Today’s reflection on Matthew 16, with a focus on verses 24-26 and Luther’s On the Freedom of a Christian.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The call to take up the cross is not a universal call to martyrdom; Jesus isn’t calling is to seek out persecution. Rather, it’s an invitation to give of oneself for the sake of the world. In this section of Matthew, Jesus lays down the foundations of his church.
Luther tells us that, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.”
How can we practice our Christian Freedom during this time? I made a list of a few ways:
- Go shopping for an elderly neighbor
- Stay home if you can-flatten the curve
- If you get takeout, leave a generous tip (if you can afford to do so)
- Support local businesses as much as possible
- Encourage your friends and family to flatten the curve
- Pray for another.
I know staying home isn’t easy. Personally, I would love to make a Target run this morning. We don’t even need anything; I just haven’t been to Target in a week. I miss our local bookstore’s tea. I miss breakfast at the diner by our house. I miss seeing your lovely faces at church. However, the best way for us to be servants in this time is to stay home, if possible. We’ll be together again, and we can swap stories about how we survived staying at home for a few weeks.
See you when I see you!
-Angie
gracelutheranchurch.com 