“Jeus, Still Lead On” is a hymn that many of us “old-time Lutherans” remember. “till our rest be won;…we will follow, calm and fearless…”. The tune setting, Seelenbrautigam, is published in 219 hymnals. “Seelenbrautigam” is a noun translated from German as “Christ is the bridegroom of the soul.” Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, a Moravian bishop, put the words to it. His ELCA day of commemoration is May 9^th, just the other day. He followed the way of the cross, bold and fearless. That’s a clothing line, by the way, and a slogan for Dragonball. Peter and John, Apostles, were infuriating to the Jewish ruling body, the Sanhedrin. Why? Because they were bold and fearless! Greco-Roman society actually praised those qualities in public rhetoric. They were ordinary men who seemingly had  forgotten their place. Peter and John knew there would be repercussions. But the Holy Spirit had literally ignited a flame in their presence on Pentecost.

The Civil Rights movement would never have gained traction if the leaders had not been bold and fearless. Boycotting buses, silently sitting at lunch counters, walking in peaceful protest across a bridge in Selma. Senator John L. Lewis was critically wounded by the police. Later in his life, he reminded us that sometimes we need to be willing to get into “good trouble”. Although he and his advocate colleagues pledged allegiance to a flag, we also pledge allegiance to a higher authority. Be assured that the Holy Spirit empowers us to act and speak boldly and fearlessly as witnesses to the truth. Memorize this verse: “You shall know the truth,and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). And remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Pastor Art