Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - MYTHS OR MIGHTY FORTRESS?

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Day 263  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 18; Psalm 79; 2 Timothy 4:1-8)

MYTHS OR MIGHTY FORTRESS?

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV) 

Become a Better You is a the title of book written by a famous televangelist designed to offer seven steps in becoming a better you. Sounds interesting.

“I am not a poor, miserable sinner,” are the words of another famous televangelist. Sounds liberating.

“Itching ears” buy the books, attend the rallies and send their money to these teachers who “suit their passions,” and thereby wander after the myth of humanism (the idea that man is in charge and not God).

Yes, there may well be good points shared by both of these popular preachers. However, in the words of an old TV commercial, “where’s the beef?”

What every person needs to hear is that the only way to a “better you” is to repent and admit that you are, in fact, “a poor miserable sinner.” Only when we are aware of our lostness and our helplessness can we approach God seeking the mercy and protection of the One who is our Mighty Fortress.

       

A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;

He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil Foe  Now means deadly woe;  Deep guild and great might

Are his dread arms in fight;  On earth is not his equal.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #656 (1)

Heavenly Father, please protect me from the deceptive myths of the day. To this end, grant me a continued hunger for Your mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape