Thursday, November 6, 2008

Lectionary for 11/6/08

Today's readings are Jeremiah 8.18-9.12 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Jer.+8.18-9.12 ) and Matthew 23.13-39 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+23.13-39 ).

In the midst of doom and gloom scenarios, with Jerusalem reaping the rewards for her actions, ready to be exiled, broken down, crushed by the judgment of God implemented through the hands of human invaders, look how Jesus calls out to his people.  In Matthew 23.37-38 look at Jesus' call.  See that we have exactly the kind of savior who would gather those evil murderous people to himself.  See that we have the kind of savior who saves people in need of saving.  This is God's good and perfect will, to save people from the destruction they are creating as a result of their sin.  And see what the response of Jerusalem is.  The people refuse God's mercy.  They refuse to be saved from destruction, preferring to make their own way of salvation.  So our Lord, while weeping for his people, allows them to drive themselves to destruction.
Lord, turn our hearts.  Show us the folly of our sin and your grace poured out upon us through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  May we believe in your name, in your way of salvation by grace through faith.  May we flee from our old works and be gathered to you.  We thank you that you have gathered a remnant of people, that not all have utterly rejected you. Keep your people by your grace. 


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