Lectionary Posts Go on Holiday

My lectionary posts are going to go on holiday as we are dealing with many additional activities, such as house guests, travels, and preparing the house for sale in the upcoming three weeks.  Hopefully things will return to normal about the first of the year.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com

Isaiah 24.14-25.12, 1 John 2.15-29 - Lectionary for 12/8/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 24.14-25.12 and 1 John 2.15-29.

Today we look to 1 John 2.15-17 for Law and Gospel in a nutshell.  What do we see here?  Our Lord commands us.  "Do not love the world" (ESV).  After all, we realize that there is one Lord.  We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  We look to him in hope.  We fear, love and trust him alone.  This is God's firm command.  But what do we do in reality?  We love the world rather than loving God.  Is the world bad, then?  Not at all.  When our Lord created it by his word he proclaimed it good.  That's not the issue at all.  Even the fallen world, cursed as it is, is a beautiful and wonderful place.  We love the world, which is perfectly normal.  It's good to love good things.  But what does our Lord remind us here in 1 John 2?  In verse 17 we see that the world is temporary.  It will not last forever.  It does not have the enduring quality that God's kingdom has.  It will all be stripped away from us.  Do we depend on momentary pleasures?  In the eyes of our risen Lord all the things of this world are but momentary pleasures.  Do we relish our homes, our families, our occupations?  That's good.  But they too will pass away.  They remain just for a moment.  They do not bring lasting fulfillment.  Do we desire wealth, earthly power, status?  All will perish in a moment.  So what do we strive for?  What do we desire?  Let us love our Lord and savior, the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Let us desire his kingdom and his glory.  Let us seek the imperishable crown of the one who overcomes and participates in the resurrection from the dead.  Let us delight only in our Lord.

It is the last hour.  The time is growing short.  Our Lord comes soon.  Let us then confess the Son, Jesus Christ.  He is the one who created all things, who lived a righteous life for us, who died on our behalf, who rose as the firstfruits of the resurrection, and who ever lives to make intercession for us.

Isaiah 24.1-13, 1 John 1.1-2.14 - Lectionary for 12/7/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 24.1-13 and 1 John 1.1-2.14.

What is it to walk in the darkness?  We see in 1 John 1.6-7 (ESV), "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in drakness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in  the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."  So what is it to walk in the dark?  We're all familiar with the idea of going crashing into things.  We're all familiar with wondering whether there is something that will cause us to fall.  We're all familiar with the insecurity of walking in the dark.  But there's something else that happens as well.  Picture yourself in the dark.  When the lights are off and it's dark, I might be an NBA star.  I might be a prize-winning journalist.  I know everything.  I can do anything.  My secret life emerges.  I'm all powerful, all knowing, able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet, better looking than anyone else in the world.  In short, when I'm walking in the darkness, I'm God, at least in my imaginations.  Aren't you?  It's amazing what can happen when we walk in the dark from the bedroom to the bathroom.

What happens when we turn on the bathroom light?  It's really morning?  My eyes suddenly feel bleary as the light comes on.  I look at myself in the mirror and look away.  Boy, I'm fat.  Old, stiff, ugly, don't smell too good, not a pretty sight at all.  I have no idea what day it is, what time it is, really hardly know where I am except I'm where I always am.  I don't know what has happened while I was asleep, while it was dark.  This is quite a distance from being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.  Pretty sorry excuse for a god.  I guess I'm just me, walking in the light.

We walk in the darkness.  We make ourselves into the ruler of heaven and earth.  We deceive ourselves.  But when Jesus, the Light of the world comes and shines his light on us we not only see ourselves for what we are, we see Jesus as well.  In Jesus we are brought face to face with the true God.  In Jesus we are confronted with the true Light.  In Jesus we see that we are not God.  But there's more.  In Jesus we see that we don't have to be God.  We no longer have to make everything right in the world.  We realize we are not able to do so but that he already has.  We realize that we are not able to take away sin but that Jesus has atoned for sin.  We realize that it's not a matter of being strong, fast, tall, good looking, even good smelling.  It's a matter of being the perfect Lord of heaven and earth, giving your life for the life of the world.  And Jesus has done this, once and for all, for you and for me.  

The ligts are on.

Isaiah 14.1-23, 2 Peter 3.1-18 - Lectionary for 12/6/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 14.1-23 and 2 Peter 3.1-18.

