drewtucker, Author at Faith Lens

Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC

Warm-up Question

At what point did you realize that this week is Reformation Sunday?
- Have you been planning for weeks?
  - Did you make sure your red clothing was washed and ready?
- Is this devotion your first reminder?

Reformation? Renewal? Realignment? Reformatting?

“Reformation” is one of those words which can refer to a general reforming of “an institution or practice,” or it can refer to the events which began in Wittenberg, Germany in the 16^th century. Which reference is best known in your community?

I had opportunity to be in Wittenberg, Germany on Reformation Day in 2022. There was a huge street festival filling and spilling over from the massive town square. There, statues of Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon serve as reminders of the significance of the events which happened there in 1517. Among the revelers, few seemed concerned with the 16^th century “Reformation” which catapulted this village onto the world stage. The festival was lots of fun but did little to call to mind the roots of our “justification by grace through faith” Reformation mantra. I was in Wittenberg to lead worship in the Chapel next to the congregation where Martin Luther served as preacher. Our service that day had a few more attendees than normal, but not the crowds who were working their way through the booths on the square.

I was back in Germany this September. This time, there were no street festivals. There were no crowds elbowing their way to the front. A small congregation assembled for a baptism. Henry is the four-year old child of a young woman we came to know through Lutheran Student Movement-USA and the World Student Christian Federation. A decade earlier, she had an internship through the Evangelical German Church (EDK) which brought her to the U.S. and to the ELCA to learn how we go about youth and young adult ministry. Henry’s baptism was a profound reminder that The Reformation (the one that traces its root to 16^th century Wittenberg) binds followers of Jesus all around the world with an appreciation of what it means to love God, be loved by God, and share the Good News of God.

“Lutherans” in North America trace their roots to numerous countries around the globe. Among my friends are Lutherans from India, many from Finland, and still others from Tanzania. Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish hymnals are found in countless number of our ELCA congregations. The only thing special about Germany is being home to the first of the reformers. It is special to me because I have had so many opportunities to visit. This helps me reflect on what it means to be “Lutheran,” particularly at a time when the Church appears to be in the midst of tremendous change.

As you reflect on what it means to be Lutheran, I would encourage you to remember that Martin Luther was far from a perfect role model. He did say and write some horrible things about those of Jewish ancestry. Luther admitted this and begged that no one would be known by the name of Luther. Luther wrote: “There is but one name by which we should be known and that is the name of Christ.”

“Reformation” is not something we decide to do. It comes out of necessity. How might God be calling upon us to reform, reshape, reboot? “The Reformation” should serve as an encouragement to be ready for the next change into which God is calling the Church.

Discussion Questions

What would you like to see “reformed”?
What are the leaders of your faith community (think congregation) teaching you?
- What would you like to hear them talking about?

Reformation Sunday

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on Romans 3

There are two words in this passage which determine how we will understand the whole passage: “grace” and “faith.” Take a moment to reread verses 22, 24, 26, and 28 in Romans 3.

Let’s start with “faith”. There are many ways to speak of faith and what it means in the life of one who seeks to follow Jesus. Is faith (as most of those in my part of the country speak of it) the ability to “believe things others would find unbelievable”? When understood this way, “faith” becomes cognitive assent to a set of confessions or affirmations. Others seem to associate faith with seeing the world from a particular perspective (God’s perspective), or with the ability to trust that things work together for good. None of these are mutually exclusive, but where we start may impact where we end.

One note which might guide our thinking is to see the footnotes associated with the repeated use of the word “faith” in these verses. In a study bible, the footnote will remind you that the Greek phrase translated “faith in Jesus” could also be translated as the “faith of Jesus.” How do we read these verses if we were to read, “(God) justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus”? What was the faith “of” Jesus? Might the phrase even invite us to consider the faith Jesus has in us?

Seeing faith this way aligns well with Martin Luther’s preferred way of thinking about grace. In his disputes with the other reformers, Luther refused to accept any pre-conditions for God’s grace being freely bestowed. This is a prevenient grace; it is the grace that goes before anything else. It is a grace which acts on us, so that we might respond – perhaps respond by that which is spoken of as “faith.”

