One-two Punch
By Pastor Clint
The month of February highlights both Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day all in the same week! It’s a one-two punch, and as Lutheran Christians, I think it can also be a great reminder of the two main teachings of the Bible!?!
Yes, that’s right – the Law and the Gospel! You see, according to Martin Luther, all of Scripture is best understood when we make the proper distinction between what the Law requires and what the Gospel gives.
In essence, the Law knocks us down like a bone crushing football middle linebacker! The Law shows us no mercy and humbles us. The Law sacks us on account of our sin and shows how we fail to fulfill the requirements of God’s righteousness.
Therefore, in our liturgy, we confess that we have not loved God with our WHOLE heart, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. However, once we recognize the failure of our fumble, the Gospel is like the greatest Valentine ever given!
In essence, through the Gospel, God gives us His heart, because God gives us His Son who sacrifices Himself on our behalf.
Jesus fulfills the requirements of the Law, takes on our death, and rises victorious to give us the riches of God’s grace. Furthermore, in Holy Baptism, God gives us the Valentine which proclaims, “You are mine!” “You have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever!” In addition, in Holy Communion, God gives us the Valentine which we need to receive again and again, because it proclaims, “You are forgiven!” “I love you!”
Therefore, in response to this Valentine Victory, we seek to share God’s love and serve others, and especially we seek to serve the likes of the lonely, the lost, the last, and the least, and we do so in Jesus’ name!
Likewise, we thank the Lord and sing His praise, and we tell everyone – our neighbors, family members, co-workers and friends – what God has done, because God recalls His Gospel Promises and sends His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving! Alleluia! It’s a Valentine touchdown!! Thanks be to God!
