The 62nd thesis of Luther´s famous listing claims: “Der wahre Schatz der Kirche ist das heilige Evangelium der Herrlichkeit und Gnade Gottes.“ (Verus thesaurus ecclesie est sacrosanctum euangelium glorie et gratie dei.) i.e. the true treasure of the church is the holy gospel of God´s glory and grace.
See, that is the most precious treasure which Dr. Martin Luther put high on a pedestal in the Reformation. That is the real treasure of Wittenberg and all the world. Everybody ought to be proud of that more than anything else as the prophet Jeremia reminds us (9,29 cf. 1.Cor.1,31). That is the light that shines brightly even in darkness. It lights up old walls. Breaths new life into dead bones. Grants hope of life and eternal salvation even to those most downtrodden. Without this our public squares remain dungeons and people in chains and throughs of death.
By God´s Grace the Gospel has returned to these barren places – more than once. It´s the good summer rains, Dr. Luther praises.
Since 2015 witnesses in the Old Latin School proclaim the glories and graces of God in its own chapel. Here the message of apostles and prophets of the holy Christian Church, the large cloud of faithful confessors and many Lutheran hymn writes join to voice God´s holy demands and faithful promises. They regularly invite us to join in thankful praises and adoration. The last in the row are Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson (Canada), Professor Armin Wenz (LTH in Oberursel) and Pastor Markus Fischer (Erfurt). They took visitors to this remarkable place and shared with them the very real treasures of God´s good favor.
Take this last Sunday for example. The 2nd Sunday before Ash Wednesday. We call it Sexagesimae. Again the lectionary proves to be the true treasure-trove from which a faithful steward guarding the door of the Lord´s house can pick and choose to share whatever is right, meet and salutary to serve God´s people with what they need most. It´s all about God´s holy Word. This is preached, taught and believed in great unanimity – just as the good Lord Jesus Christ taught and entrusted his holy apostles.
The watchword puts it all into context. It is our first stop and very costly jewel from God´s treasure-trove:
Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks. Do not harden your hearts.
Hebrews 3,15 cf. Psalm 95,7f
The Introit is another trinket from God´s treasury, which whets our appetite for more of the treasures spread out before us It sharpens our ears and catches our attention:
O LORD, your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven. You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations. You established the earth and it stood firm. Today they stand firm by your decrees, for all things are your servants. If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow…
Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!
Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions. Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path. Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live. Do not disappoint me.
Psalm 119,89-92
The Old Testament lesson – 3rd rich prize from God´s valued treasure for this Sunday:
Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,” says the LORD, “for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat.
In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.”
Indeed, you will go out with joy; you will be led along in peace; the mountains and hills will give a joyful shout before you, and all the trees in the field will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55,8-12a
The epistle is our fourth station in God´s precious word-bank. This living valuable points out:
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.
Hebrews 4,12-13
Part of the most precious Holy Gospel goes like this:
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from one town after another, he spoke to them in a parable:
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled on, and the wild birds devoured it. Other seed fell on rock, and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and they grew up with it and choked it. But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain.”
As he said this, he called out, “The one who has ears to hear had better listen!”
Luke 8,4-8
One jewel after the other is brought up from the rich treasure trove of our good Lord´s safe box and held up for the people to see, hear and taste, how friendly he is towards us. This godly favor towards man is the main line of the gospel. That is what we read, hear and share Sunday for Sunday. Day after day until he comes again in glory to judge heaven and earth. We pray: “Come Lord Jesus, come soon.” Until then, we are happy to live of the sweetness of our Lord.
Wilhelm's space 