One seminary teacher asked us to consider whether we understood “faith” as the capacity to receive God’s grace, or if we thought of ourselves as persons to whom the “grace” had been given so that we might respond in faith. Put differently, do we craft faith as a vessel into which God can then pour grace? Or is grace a gift from God which then makes faith possible?

Perhaps your congregation will sing “Amazing Grace” this Sunday. The first line of the second stanza speaks of grace as prevenient grace: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear.” Remember that “fear” does not mean being frightened; instead, it is the host of emotions which comes from being welcomed into the presence of God.

There is one more, and absolutely essential, thing to remember. The followers of Martin Luther never insist that we, and we alone, possess all insights or answers. We trust that God has placed on our hearts a particular way of seeing, understanding, and living the Good News. In response, we must share what we have first received. We want everyone to know that God’s grace is much wider than the reach of our institutions, much deeper than our most profound thoughts. God’s grace is what makes it possible for us to join in those joyous celebrations of all the wonders of creation!

Discussion Questions

How do you understand the word “faith”?
What difference does it make to shift from thinking about “faith in Jesus,” to “faith of Jesus”?
- What do you think Jesus’ faith was like?
What might your Lutheran community share with other faith communities in your area?
What does your Lutheran community need to learn from those neighboring faith communities?

Activity Suggestions

Take a look at Luther’s Small Catechism. It is printed near the back of the ELW Hymnals. In particular, recall the explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed and the sections regarding Holy Baptism.
Gather around the baptismal font. Ask those who do not remember the day of their baptism (most of us were baptized when we were only a few weeks or months old) to speak of how something they don’t remember has changed their lives.
On the day of your baptism, who carried you to the font? Share how their actions impacted the life you have gone on to live.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, you knew me as I was formed in my mother’s womb. You cared for me as I entered the world and uttered my first cry. You looked at me with love when I took my first steps. With the grace which makes all things possible, enable me to respond in a way which shares with others the good news of your salvation. Take my life and let it be a light in the darkest corners and a beacon to those whom I encounter. Amen.

Warm-up Question

What are the qualities you look for in a leader?
- Why do those attributes matter to you?

Why Did You Get Into This?

Through the United States of America, we are in the midst of election season. From local trustees to state representatives to the President of the United States, many leadership positions will be decided on November 5. If you’re of voting age, make a plan to vote! Even if you’re not, engage in the process. Learn about the candidates and issues at hand. Research deeper than just soundbites and slogans.

One of the questions I always ask of anyone pursuing politics is, “Why did you get into this field?” After all, public office of any sort is a leadership position. The reasons someone wants to lead deserve our attention. One way to know this is to listen to what the candidates have to say about why they’ve chosen to run. We can also learn by discovering what additional benefits–things like money, fame, power, and influence–might come with an election. Any leadership position comes with some benefit, so this question of “why” ultimately looks at how an elected official will use the power that comes with their position.

As people of faith, engaging in the political process is both a privilege and a responsibility. You can learn more about our denomination’s resources for this through ELCA Votes.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever run for an elected position in school? Why or why not?

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

Today’s Gospel reading follows the trajectory of the last few weeks. Jesus is once again teaching us that God’s approach to authority and value differs from ours. From redefining greatness to valuing those society otherwise downplays, the way of Jesus is just different. Mark 10:45 highlights why this is: Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve.”

Jesus chooses a kind of leadership that serves people’s needs. Rather than expect ancillary benefits, Jesus gives his life for the good of others. Such actions emphasize that Christian leadership prioritizes the public good rather than personal gain. That’s a needed reminder, not only in politics, but in family, in business, in sports, in art, and indeed throughout society.

Leadership matters. Who we follow matters, and why they lead matters, too. As you continue to follow Jesus, consider how following someone willing to serve can inform how you choose leaders in all areas of your life.

Discussion Questions

How could you serve others in ways that prioritize public good over personal gain?