We love it when we win contests.  The thrill of victory!  The joy of accomplishment!   We win a game and want to do the happy dance, gloating over those we defeated.  We have this warm glow that accompanies our victory.  Even in a game of chance we seem to think we had something to do with the victory.  And we use that victory to accomplish our purposes.  We entrench ourselves in a place of authority.  We even seem to get some sort of moral authority.  After all, we're the winners, we must be better than they are.  Look, our lane in traffic is moving faster than that other lane.  We must be better.  Our train is running on schedule.  We must be more important than those other people whose train is behind schedule.  And we want to gloat in our victory.

"How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased" (Isaiah 14.3b, ESV).  Yet look at the biblical taunt the people of Israel carry on against Assyria.  It's different from our taunt over the people who lost the football game against our team.  This taunt is commanded by God.  It makes factual observations about God's victory.  It reminds everyone that we are not responsible for the outcome of the war, but God is.  It reminds everyone that we all, just like the Assyrians and other nations, are destined for the grave.  Our time ends.  We are but instruments in God's hands.  If we sinful people execute justice we yet remain sinful people.  It is God who is just, not we.  Our Lord's reminder here is that sin leads to death and that we are all covered in sin.  Need we look farther than our desires to gloat in victories?  We could, but we won't for the moment.  It's enough to realize in this one brief example that when we actually end up in a positive situation we are quick to snatch glory for ourselves rather than to ascribe glory to our Lord and Savior.

What's the end of sin?  It leads to destruction.  Assyria has fallen.  We too will fall into destruction and ruin in our sin.  We all together stand condemned.  There is none righteous, none but our God.  What hope then?  Our hope is that we are the instruments of God's hand, redeemed through Jesus, the perfect Man, who lived the perfect life, died the perfect death, and precedes us in resurrection.  It is through his life, death, and resurrection that we gain hope and salvation.  He is the one who has had the final word, gloating over sin, death, and hell, showing himself to be the resurrection and the life.  He is the one who has risen up against the rulers of this world and has shown himself to be ruler of all.

Lord, grant us that we may boast only in you.

Isaiah 11.1-12.6, 2 Peter 2.1-22 - Lectionary for 12/5/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 11.1-12.6 and 2 Peter 2.1-22.

1 Peter 2.9 (ESV) says, "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment."

Even as the Lord gathers his people from bondage in Assyria and the remotest regions of sin, we see the people of God are under attack from without and within.  Shall we grow despondent?  In no way.  Our Lord comes to gather his people and execute judgment.  On whose timetable?  It is his own schedule, not ours.  We have only to hold fast and wait on him.  He will accomplish his purpose in the end.

Isaiah 10.12-27a, 33-34, 2 Peter 1.1-21 - Lectionary for 12/4/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 10.12-27a, 33-34, and 2 Peter 1.1-21.

Arrogant Assyria, the instrument of God's wrath against Israel, will be destroyed.  Why?  The tool of God proclaims itself to be in charge.  Yet as we see in 2 Peter , we can be partakers of God's promises or we can attempt to make our own promises by our own power.  What then is our identity?  Either we live as God's creation or as our own creation.  The end of one is eternal blessing and victory.  The end of the other is eternal destruction.  So how do we stack up?  Are we those who trust in our Lord's provision?  Are we instruments in his hand or are we the hand that tries to wield ourselves as an instrument?  May we ever live as God's instruments, not as little versions of God himself.

Isaiah 9.8-10.11, 1 Peter 5.1-14 - Lectionary for 12/3/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 9.8-10.11 and 1 Peter 5.1-14.

What is the calling of an elder?  It is to be a shepherd.  Peter, who calls himself an elder along with the people to whom he is writing, points out the responsibilities of an elder.  Exercise oversight.  Work willingly.  Be an example.  Be like Christ the chief shepherd.  Watch out for the devil, a ravenous lion.  Resist the devil.  Suffer willingly for Christ.  Trust the Lord will "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish" you (v. 10).

Are we ready to walk for Christ in this way?  Are we willing to submit to our elders as we are exhorted in verse 5?  When we are at peace and not in any struggles we probably are.  When the going gets rough we show what we are really made of.  We flee from the Scriptural commands.  We fear our Lord will not take care of us.  

What an encouragement this is in verse 10 when the first thing the Lord will do is to restore us.  As he restored the Peter who denied him three times, our Lord comes to us and restores us.  He lovingly asks us again and again if we love him.  His restoration is full and free.

Isaiah 8.9-9.7, 1 Peter 4.1-19 - Lectionary for 12/2/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 8.9-9.7 and 1 Peter 4.1-19.

