the law of the Lord," we find true blessedness. Amazing, is it not, that the Word of God can have such a profound impact on our lives? It is not a good luck charm or a secret weapon, but it certainly has immediate and far reaching implications in the life of a beleiver. Do I delight in the law of Lord? Do you? Something else to think about...

Grace to You!