Free Indeed

Good afternoon, saints of God! This coming Sunday we celebrate the Reformation, a time in the 16th century when the Gospel message was reclaimed from error and taught to God’s people with a new and powerful clarity. The readings for Sunday are as follows: Psalm 46; Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36. How often do you see things in magazines or on TV being advertised as “free”, but really they’re not? Only later do you find out that the supposedly free item came with a subscription you’ll have to cancel or an account you’ll have to close or a hidden fee you weren’t expecting to pay. Jesus promises us free forgiveness and full pardon for every sin we’ve ever committed. The Gospel reading shows the natural human response to such an unbelievable promise – skepticism and unbelief. “It can’t be that simple. What’s the catch?” But the Gospel of Jesus has no catch. It comes to us from heaven with no strings attached. Holy Spirit, help me to believe that this marvelous message is true, also for me. Jesus has set me free from my sins. Now I have a place in God’s house forever! Amen.