Reformer, Par Excellence

The author of “Treasure Island,” Robert Louis Stevenson, once wrote a little essay called “The Reformers.” He tells of four reformers who feel very strongly that the world needs to be changed — radically changed. But how? They search and they search for answers and, finally, the four meet under a bramble bush to discuss their findings …

“We must abolish property,” says one.
“We must abolish marriage,” says the second.
“We must abolish God,” says the third.
“We must abolish work,” says the fourth.

On and on they go with ideas on how to get things turned around …

“The first step,” says one, “is to abolish the Bible.”
“The first step,” says another, “is to abolish the laws.”

Finally, one of them sums up the search’s ultimate solution …

“The first thing,” he says, “is to abolish mankind.”

We’re here today to celebrate the Good News that the Lord Jesus had a better idea. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that…