Reformation Sunday (GA)

Matthew 11:12-19
¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, ¹⁴ and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 

¹⁶ “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 

¹⁷  “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; 

we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 

¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

How do we fight within the Church? Do we simply argue about theology? Do we make sure to listen to the opposition and take in their evidence? Do we just call them names and assume there is something wrong? This does seem to be the default position. Modern debate and argumentation is not about actually getting to the truth or focusing on changing the other persons mind. It is more about demonizing the opponent in the eyes of the public or audience.

The problem becomes when you have enemies that do not seem to act or look alike. Jesus points out that there is violence against the kingdom of heaven. There is violence against the people of God. There is even violence against God himself. But in all these cases they will argue out of both sides of their mouths.

God has brought two messengers to the people. These two messengers do not seem to be acting the same. They are unified in what they beleive teach and confess, but they are certainly not united in the way they deliver this truth. (Could this teach us about different worship styles: one plays the flute and another a dirge)

The truth is that God has sent his only son into the flesh to die for the forgiveness of your sins. He has sent him to be the judge of all creation. He has come to take our judgment upon himself. He will also come to bring forth the destruction of this world, and reveal the glory of the new creation and the world to come.This message is united in the teaching of John the Baptist and the work of Jesus Christ himself. (Yet they appear to show this in different ways.)

So what: Listen to your opponent! Discuss the Truth! Learn from one another how to work together and grow in Jesus Christ! Only Demonize the Devil!