Faithful Conversations #109

Introduction to Readers

“The task of the modern educator is not to tear down jungles, but to irrigate the deserts.”
(C.S. Lewis)

Last week I shared information with you about the state of the Christian Church in 2025, a somewhat dire situation based on the increasing secularization of our world. One of the troubling aspects of our present circumstances, in my estimation, is that the population cohort most conspicuously absent from our pews are the young men in our midst — specifically those from the Millennial and Gen Z generations (born 1981-2012). This is a challenge we need to reflect on and pray about. And though the state of the modern church is troubling, the C.S. Lewis quote shared on the front-end this week helps me reframe the challenge. I grew up with C.S. Lewis books scattered around our house due to my father’s interest in him. Mere Christianity, for example, was a favorite, as was The Abolition of Man. The quote I shared here is from a sermon-turned-essay by Lewis delivered in 1939 at Oxford University amidst the outbreak of World War II called Learning in Wartime. Among other things, Lewis talked to the students about keeping a proper perspective and combatting distractions (fear, anxiety, urgency) and staying focused on one’s calling. (Sidebar: After reading this, it is ever more clear to me why Lewis appealed to Unk who enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943). Lewis’ words remain remarkably relevant for our time!

Thanks for visiting this space again this week — I so appreciate your continued interest in exploring the Scriptures! Monday is Day 19 of the Lenten Journey, so we have nearly reached the half-way mark. We have three important Commemorations on our church calendar this week. On Monday (24 March) we remember Oscar Romero (1917-1980), Bishop of El Salvador who was murdered on this day in 1980. Tuesday is the Annunciation of our Lord (Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1: 26-38). Note the prayer included this week regarding that event. And finally, on Saturday (29 March) we remember Hans Nielson Hauge (1771-1824), renewer of the church. Hauge’s story is integral to our Norwegian Lutheran heritage and specifically to the story of the early Lutherans in Jackson County! My reflections this week will focus on the passages from Joshua and 2 Corinthians.

Common Themes

Focus Passages from Joshua and 2 Corinthians

Reflections: The “Happy Exchange”

Often, though not always, the Lectionary readings fit together beautifully. Such is the case with this week’s first and second readings. In Joshua 5:9-12, God declares to Joshua that He has removed the “disgrace of Egypt” from the Israelites, symbolizing their liberation from past shame and their renewed identity as God’s people. The Israelites celebrate Passover in the promised land, marking a significant moment of renewal and gratitude. In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Paul emphasizes the transformation brought by Christ, urging believers to see people not by worldly standards but through the lens of spiritual renewal. He explains that in Christ, we become new creations, reconciled to God and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Paul concludes by highlighting the profound exchange of righteousness, where Christ bore our sins so that we might become righteous before God. Luther referred to this as the “Happy Exchange,” (noted in 1 Corinthians 1:9), a phrase he borrowed from Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), abbot and co-founder of the Knights Templar (a controversial figure as well!). I have always appreciated the use of that phrase!

What should we discern from these two readings? As always, these words from scripture remain remarkably relevant to our time — and to my recent obsessing about the state of the church. First, the Israelites left the wilderness and stepped into the Promised Land — a new start with new opportunities. Similarly, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reminds them (and us) that in Christ we are a new creation — our old identity is transformed! Second, when God removed the “disgrace of Egypt” from His people, they were reconciled to their promised identity as a people — freed from their past. Likewise, Paul’s discussion of reconciliation extends beyond our relationship with God and flows into how we relate to others. We are called to be “ambassadors for Christ” in our communities, an awesome identity that we carry. Each of us is called in some manner in this regard and this is good, exciting news. Let us together strive to “irrigate the deserts!”

Soli deo Gloria!

Prayer of the day for Annunciation (ELW, p. 55)

Pour your grace into our hearts, O God, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son, Jesus Christ, announced by an angel, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; for he lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer: A Prayer for Protection (Luther)

Lord God, heavenly Father, you know that we are set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection, to support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Archives: 1960s Lutheran Humor!

Update on “Faithful Conversations”

For several weeks, I have been developing a class titled, “Journey Into the Bible,” a digital version of an in-person study that we did two years ago. The project evolved along the way, and the idea is that it can be utilized by new members or anyone seeking to grow in their Biblical understanding. The hope is to roll this out soon. Thanks to Pastor Jen Hatleli and the Lectionary Small Group that meets on Sundays for inspirational support in this process!

And . . . Join us on Sunday 30 March at 10:45 in the church library. We talk through the readings (some or all) in an informal setting — no prior preparation is necessary and all are welcome! Come and help us deepen our understanding of the readings!