Our God is the God of odd distinctions.  He proclaims in Isaiah 8 that he will be a sanctuary and a stone of offense (v. 14).  He is simultaneously our greatest hope and our greatest fear.  He is at the same time the one who brings joy and the one who brings destruction.  The child born to Israel is the one who is already a King.  And as we read in 1 Peter the victor is this Christ who has suffered for us.

Christ's people are the people of this promise.  We have received this forgiveness from our Lord who has suffered.  We respond to suffering b y bringing honor and praise to Christ.  Does this seem odd?  It should.  It is quite different from what we see in this world.  It is quite the opposite of our natural desires.  But the God who makes these odd distinctions does this in us as well.

Isaiah 7.10-8.8, 1 Peter 3.1-22 - Lectionary for 12/1/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 7.10-8.8 and 1 Peter 3.1-22.

There's a good deal of cleansing going on in today's readings.  We see God using an evil vessel - Assyria (and Egypt also) to cleanse Israel of their sin and distrust.  This foreign king, compared to a great river, will wash away life as the people of Israel know it, bringing in a very different way of life.  Likewise, in our New Testament reading, we see life being turned upside down.  People are won by kindness and compassion.  People are adorned with good works rather than ornaments.  People who suffer are receiving blessing and are repaying evil with good.  And the mighty flood that destroyed the world brought life to those who were left behind - Noah and his family, drawn from the waters which would give death, drawn out to new life, just as people are drawn out of the waters of baptism and given new life in Christ.

May the Lord bless us to see his world through his eyes, quite a different world than the landscape we are used to seeing.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com

Isaiah 6.1-7.9, 1 Peter 2.13-25 - Lectionary for 11/30/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 6.1-7.9 and 1 Peter 2.13-25.

Immediately after the Lord calls Isaiah he reveals a tale of political woe and intrigue.  The foreigners are coming.  They have authorities placed over them.  They will be doing their job by sacking and plundering.  Yet in fact God is the Lord over all.  In 1 Peter we see that there are lines of authority drawn and that they are drawn by God.  We may not always know what our leaders are doing but we can have confidence that they are not ultimately doing it outside of God's will.  It may be to guard against evil.  It may be to provoke Christians to take a stand for the Gospel.  It may be to inflict judgment on Christians for their unbelief.  The fact is, we rarely know why God is doing things the way he is doing them.  But we know that our Lord and Savior is in all and over all.  He is indeed the beginning and the end.  He is the one who establishes kingdoms and he is the one who will bring all of them to an end as he ushers in his eternal kingdom.

As we look at what our earthly kingdoms are doing, let us rejoice in the heavenly kingdom.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com

Isaiah 5.1-25, 1 Peter 2.1-12 - Lectionary for 11/29/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 5.1-25 and 1 Peter 2.1-12.

What makes some people believe and others disbelieve?  The Arminian is ultimately forced to assert that man is capable, by his own good effort, of choosing to believe on Christ.  The Calvinist is ultimately forced to assert that as God has chosen some as his special people he has also chosen some for destruction.  Neither of these viewpoints comports with today's Scripture readings.  God himself goes to look for fruit where there should be good fruit.  It is his vineyard, he has planted it, he has tended it, and there is no reason at all why it should not be providing abundant good fruit.  But it is not.  We are told that unbelievers depart from God's mercy and grace.  They follow their will and desires rather than God's will and desires.  God's will is only ever that everyone might believe in him and look to him through Jesus Christ for hope and salvation.  But man, destined to disobedience by God's curse for sin, follows his destiny and disobeys, disbelieves, departs from the covenants and promises of God.  Time and again, when God has revealed his love and redemption to man, we depart from that promise.  God has iven us a freedom - not to believe, but to act on our disbelief.  Some do.  Many do.  If we believe on Christ it is entirely God's work.  If we do not believe, that is our work.

May the Lord work in us.  May we stop fighting. 

Isaiah 2.1-22, 1 Peter 1.13-25 - Lectionary for 11/28/09

Today's readings are Isaiah 2.1-22 and 1 Peter 1.13-25.

After condemning the people of Israel for being far from God (Isaiah 1), the Lord makes this very warm invitation.  Who can come to the Lord?  Anyone!  He will gather all who desire.  He will teach us his ways and guide our paths.  It does not depend on our preparation or our holiness.  It depends on the good call of the Lord, who warmly calls us all to come with him.

What do we have to fear?  There is no reason to doubt God's providence.  What assurance of salvation do we have?  God is good to his word and promise.  Our Lord, who died for the sins of the whole world, promises to save all who believe on him.

