BISHOP’S NEWSLETTER

Reflection on the watchword on Reformation Day: 1 Corinthians 3:11

We live in times where much is changing and much is offered claiming to give us a life worth living. There seems to be a drive to turn away from the old and go for the new. But experience tells us, that if you want to put your life on a secure foundation, you have to find something that is not transitory like everything else. It needs to be solid and secure.

The apostle Paul reminded the believers in Corinth that there is only one foundation to build your life on if you wish it to be solid and lasting. Jesus Christ and His life-giving Word are the only things that are not transitory. He writes: “No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11)

This scripture has become central to the Reformation and in Martin Luther’s theology.

For me, there is no other foundation than Jesus Christ. Jesus is like a rock on which to build our house of life. Even when it storms, and strong winds shake this house, it stays standing. It will never crumble or fall.

This foundation is important for us Christians in modern times if we want to be able to withstand the storms of our time.

As long as life is good to us, our foundation is not in question. But when illness, disability, accident or even the sudden death of a relative rocks our life, then our foundation is shaken. To whom do you turn then? How do you respond?

I sometimes encounter fellow believers who then say to those struggling: just pray more! Or, your faith must be stronger! Or, go to this or that healer! – But is illness or hardship merely a test of faith?

Jesus Christ is the foundation for life. Even when illness and disability suddenly determine my everyday life, He gives me the confidence that God is still the same God yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He means well for me. He is God, who guides and refreshes me and even accompanies me through the dark valley. (Psalm 23)

My foundation is Jesus Christ, and nothing can separate me from him: neither height nor depth, neither life nor death, neither suffering nor fear. Just nothing. I belong to him. He will take me home to eternity where there will be no more suffering. I want to trust this foundation and build on it.