Theme: “Ollie Ollie Ox In Free”

Reformation Sunday                                     October 25, 2009

Text:  John 8:31-36   Romans 3:19-28

In our neighborhood growing up there were always games in the evening, “Capture the Flag”, “Foxes and Chickens” and my favorite “Kick the Can.”  At a Camp in northern Minnesota the kids were really wound up one afternoon, so they played “Foxes and Chickens.”  The kids sat in a circle, whispered in their ears if they are a Chicken or a Fox.  On the first whistle all the chickens ran and hid, on the second whistle, the foxes chased them.  They blew the first whistle, it was bedlam, everyone took off.  They didn’t tell any of them to be foxes, everyone went and hid.

The common thread in all these games is “hiding.”  If I remember right the joy in these games would not be hiding, but in being found.  I always had a good place or two, but after a while you feel like you’re missing all the fun, the joy and laughter of being found.

Today is Reformation Sunday, a day that we look back in church history to Martin Luther and a discovery he made while studying scripture, our 2nd reading and the great phrase from our gospel, “The truth will make you free”  Kind of reminds me what you said when those back yard games were over, “Ollie Ollie Ox in Free.”  Because of Christ, we are set free.

Some have became arrogant in years since the Reformation – we Lutherans have it right and the Catholics have it wrong.  This certainly is not what the Reformation is about.  This morning, instead of offending one side or another, I will offend everyone.  The wise sage at our text study said this week maybe our theme for today should be, “Free to be not perfect” or “Free to be sinful.”

That we certainly are.  So how do we be faithful to the Reformation without being arrogant?  Could it be by everyone admitting that we are sinful, not perfect and in need of the grace of God?  We would agree with Paul in our second reading, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  The heart of what we celebrate today is not some person that lived in Germany in 1517, but the good news of Jesus Christ that makes us free.  This is not some church homecoming celebration complete with a parade, but it is about the sacrifice of Christ.

Luther wanted to please God.  Impossible to do, but he did not realize that.  Fortunately he got some wonderful advice: stop worrying about it and get involved in something, study.  Something happened to Luther as he studied scripture, God’s word.  He discovered there was a different way to get along with God than what he had thought.  It is amazing what can happen when you study the Bible.  We have people now studying this same book of Romans on Wednesday night, and during the week online.  Many of you are reading the scripture readings for Sunday during the week prior to worship.  Just imagine what is and what can take place when we encounter God in this word.

It all started with Luther realizing he was a sinner, a slave to sin we are, as Jesus said.  We begin our worship with that reality as well.  Notice what they said, “But we are descendants of Abraham.”  They were trying to minimize their sin.  It’s like the bumper sticker, “Cheer up!  I’ve been to hell and it’s full!”  Is that our attitude toward sin?  “Ahh, no big deal.  I’m a descendent of Harry and Margaret, and my brother and brother-in-law are Pastors.  What do you mean I need to be free?”

Is this our way of hiding, playing games with God?  This is not Halloween where we hide behind a mask; God knows who you are when you come to the door, a sinner, in need of more than just candy, in need of God’s grace.

“All have sinned.”  Can you believe that?  That includes you also.  We are by nature sinful and unclean, we are captive, our relationship with God is severed and we cannot free ourselves.  This is what Luther tried, and all he got was heartache.  In recent months you have heard a great deal about government bailouts.  You are beneficiaries of God’s bailout program and you don’t have to give part of it back. I heard on the radio this week a reporter is one who discovers the truth.  This is the truth that Luther discovered, this is the truth that Christ made possible, and this truth, this Christ will make you free.  Luther said, “Sinners are attractive because they are loved; they are not loved because they are attractive.”  This is the truth that Luther the reporter discovered in studying God’s word.  Just imagine what you might discover, what truth you then can report to your family and friends.

Sinners, corrupt, broken, a lost cause.  Your good works get you absolutely no where.  It is the work of God alone in Christ who has come to atone for your sin, to heal that severed artery, to make you one with him.  Verse 22 from the Romans reading should say “Jesus Christ comes into you, into all who believe.”  This is the Holy Spirit creating faith in you.  This is God’s bailout, and you will be free indeed.

There is no reason to hide anymore.  Ollie Ollie Ox in free.  The game is over.  There is no penalty to pay.  There are no secrets to hide.  The truth is you have been set free from your sins. “And if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”  Thanks be to God.

Amen

Related posts:

1. “Spring Training/Wilderness Training”