Daniel 5.1-30, Revelation 21.9-27 - Lectionary for 11/25/09

Today's readings are Daniel 5.1-30 and Revelation 21.9-27.

The kingdom of Belshazzar is coming to an end.  His realm has been weighed in the balance and found wanting.  Despite the wealth, the power, the culture, his earthly kingdom is doomed.  This wonderful civilization, the Babylonian empire, rose to world leadership only to decline within a few generations.  Like all earthly kingdoms it has a time limit.  This is the ultimate in planned obsolescence.  The kingdoms of this world come to an end to be replaced by other earthly kingdoms.  It's happened as long as we have tracked history and it will as long as we are here tracking it.  

Do you want power?  Do you want riches?  Do you want glory?  Look to God's kingdom.  Look to the new Jerusalem we see in Revelation 21.  Not only are there dishes of gold, it looks like the whole city is made of gold and precious jewels.  And this is an eternal city, a perfect city.  It's the real kingdom, the genuine article.  This is almost enough to make us think that Plato got some things right, as he said there would be earthly shadows of an eternal reality.  God's city described in Revelation 21 is the reality.  This is a real kingdom.  This is real life. 

May we ever look to the Lord, Jesus Christ, the cornerstone on whom the kingdom of our Lord is built.  May we believe him when he looks to heaven and says, "It is finished."

Daniel 4.1-37, Revelation 21.1-8 - Lectionary for 11/24/09

Today's readings are Daniel 4.1-37 and Revelation 21.1-8.

The kingdoms of this world will pass away.  All will fall from their glory.  All will decay.  Every last one will crumble and rot, given enough time.  History has shown this to be the pattern.  There is only one kingdom that will endure, and that is the one we see in Revelation 21.  God's kingdom, with Christ the King coming to take his bride, the Church.  This is the kingdom that will endure forever.  So there is our question.  Do we trust in our human institutions above God's Church?  Do we look to our own resources rather than to what our Lord and Savior has done on our behalf?  Or are we living in accord with the desires of our heavenly king, living like true partakers of life, those who have been washed in baptism and cleansed from their sin?  Thanks be to God that we are called time and again to repentance and to receive the forgiveness which our King has purchased for us.  Let us walk, therefore, as the Bride of Christ.

Daniel 3.1-30, Revelation 20.1-15 - Lectionary for 11-23-09

Today's readings are Daniel 3.1-30 and Revelation 20.1-15.

In today's reading we see two very important signs.  First, in Daniel, we see that the Lord protects those who are suffering for their faith.  In this instance he protects Daniel's three companions and keeps them alive and unharmed by the flames they endured.  In Revelation we see the saints who are killed for their faith being present in heaven immediately with Christ.  God protects his faithful people and keeps them ultimately unharmed, though sometimes they may lose their mortal lives.

Now what of the thousand years here in Revelation 20?  Against the believers in a literal thousand year reign of Christ, I just mention a few problems.

1) It makes no sense at all for Christ to come and have a reign of perfect glory on earth then for Satan to be released.

2) 1000 is ten (a number of completion) cubed - a sign of the trinity and hence perfection.  The number 1000 is generally used figuratively in Scripture except when counting specific people, for instance, in a census.  In this highly figurative passage of Scripture we would expect that a thousand years refers to a tremendously long period of time.

3) There is no reason in Scripture to make us think there will be several different times of Christ's return and judgment.

The most reasonable answer to this difficulty is that which the Church has held as a general consensus view, that the thousand years is a figurative number and that the period coincides with a time of tribulation (hence the people who are killed for their faith).  This would be the age of the Church.  At the end of that age, Christ will come to claim his own, the dead will be raised, and there will be final judgment.

Daniel 2.1-23, Revelation 18.1-24 - Lectionary for 11/21/09

Today's readings are Daniel 2.1-23 and Revelation 18.1-24.

Today we jump to Revelation 18.  Amid the plagues being poured out on Babylon (probably a figurative name for either Rome or Jerusalem, hence the seat of spiritual and economic life) we see something especially sad.  Look at verse 11.  There is weeping, not so much because of the destruction of Babylon in and of itself, but because of the loss of commerce.

We look at a passage like this and think of the end of the world, but we are also well advised to think of our own day and age.  Have we replaced a concern for genuine well being with a concern for economic power?  Have we replaced a concern for learning, growing, repenting, and believing with a concern for health, wealth, and shows of vigor?  What are our priorities?  Are they priorities which will be destroyed in the end of the world or are they priorities which will last into eternity?

