There we sat down, there we wept

In annoyed fashion, Martin Luther once spoke about those who criticized him for constantly speaking on the righteousness, strength and wisdom of God rather than that of a person. It was like he was always strumming on the same old string, on the same old harp, playing the same old song.

However, Luther could not be dissuaded from speaking of the righteousness of God. Reading from the apostle Paul, he saw the righteousness of God is granted to us by the grace of Jesus Christ. It was conceited saints who, in their own esteemed opinion, thought they had achieved righteousness by their works. Luther considered their righteous deeds no better than counterfeit coins-fraudulent tokens of no value.

Perhaps persons who believe that they are favoured in the eye of God due to their meritorious works and conduct think themselves elevated in the sight of their neighbours. They appear rewarded, to be admired, emulated. On the other hand, those who know that their sin is a weight around their necks feel cast down, devastated, the target of mockery. Yet they also know that they are forgiven by the grace of God and by no other means.

Thank you, God of mercy, for relieving us of the weight of our sins through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. — LI

Contributed by There we sat down, there we wept

In annoyed fashion, Martin Luther once spoke about those who criticized him for constantly speaking on the righteousness, strength and wisdom of God rather than that of a person. It was like he was always strumming on the same old string, on the same old harp, playing the same old song. However, Luther could not be dissuaded from speaking of the righteousness of God. Reading from the apostle Paul, he saw the righteousness of God is granted to us by the grace of Jesus Christ. It was conceited saints who, in their own esteemed opinion, thought they had achieved righteousness by their works. Luther considered their righteous deeds no better than counterfeit coins-fraudulent tokens of no value. Perhaps persons who believe that they are favoured in the eye of God due to their meritorious works and conduct think themselves elevated in the sight of their neighbours. They appear rewarded, to be admired, emulated. On the other hand, those who know that their sin is a weight around their necks feel cast down, devastated, the target of mockery. Yet they also know that they are forgiven by the grace of God and by no other means.
Eternity for Today