King Solomon was highly regarded for his wisdom. He is the writer of the Book of Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and also Ecclesiastes.
But for all the wisdom of Solomon- Ecclesiastes is a depressing book. It speaks to the futility and meaninglessness of life. Listen to what he says:
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, ESV)
The same old, same old. Let me tell you, the same old, same old is not that great. We look at the world and there is not much reason to be left with hope. Many are pessimistic about the future. Ask people about the world that we are leaving for our children and they will not have much good to say. There is nothing new under the sun.
If all we had was Ecclesiastes, it would be depressing. But Solomon does not have the last word. God has the last word. And he is up to something new that is not under the sun.
Jesus came to earth during some dark times. Hopeless times. There was the heavy-handed rule of the Romans. There was not much hope or optimism.
Martin Luther was born into similar circumstances. We talk about the dark ages. He lived under the heavy-handed rule of the Roman Catholic Church. There was not much hope or optimism.
But in each circumstance, hope dawned. God reformed the way people would know him. God does not settle for the status quo. Listen to what Jesus said:
“You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end.” John 8:23 MSG
The Reformation is a celebration because with God there is a new beginning. What has been is not what will be. We are a new people in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
- What does the Reformation mean to you?
- How does God give you a new start?
Prayer
Thank you Lord for faithful witnesses such as Martin Luther. Thank you for the hope of Jesus, and the opportunity to make a brand new start through the forgiveness won on the cross and the victory over death that comes through the resurrection. Reform me. Restore me. Renew me. Amen!
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