The Uncultured Saints

Our discussion on the Smalcald Articles continues! This time tackling sin and the law in the modern world.

Today we continue our discussion on the Smalcald Articles.

The song is NOT about you....

Did you know that the popular childrens’ song “This Little Light of Mine” is not about YOU?

Nope!

It’s about Jesus!

Jesus is the light that should not be hidden.

The song’s context is taken from Mark 4:21:

Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket? No! Or under a bed and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest. Nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. And he said to them, pay attention. To what you hear, with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. And still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given. And from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

He himself, as the light of the world, was hidden under human flesh and revealed through his resurrection. 🙌
Jesus is the light of the world, veiled under human likeness and flesh.
And, it will come to light.
But not in how the people or the world or you and I sometimes think it will.
Not in miracles or political kingdoms or in riches and wealth.
But in the glory of the cross.

Hello Internet! The Uncultured Saints are back for season three. Pastor Harrison Goodman and Pastor Eli Lietzau are joined by Erica Jacoby, Executive Director of Higher Things. She’s definitely here as a guest, and not to keep us hosts on task.

Season 3 is here, and we’re talking about Christ. Christ in the Old Testament in fact! And up first we’re talking about creation.

The Uncultured Saints tackle two controversial sections of Mark 10:1-16. 📖
1️⃣ First, Jesus battles with the Pharisees (of course 😒), and then, he admonishes his disciples (sigh 😤).
The Pharisees put Jesus to the test about divorce by asking, “Is it lawful?” 🤔
We like to ask questions such as, “Is it a sin if I do this or if I do that?” 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️
BUT, that is the wrong question. ❌
Whenever we ask the wrong question, it's almost always a law question that needs a gospel answer. ✨
If you ask a law question, you're going to get a law answer. 📜
If you ask a gospel question, you're going to get a gospel answer. 🙏
We’re asking: How can I NOT get in trouble for this? 😬 Rather than: Where can I find some comfort and mercy for this?” 💞
In marriage, the two are one flesh, which means even if divorce is justified, it’s going to hurt if you rip it in half. 💔
Divorce teaches us that sin breaks stuff.⚡
In trying to downplay our sin, we try to appeal to the loopholes that won’t make it a sin. 🔄
We aren’t actually letting the law be as damning as the law really is. ⚖️
Divorce is especially egregious, and it arguably hurts like nothing else. 😢
The question is not whether you can be divorced, a Christian and forgiven on the other side of it — you are going to need mercy, forgiveness, and the gospel. 💫✝️
The question is: Is it a good thing or a bad thing? 🤷 This is the point Jesus is trying to make.
2️⃣ Next, the disciples try to discourage children from bothering Jesus. 🚸 This makes Jesus angry. 😡
Children are meant to receive Jesus 👧👦
Jesus thinks little kids are a good thing. So let's not despise them. 🌟
Yes, they can be a burden and a sacrifice, but that’s what love is — sacrificing yourself for someone else. ❤️
However, it’s important to not become legalistic about it — you’re not a better Christian if you have more kids. 🚫👶
In both situations, we learn that marriage and children are a good gift from God. 🎁 Let's do our best to protect them. 🤗

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #divorce #children #jesus