Watching the political campaigns is tiring. I think “rock Star” politicians have run the course but I could be wrong. I am not sure that hero worship has a place in the political realm but it sure doesn’t have a place in the church. Matthew Harrison had a great blog and quote from Herrman Sasse. (Mercy Journeys with Matt Harrison Oct 16)
Let the world admire its heroes and live by hero-worship. In the church there is no hero-worship. Paul, who was a remarkable genius – that outstanding genius who produced the spiritual life of the early imperial age, was on the same level as Apollos and the other apostles who were probably not geniuses. The hero of faith, Luther, is no higher than a man of doubt who folds his hands praying “I believe dear Lord, help my unbelief.” Francis of Assisi and the holy Elizabeth are no higher than the simplest deaconess losing herself in the service of the poor and oppressed. The spiritual giants of Christianity, an Augustine, a Thomas of Aquinas, are no higher than the poorest of the spiritually weak children in the orphanages of Bodelschwingh who can’t learn anymore than the singing of a Christmas carol to his Savior. There is no hierarchy, no ranking of the worthy, no noble line of blood or spirit. There is only that poverty expressed by Augustine in his favorite saying of the New Testament. It is in our chapter. “What do you have which you did not receive?” And Luther, in the last word he wrote: “We are beggars for sure.” There is only that wealth given us by God. I and my life are nothing on this earth. What Christ gives me, that is worthy of love.” In the church man is nothing and God is everything. And all that man has received as natural gifts from the creator – without merit and worthiness – it all receives its significance and worth only when it is placed in the service of God.
