Countdown to 2017

from the October 2008 “Herald”

The end of this October marks the 491^st anniversary of Martin Luther’s famous nailing of the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, sparking a Reformation that had not only theological impact but also far-reaching political, historical, and cultural impact as well. That means that there are “only” nine years to go until the 500th anniversary of this significant event.

There are two important ways that Lutherans can and should prepare for such an important milestone. One is to look “inward,” and the other is to look “outward.”

We can look inward and examine our own history as Lutherans. Gain a deeper understanding of the things that we might take for granted. Can you imagine life today not knowing that your sins were forgiven by Christ’s merit alone? What if we were still under the burden of never knowing whether we had done enough good works for God to accept us? What if Lutheranism had remained a tiny sect in Germany instead of spreading throughout northern Europe and then traveling across the Atlantic?

We should also look outward and see how we can continue to spread the message of Martin Luther, which is the message of Jesus Christ and the hope He brings by His cross and resurrection. In the LCMS, many Lutheran congregations have joined the Ablaze! movement, which seeks to reach 100 million previously unreached people with the Gospel of Christ by that 2017 anniversary date. At OSLC, we have participated largely through the efforts of the Sunday School in mission projects. There is much more we could do.

Like our recent congregational anniversary, a milestone reminds us to give thanks for God’s blessings of the past and to prepare to work in His vineyard in the future!