Pastor's Monthly Message

October, 2006

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1  
 
 
Dear Friends in Christ…
 
The month of October causes us to think of crisper days and the colorful leaves of New England.  As Lutherans, we also remember God’s work through the great Reformer, Martin Luther.  Through the rediscovery of the Gospel by Luther, we rejoice in the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ.  In the above Bible passage from Galatians, St. Paul exhorts us to live in that freedom.
 
As I read that exhortation, I was reminded of a man who had a Golden Retriever puppy.  The puppy’s favorite time of the day was going for a walk.  The master would simply pick up the leash and the little dog was ready to go.  The leash was one of those retractable leashes with about 20’ of line.  The puppy would run out to the very end, sniffing, chasing leaves, picking up sticks, and investigating every object and sound.  Everything the little dog wanted to investigate always seemed to be just beyond the limit of the leash.  Finally, one day the owner decided, “I’ll give him a little freedom.”  He unlatched the leash from the collar.  Much to his surprise, the puppy did not take off like a bullet, but cowered under his feet.  He could not get the dog to run.  Finally, the dog reached up grabbed the end of the dangling leash and took off all the way to the limit of the line.  He would not let go… but tugged and strained at the end of the leash as if it were attached to the collar.
 
In much the same way, we have been set free from sin, Satan, guilt, death, and trying to save ourselves by our own good works.  This freedom is ours through the life, death, and resurrection of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ.  Yet, we often pick up the leash of slavery.  We embroil ourselves in some sin and follow Satan’s path.  Perhaps, we do not forgive ourselves, even though we have been forgiven; instead, we live in guilt.  Maybe, we try to obtain victory over death and secure our salvation via the good works of being a “good person.”  St. Paul says, “No, don’t burden yourselves with a yoke of slavery.  Live in the freedom of the Gospel.  You are free in Jesus Christ.”  People of God, live a life of joy.  You are God’s own dear children in Christ.  That’s the Reformation message.
 
God bless all of you…
Pastor Bridges