Commemoration of Justin, Martyr 2009 (Observed)

THE COMMEMORATION OF JUSTIN, MARTYR

3 June Anno + Domini 2009 (Observed)

"Be Faithful Unto Death”

Rev. 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 1:18-25; Luke 12:1-8

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

When the group of us who went to the Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference this past February were there, we were privileged to listen to a presentation given by Rev. Todd Wilken, host of "Issues, Etc.”  During his presentation, Pastor Wilken shared how a certain KFUO executive tried to talk his predecessor, Rev. Don Matzat, out of his vision for the radio show that would become "Issues, Etc.”  Rev. Matzat wanted to develop a program that would be purely theological for the purpose of teaching laypeople confessional Lutheran theology.  The KFUO exec said, "You can't teach laypeople theology.” 

Evidently, this KFUO exec never heard of the saint whom we commemorate today, Justin, Martyr.  Justin was born in a pagan family.  He was a student of philosophy and eventually was converted to the Christian faith.  He became one of the first Christian apologists, that is, defenders of the Christian faith against those who denied its truth.  He remained a philosopher at heart, but vehemently put forth the argument that all the philosophies of men are folly when compared to the only true philosophy which exists, namely Christianity.  Justin shows himself to be a stellar theologian in his writings and his opponents were no match for his apologetics.  And, guess what.  Justin was a layman!  So much for not being able to teach laypeople theology! 

I highly suggest that you take the time to read Justin's writings sometime.  In many and various ways, we are confronted today with many of the similar philosophies and heresies that confronted the early Christian Church, and Justin's apologetics are every bit as capable of thwarting them today as they were in his day.  And, contrary to what that KFUO exec believed, I am confident that you laypeople can most assuredly learn theology and become better equipped to defend the Christian faith to which you have been called. 

Besides his faithful contribution in the area of Christian apologetics, Justin also provides us with one of the most ancient descriptions of the Christian Divine Service, which is remarkably similar to the basics of what we still do today.  Listen to what he says:    

"And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president (or, presiding minister) verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun (Sunday), having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught them these things, which we have submitted to you also for your consideration.”

Sunday.  Scripture readings.  Preaching.  Prayers.  Holy Communion.  Offerings.  Blessings.  Sounds familiar, doesn't it? 

Dear friends in Christ, we give thanks for faithful saints of old, like Justin, who is known to us as Justin Martyr, for he kept the faith till the end and was beaten and beheaded for his refusal to make pagan sacrifices.  He clung in faith to the folly of the cross of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for he knew that the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than man.  He now enjoys the fruit of the promise of our Lord:  Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

The same promise is for you.  And, that promise is delivered to you here in His Holy House when you gather together in His Holy Name.  His Word is read and preached to you.  His ear is receptive to the prayers you offer here.  His Body and Blood are given you to eat and to drink.  His ministry and mission are carried out by you as you give according to your abilities.  His blessings reside upon you, as you depart free and forgiven, empowered to serve Him and your neighbors.

It is this faith to which you have been called - the same faith to which Justin was called.  Be faithful unto death, and Jesus will give you the crown of life.  Here is where your Lord strengthens and preserves you in the faith, that you, too, will receive the promised crown He longs to give to you.  All glory, praise, and honor be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  In His Holy and Precious Name.  Amen.   

Now the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, unto life everlasting.  Amen.