Authentic Christ-Centered Worship, Study, and Sometimes Just Plain Silliness!

Martin Luther on the Gospel for Oculi


The Finger of God


"But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Luke 11:20) We need to know that Christ's work of driving out the devil never ceases but continues to go on in the Christian world until the Last Day. For this task Christ left us designated instruments: Holy Baptism, the blessed Sacrament, the Word and Absolution, and whatever else belongs to the ministry of preaching, in order to enable us to destroy the devil's kingdom, to take from him his captives and cast him out of people. The Holy Spirit accompanies the Word, to enlighten, kindle faith, cleanse, and free people from the devil's power and rule. The concern of Jesus for the poor demon-possessed mute man is an incentive for us to turn to Our Lord in every need, expecting from Him all that is good. After experiencing good at His hands, we should follow Him in love and do good to others, as He has done good to us. Therefore, today's Gospel, like all the Gospels, teaches us faith and love. For it holds up Christ before us as a Savior and Help in all needs. He does this out of His great love for us. Whoever believes this is saved. This, then, is the common and most delightful teaching of today's Gospel, and of all the Gospels throughout the whole church year.
A congregation of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod serving the students of the University of Wyoming & The Wyoming Technical Institute