THEN COMES THE STORM

 The sea was calm and benign before Jesus entered the boat, but then afterward it became a threatening storm.  Luther equates this tumult to the rancor of Satan whenever a person follows Christ.

As soon as the teaching about faith is in the picture and Christ steps into the ship, then, as the saying goes, it won’t be long before there’s threatening weather; the sun won’t shine any longer and the sea will rage and storm…. This all works together, if you want to be a Christian and follow this Lord, and step with Him into the ship, resigning your heart to Him and composing your soul in patience.  For as soon as you commit yourself to this Lord and come with Him into the ship wind, storm, and buffeting will surely ensue…. But don’t despair….do not be afraid because of that but think rather; I didn’t get into this to gain the world’s favor; and I’m not going to give it up because of its rancor and raging.

Christians should expect persecution; we may be ridiculed for our faith, discriminated against, harassed, mistreated, tormented and, in some countries today, killed.  Only in Christ can we weather these many assaults with faith and courage.

AS LONG AS HE IS FAITHFUL TO THE WORD

 

• 

  That’s how it is with little sheep; its very life depends upon hearing.  If it doesn’t hear the shepherd’s voice, the wolves will soon be there.  Without the shepherd’s voice, all joy and assurance vanish and only fear and trembling remain.  That’s how it is also with a Christian.  If he loses the Word, all comfort is gone.  As long as he is faithful to the Word, he will behold Christ, his shepherd, and therewith everything Christ has earned and promised him, namely forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

--Martin Luther

LISTEN FOR THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

 

I am certain that He knows me, and even though I must suffer death

and all kinds of misfortune, I will not let that thwart my faith; I know and hear and stay close to His voice!  For even as a shepherd tenderly calls his little sheep, so Christ also encourages me:  I am your shepherd, I have laid down my life for you.  I died for you!  This is the word I hear and believe.  This is my one sure guarantee:  that he knows me, and I know him.

 --Martin Luther

THEY WISHED CHRIST DEAD

 

Many are offended by the church, which is subject the scandals, charlatans, and divisions.  If the church
were worthy, it would be pure, holy, unspotted, and of one will.  Because they see none of those things, they have nothing but contempt.  But they do not see as God sees.  They see thieves, liars and hypocrites.   Worse, they see the bride of Christ.  Like Christ, hacked to pieces, marked with scratches, despised, crucified, and mocked.  Just as they hate Christ, they hate His Church.  They wished Christ dead.  They wish no better for His church.