Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 4:7–10
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John 4:7–10
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law
So the world thinks that all works are a propitiation by which God is appeased, that they are a payment by which we are considered righteous. It does not believe that Christ is the propitiator; it does not believe that by faith we are freely accounted righteous for Christ's sake. Yet, since works cannot pacify the conscience, other works are continually chosen, new rites are performed, new vows made, and new orders of monks formed beyond the command of God, in order that some great work may be found to set against the wrath and judgment of God.
Pulling It Together: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matt 5:6) Note that Jesus did not say blessed are those who have dug a well and quenched their own thirst. The woman was already at the well, and yet, she was still parched. Multiple marriages had not satisfied her need for relationship. The religion of her fathers had not slaked her thirst. No matter what she did, she would remain thirsty. The fulfilling righteousness of God is available, but only to those who admit their thirst and their inability to satisfy themselves. If she had known, she would have admitted her need, and asked Jesus. Then he would have given her living water that never runs dry. Then she would be satisfied.
When my daughters were very young, they could not open the refrigerator or pour from a heavy container. But they could ask, “Daddy, may we have some apple juice?” We also, are unable to fabricate works of religion that meet our desperate need for righteousness. But we may ask Jesus, and he will satisfy our thirst.
Prayer: God of righteousness, I am thirsty for you; quench my thirst through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Kinderbeten is a compelling story touching on the exercise of free religion, the religious wars in Europe, the roots of Evangelicalism, the supernatural, and more, all wrapped up in a religious revival which began not through a charismatic revivalist or any adult at all, but rather found it's origin with children aged four to fourteen. The children became pawns in a controversy between political and religious opponents. Indulge your curiosity and read the remarkable story about the King of Sweden and the 1707-08 Children's Revival in Silesia, a tale of hope and prayer.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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