Activity Suggestions

Invite leaders of different kinds to speak to your church group. Ask them why they chose to pursue that specific sort of leadership. Then ask them to reflect on Jesus’ decision “not to be served, but to serve.”
Take time to journal about leaders that you admire. As you list the people, also note what it is that you admire about each particular leader. Then ask yourself whether this person reflects the leadership qualities seen in Jesus.

Closing Prayer

God of All, teach us to embrace your humble style of leadership. When you call us to lead, inspire us to serve the public good rather than seek personal gain. When you call us to follow, encourage us to hold our leaders to the standards you set through Jesus, the one who leads us into abundant life. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.

Warm-up Question

Tell a story about when you were genuinely surprised. Maybe you learned something shocking or experienced a surprise party.
- How did being surprised impact you?

Left Behind in Paradise

Another hurricane is coming. Even as parts of the country from Florida’s panhandle to the Appalachian mountains try to clean up from Hurricane Helene, younger sibling Hurricane Milton is already threatening life with similar ferocity. Those of us who live further away might think of these vacation destinations as wealth centers. Massive beach houses on the coast to log mansions on the Blue Ridge Parkway are annually rented by many, giving the impression that money is everywhere.

Yet, that’s almost never the case. This article details the lives of those who live and work in Martha’s Vineyard, another holiday havens where many visit without knowing the realities of local life. What some view as a paradise is also a place where some people experience poverty, live without secure housing, and can hardly afford the food or accommodations enjoyed by the seasonal visitors. Too often, locals who are first to serve others vacation needs are also the last to enjoy a respite of their own. Those who make our rejuvenation possible are left behind in the wake of the vacation industry. No one deserves they. The people who help provide relief to others deserve the same helping hand.

Now, as another hurricane threatens many of these destinations once again, those people who have so often been last in normal circumstances are now at an even more urgent risk. While we’ll find out the worst results soon, we can prepare now as people of faith to support communities who deserve to be first in our minds not only when disasters strike, but all the time.

Discussion Questions

Does it surprise you that vacation destinations experience poverty? Why or why not?
Have you ever felt left behind?
- What was that like for you?

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

Each short scene in this Gospel lesson includes a reflection on who is left out. After all, only those with power and value can enter a king’s court. A rich man, used to the ease of life made possible by money, wants to access heaven. Jesus’ metaphor about a camel passing through a needle’s eye expresses the difficulty of entering heaven. Peter, argues that the disciples, who left their families and resources behind, have earned what the rich man had not.

The whole passage hinges not on what humans can do, but on what God does. After all, Peter pipes up only after hearing Jesus say “for mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” In other words, Peter tries to justify himself and his friends, even after hearing that justification wasn’t even possible.

What Peter doesn’t understand, along with the rest of the disciples, is that they’re no better off than the rich man. Upon his arrest, Peter will eventually deny knowing Jesus and the rest will scatter. Neither the rich man nor Jesus’ friends could ultimately thread the needle of following him on their own power.

But that’s not the end of the story. The story ends with new beginnings. With Jesus making possible what seemed impossible. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus breaks open the needle’s eye so that elephants and blue whales could pass through. We don’t need to assume, demand, or otherwise perform authority or worth to enter God’s reign. We just need what Jesus has already given us: his very self.

Even more, those who are left behind by the world’s standards no longer need to fear being forgotten on the margins of eternity. The last among us becomes first because, in Christ, there is no ledger of earning our worth. Those of us like the disciples and the rich man will eventually follow once we realize we can’t earn our way into God’s love.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to you that “the last will be first and the first will be last”?
What would be the hardest thing for you to give up in order to follow Jesus? Why is that?

Activity Suggestions

Plan a fundraiser for those impacted by Helene and Milton to support the work of Lutheran Disaster Response or Lutheran World Relief. Whether a bake sale, Flocking, raking leaves for donations, or another format, do something simple that can quickly deliver resources to those often left last in times of disaster.
Play a game of musical chairs, first with the standard practice of having one less chair than number of players and continuing to remove a chair after each round until there is only one winner. Then, without telling the group, start a new round and make sure there are enough seats for everyone. Use that as an example to highlight that everyone can be included and that we can change the ways we act now to include those people who are left last in society.

