Watchword for 2018

God says: To the thirsty I will give water from the spring of living water for free! Revelation 21,6
„There‘s no such thing as a free lunch!“

Our society, our economy, the life in this world as we have learnt to live it, tells us this in no uncertain terms. Nothing is for free – you have to work for it, or offer something of equal value in return for it. And if something is offered for free, we know that there‘s a catch – it‘s an attempt to convince us to buy some more of it, or become active members of the organisation, handing out such free gifts.

Even in matters religion humans the world over are convinced that this is how things are. To appease or reconcile the gods humans have always had to do something – make a sacrafice, live according to strict rules, follow some or other ritual or be members of a certain class, race or ethnic group. You can only expect blessings, grace, forgiveness and success if you are prepared to make the necessary contribution for it.

Even in Christendom this scheme has infiltrated our thinking again and again. It is used to keep the members in tow and convince them to give or contribute time, money and effort towards keeping the institution going.

This is why the rediscovery of free grace by Martin Luther was seen to be such a dangerous thing by the church of his day. We have celebrated the Reformation of the Church this year with many festive occasions and events – but reformation needs to be an ongoing movement – because the announcement that God will give the water of life to those who thirst for free is still a revolutionary, transforming message – for me personally, as I still measure the success of my life by counting all the things I have done, for the congregation, as we continue to measure the success of our faith community by the things we manage to do and offer for our members.

May God be gracious to us, so that we will relearn the astonishment that befits the message, that life is a free gift. Then we can walk into the new year with freedom and joy, doing the things we can, and leaving all else in the hands of God, who holds the whole world in His hands.
I wish you all a good, gracious and free new year.

Felix Meylahn