Lectionary for 12/30/08

Today's readings are Isaiah 58.1-59.3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Is.+58.1-59.3 ), Isaiah 59.14-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Is.+59.14-21 ), and Luke 1.26-38 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Lk.+1.26-38 ).

Last night around the dinner table we were discussing the SOS of God's Law.  God's Law works to "show our sin."  We see that quite clearly in our passage from Isaiah today.  What are we to do?  Many of the demands God makes of us there appear quite easy to do, at least on the surface - no slavery, care for the needy, treat people justly.  Yet when we dig deeper and consider the price of freeing people from bondage, caring for others as we would care for ourselves, and truly exercising justice we see that we are unable to do what God commands.  God has shown us our sin.  

God's Law also works to "show our Savior."  What we are unable to do because of our sin, Christ is able to do.  It is often easy to take on a moralistic tone.  Jesus does righteousness.  We need to think about what Jesus would do.  Then we will go and do the same things he does.  Well enough, but again we are not going to do the works that Jesus does because we are sinful and he is not.  We should try, and try very hard, to live in an upright way which honors God.  God is pleased by our doing what he has commanded.  But our efforts will never earn us merit before God.  If Jesus is only our example we are undone.

Look again at Isaiah 59.16-17.  Because we will not live fully according to God's command God himself steps in.   He brings salvation by himself.  He upholds those who have been sinned against by his own righteousness.  He arms himself for war with righteousness and salvation.  And he is zealous to save his people from their oppressors.

Lord, let us realize that we ourselves are our oppressors, and the oppressors of many others.  Forgive us our sin.  Make us work rightly in your kingdom, caring for the needy.  Through us, we pray, bring help and deliverance to the downtrodden, work righteousness for the sake of your own name.