“O what mad, senseless fools we are! Although we find that we must continue living and dwelling among such powerful enemies as the devils that surround us, yet we despise our weapons and armor, too lazy to give them a look or a thought. What do you suppose those bored, arrogant, and distracted people who don’t like to study God’s Word daily are doing? What else could they be doing besides imagining they are much wiser than God himself plus all His holy angels, prophets, apostles, and all Christians?
I beg all Christians, especially pastors and preachers, to exercise themselves daily in the study of the Word and to put it into practice constantly. Let them continue steadily reading, learning, thinking, and reflecting, never stopping until experience has made them absolutely certain that they have taught the devil to death and have grown more learned than God himself and all his saints. If Christians show such diligence, I can promise them that they will reap a harvest. Then, because they are growing hungry and thirsty for the Word, his Truth will begin to taste really good to them. To that end may God grant his grace.” Dr. Martin Luther’s introduction to the Large Catechism
Breaking suddenly into the broadcast of the ballgame, a news reporter speaks with urgency:
“This is an all points bulletin issued to all the residents of our town. Be on the lookout for several men who are heavily armed and extremely dangerous. They have struck in three locations in the past hour. The National Guard has been called in but will not be on site for several hours. You must take steps to protect yourself and your family. This is not a drill. Once again…these men are armed and dangerous. Please take whatever measures you must take to defend yourself and your family!”
Such a scenario may be hard to imagine…but please try. Can you imagine responding to that bulletin with no reaction? Would you glance briefly out the living room window at your children playing on the front lawn and then turn back to watching your ballgame? Would you ignore an incoming call on your cell from your spouse who had just run to the store? Of course not…not if we take the warning seriously.
People expect pastors to talk about the spiritual dangers that surround us in this world. They’ve heard such warnings many times. But do Christians take these warnings seriously? “I know there are some things out there,” they say to themselves, “but I’m careful. I go to church (occasionally) and my kids know what’s right and wrong.” So they make no changes. They think, “I give the Lord an hour on a Sunday morning from time to time and I’m sure my kids can handle high school and college years. They were just confirmed a few years back. They’ll get back into church once they get married.” What mad, senseless fools! (to quote Martin Luther again.)
Brothers & sisters, there is real danger all around us. That’s not a pastor’s opinion, that’s the truth from your heavenly Father. (Please see 1 Peter 5:8) God warns us of these dangers throughout his written Word. Is he being a typical worry-wart father? No. He’s alerting us to the spiritual warfare that surrounds us and attacks us daily. In love, he tells us to arm ourselves (Ephesians 6:10ff) against the devil’s schemes.
While you’re thinking about it,
grab your calendar
and circle September 12
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God help us all to be alert to all of the devil’s schemes and temptations. He attacks in many ways. I’d like to mention just one for now: APATHY. Apathy (an ignorant lack of urgency) is dangerous to our spiritual lives because it is a call to inaction --numbly defying God’s continuous call to arms. Apathy is false comfort and offers no security. Apathy leaves Christians as “sitting ducks” for the roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Parental apathy leaves our inexperienced kids vulnerable to attacks of temptation--even in small town America!
And what is the remedy to apathy? Truth. God’s truth. Diligent searching of the Scriptures (cf. Luther’s quote above) opens our eyes to the dangers all around us and exposes our own defenselessness. Regular worship attendance around the means of grace fills us with the assurance that our sins are forgiven and that God is our strength to face the attacks of the Enemy. Attending Bible Study while our children are in Sunday School draws us closer to Jesus as our whole family grows to know him better. The devil preys on the weak but fears the well-armed Christian (James 4:7) and flees from him. That’s because God’s Son stands at our side as the one who crushed the head of the devil for us. When the Tempter attacks with his lies, we’re prepared to fight back with the truth by simply saying, “It is written…” With power that God has shared through his truth, we can go about our lives prepared for victory! We will “reap a harvest” of wonderful blessings!
As September rolls in, now is a wonderful time for all of us to commit ourselves again to fight apathy and all of Satan’s attacks. Worship AND Bible Study are essential. While you’re thinking about it, grab your calendar and circle September 12. That’s the kick-off day for Fall Family Bible Hour. We’ll gather around the eternal word and we’ll grow. Expect big things from God’s powerful word. He is our refuge and our strength. He alone can drive out fear and deliver real security.
Looking forward to growing stronger with you!
Pastor Unke
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