Closing Prayer

God of All, help us to recognize the value of all people. Empower us to recognize the dignity of those left behind by our society and change our ways to amplify their worth. Remind us that the last in this world are the first in your heart not only during times of natural disaster, but in every day and every way. Amen.

Warm-up Question

When is the last time you asked a child their opinion about something related to faith?
- Is that more or less often than talking to teens or adults about religious perspectives?
- Why is that?

Kids Talk. Do We Listen?

If you haven’t yet discovered research from the Springtide Institute, it’s well worth your time. They spend much time researching Gen Alpha (born after 2010 or so), as well as Gen Z (who are now all in high school or older). The research often focuses on issues of mental health and religious belief, among other things. Newsweek summarized a recent study of Gen Alpha 13-year-olds and the findings therein might surprise you.

For instance, many in Gen Alpha saw positive outcomes from our global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids are often aware of their own smartphone addictions. Many less united on their response to global climate change and most are still figuring out their political affiliations.

This also indicates that kids are willing to share who they are, what they think, and how they believe. But that begs a question: are adults willing to listen to them? Springtide’s earlier research makes clear that kids with trusted mentors are more likely to have positive mental health and deeper spiritual engagement. No matter their age, it makes a difference whether we take children seriously and welcome their perspectives.

Discussion Questions

In what ways does your church empower children to share their perspectives and questions?
- What kind of changes would you recommend?
During your childhood, who was a supportive mentor for you?
- What made that experience positive?

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

In Mark 10, when children try to get close to Jesus, the disciples “spoke sternly” to the kids. They were rebuked for wanting to connect with Jesus. How absurd! We would never do that, right?

Unfortunately, that’s all too common in communities of faith. How often do newcomers, people with questions about Christianity, experience rejection by insiders? Too often. How often do people young in their faith, with curiosity about Christ, receive harsh correction for their boldness? Too often.

It’s also true that kids still receive this sort of treatment. Under the guise of protection, we sometimes block children’s access to the serious things of faith, like the question of divorce in today’s Gospel. At other times, kids’ questions are ignored because they seem naive or irrelevant to adult conversations. In Jesus’ day, many considered children less valuable than adults, which is still a perspective some carry today.

Both in metaphor and in reality, the church too often puts gates between the young and the Savior.

Jesus’ response is one that applies in all situations: let the children come to me. In other words, whether they’re real children or young in their faith, stop putting unnecessary obstacles between people and God. Jesus wants to connect with kids, not keep his distance. Jesus welcomes what adults consider naive when brought with the sincere faith of a child. Jesus honors what polite society considers irrelevant when arising from the true curiosity of fresh perspective. In short, Jesus doesn’t need protection. Jesus seeks connection. Connection with kids, connection with disciples, connection with all.

Discussion Questions

What, do you think, made the disciples try to prevent children from coming to Jesus?
If you could ask Jesus anything, what would you ask him?
- Why is that?

Activity Suggestions

Utilize a prayer method, like Praying in Color, to embody a childlike faith in your prayer practices this week. Express yourself to God in ways that lean on the simplicity and boldness so many children display.
Intentionally seek out a child younger than you and ask them questions about faith. Then, take time to reflect on how their perspective might shape your own connection to God.
Talk with your pastor about how you might amplify the voices of children in worship so that the congregation can learn from the connection that kids have with Christ.

Closing Prayer

Welcoming God, we thank you for welcoming all those who seek you out. Remind us to seek connection with you and to empower others to connect with you, especially the youngest among us. Help us to learn from the perspectives of children and listen to the opinions of those who are new to the faith. Encourage us to remove all barriers that prevent others from connecting with you. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.

Warm-up Question

How do you typically identify people who are your friends?

Storm Preparation

This week, a group of thunderclouds in the Caribbean region quickly became Tropical Storm Helene, and as of this writing, is expected to become a major hurricane that is currently threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast before it moves inland. This Tallahassee newspaper is providing updated coverage since most models predict the city will receive a direct hit from Helene.

