The Unity between God and man
Sir Edmund Burke was an 18 th century British politician, philosopher and journalist. He was the most prominent conservative thinkers of his time. He was critical of the British treatment of the American colonies, and criticized the taxation policies of England. There are many famous quotes attributed to Burke, but my favorite one is “Whatever disunites man from God, also disunites man from man.”
This observation of Burke speaks of the unity between God and man, as we are the unity of the two tables of the Law. For God created man with the intent that man would exist in fellowship with God. And from the fellowship with God would come the fellowship that humans would have with each other. In other words, God intended that humans would have fellowship and unity both with God and with others.
But sadly, sin came into the picture when Adam and Eve sinned. As a consequence, the fellowship with God was broken. When Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden after they had sinned, they hid from Him. They were now afraid of God. They felt guilty and they felt that God was hostile toward them. As a consequence of their sin, mankind lost the unity it had with other people. This can be seen in the fourth chapter of Genesis, when Cain killed Abel because of jealousy and resentment.
God though acted in order to restore unity and fellowship with his creation. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to become man in order to redeem us. Jesus placed Himself under the law just as we are. Christ however fulfilled the Law perfectly. His obedience replaces our sin and transgressions. Through faith in Christ, we are given Christ’s righteousness and obedience in place of our sin. He also suffered on the cross in order to give us forgiveness.
Now, through faith in Christ, we are once again united with God in fellowship. And as a consequence of that fellowship with God, we can by the help of the Holy Spirit, once again strive to have fellowship with other people. We can strive to love others and we can strive to live in harmony with others.
In Christ,
Rev. David L. Putz, Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Good things are happening at Holy Cross! Praise God for that. When we keep Word and Sacrament ministry at the heart of what we do, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown. As we share the Word, God gives the growth and we rejoice as humble stewards of the God who changes lives and hearts. Help us always, Lord, to keep Your Word at the center of our life together under your Holy Cross!
Please continue to pray for our congregation and each other. Don’t forget to visit our church website www.holycross-crawfordsville.org to find links for all our services on YouTube.