When disasters strike, whether natural or those of human origin, people often enter a survival mode. Governments suggest or even mandate evacuations. People rush to purchase essentials from local grocery stores and gas stations. Everyone has the same goal: to survive.

Too often, we ignore that shared goal and treat our neighbors as enemies. Prices for gas and groceries spike, putting a hardship on those with less money. People with more wealth purchase more items, preventing their peers from getting the supplies they so desperately need. Drivers ignore others on the road as all look to escape the path of disaster. This drive to survive is understandable, as it comes from our most basic instincts. That survival, though, isn’t just for our self, but for our species. Our fellow humans, our siblings in God’s image, deserve to survive just as much as we do. We don’t need to be enemies in this drive to survive. After all, we’re all on the same human team.

Such commonality is most difficult to remember that amidst disasters, when we’re most at risk. Those of us not in Helene’s path can help by praying for those at risk. We can contribute to organizations like Lutheran Disaster Response to ensure everyone’s basic needs are cared for. And we can practice, in our every day lives, actions of partnership and camaraderie that help us remember that we best accomplish our goals when we work together. If we’ve got the same goals, then we’re on the same team.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster?
- If so, what was that like? If not, how do you imagine it might feel?
What are the best ways to support people who are facing crises?

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” So says Jesus in this week’s Gospel. He does so in response to his disciples, who question the legitimacy of another person casting out demons. Jesus’ friends assume that other people doing good work should be stopped because they’re not familiar with them. Even though they appear to have the same goal, since the disciples don’t know these other healers, they assume they worst. Rather than partners, the disciples treat these others as enemies.

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” This is simultaneously countercultural wisdom and the most obvious of truths. It’s countercultural because too often we treat the unknown as a potential threat, if not an outright enemy. If someone is new to us, we tend to think the worst of their actions. Even if they’re doing the same things that we’re doing! And that’s why this is–or at least should be–obvious. If someone isn’t stopping our progress, they’re not a threat. If someone’s actions are promoting same goals we have, they’re not an opponent.

Jesus goes on to describe that it’s certainly possible for people to get in the way of progress. Yet, notice that the threat he describes is not external. It’s internal. We need to prevent ourselves from becoming the stumbling block more than worry about others causing trouble for us. We need to focus on how we function rather than fear the functions of others. Of course, external threats still exist. In just a few verses, Jesus will find opponents in the religious and political elite that believe his teaching threatens their power.

Jesus’ teaching does threaten the powers of this world. It does so by reminding us that we’re on the same team because, as humans, we’ve got the same ultimate goal: abundant life. That kind of shared goal threatens powers of this world because it turns standard logic upside down. But Jesus doesn’t call us to such temporary thinking. Christ calls us to eternal wisdom, the kind of vision that sees everyone as a possible teammate rather than a potential enemy.

After all, “whoever is not against us is for us.”

Discussion Questions

Why do you think the disciples felt threatened by the other people casting out demons?
Who are the people that you feel threatened by without reason?
How could you simplify “whoever is not against us is for us” and share it with a friend?

Activity Suggestions

Play a game like Amoeba Tag or Blob Tag where, as participants are tapped, they develop larger groups with a shared goal of including everyone.
Take time to journal in response to Jesus’ words in this Gospel.
- What are the goals you’ve got that others share with you?
- If “whoever is not against us is for us,” then who are the people on your team that you’ve never considered a teammate?

Closing Prayer

God of community, inspire us to find peace with one another. Give us the ability to consider strangers as possible friends. Confront us when we assume the worst and help us to appreciate the image of God you’ve placed in all people. In times of both normalcy or disaster, remind us that we all share the goal of abundant life, which we find in Jesus Christ, our Savior: Amen.

Faith Lens

October 27, 2024–Justification by Grace through Faith!

October 20, 2024–Serving the Public Good

October 13, 2024–The Last Shall Be First

October 6, 2024–Connecting with Kids

September 29, 2024–Same Goal. Same Team.