May we ever seek Christ and his kingdom above all else.  That will never pass away.  It will never disappoint.  It is not subject to burning and destruction in the end of this age.

Daniel 1.1-21, Matthew 28.1-20 - Lectionary for 11/20/09

Today's readings are Daniel 1.1-21 and Matthew 28.1-20.

When I was reading today's selections I thought very seriously about writing something about Daniel chapter one.  After all, anyone who reads this blog will fully expect that I'll write something about Matthew 28.18-20.  For that matter, in the Treasury of Daily Prayer I see an outstanding comment on that passage from no less than Jerome.  What should I do?  The expected or the unexspected?

After filling a mug with espresso I came to my senses and decided that it would only be right to point out a few things from Matthew 28 which many through the centuries have observed.  Unfortunately it seems in the past couple of centuries, since Enlightenment thinking has captured the Western Church, we have changed the emphasis given to this passage in Scripture, to the great detriment of the Church.  Here's a list of some of the most important points from Matthew 28.18-20.

1) Jesus claims all authority.  We do not have authority outside of Jesus' command.  We simply follow his directives.

2) Those people Jesus called, and ordained are to go and make disciples.  We see them calling and ordaining others to continue the task.  Our expectation is that an incredible number of believers will receive this call and ordination, but we see it is not something that we claim for ourselves.  It comes from outside of us.

3) The apostles make disciples of all nations.  Unlike our Reformed brethren who seem to consider this a partitive genitive, indicating that the disciples will be part of the whole (all nations), thus defending their view of particular atonement, the indicative verb is "make disciples" and the words translated "of all nations" are an accusative case direct object, the recipient of the discipling action.  It is quite a universal activity.

4) The participles "baptizing" and "teaching" indicate the way we make disciples.  Baptism is the entry into the discipleship of the Church.  Teaching must follow.  It makes no sense to baptize people and then not teach them for the rest of their lives. 

5) In the Bible "the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" seems to indicate not only the authority of God but also some level of performative work.  This trinitarian formula claims God's active work in the situation.  Those baptizing are doing the work of God, claiming people in Christ's authority for his kingdom.  This indicates very clearly that baptism is not man's work but God's work, not our affirmation of our acceptance of God's offer, but his grant of a place in his kingdom.  Through his messengers, Christ is baptizing people into his own name and authority. 

Remember the teaching too!  May we know the Lord in his glory and splendor as he has revealed himself through Jesus Christ, claiming us for his own in holy baptism.

Jeremiah 38.1-28, Matthew 27.57-66 - Lectionary for 11/19/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 38.1-28 and Matthew 27.57-66.

As many today remember Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), known for her works of medical mercy, our readings point us to the way Jeremiah and Joseph of Arimathea laid down tir lives for their Lord.  Especially in Joseph we see a telling work, as Joseph gives up his tomb for the Lord.  Why would he do this?   Of course, we realize such tombs were typically used for multiple burials over a period of time and that Joseph would be able to use the tomb later himself.  Yet what we see is that in giving his tomb Joseph is symbolically expressing that he has died with Christ.  His life is already laid down with the Lord's, to be taken up again in the resurrection at the end of the world.

Throughout history we can see many who have laid down their lives for the Lord who laid his life down for them.  May the Lord give us grace that we also can lay down our lives to take up the life of the resurrection provided for us in Christ.

Jeremiah 37.1-21, Matthew 27.33-56 - Lectionary for 11/18/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 37.1-21 and Matthew 27.33-56.

Today we see Jesus, the Lord and Savior of the world, die for the sins of the world.  What reactions do we have?  Look to the text and see that some people are doing their jobs, some people mocking the Lord, some people are standing around without many clues about what is happening, some people are wondering if anything is going to happen.  We can see this same range of reactions in our modern societies.  Some people actively revile the Lord.  Some people seem to be oblivious of anything going on.  And there are countless points between the two poles.  There is one commonality, though, in what I've just described.  Everyone on that spectrum is acting in unbelief.  All are included in the condemnation of God.  None is looking to the Lord in faith.

What's the rest of the story?  Jesus gives up his spirit.  The temple curtain separating man from the presence of God splits in two, there's a great earthquake, there's a little bit of a resurrection, and some people realize that Jesus must have been exactly who he said he was.  God's action in time and space catches the attention of sinful people and provokes a response.

May the Lord work in us.  May he provoke in us a response of faith.  May we not be condemned by our doubt, mocking, indifference, or ignorance of our Lord's work.  May the Lord fill us with awe so that we say, with the centurion, "Truly this was the Son of God!" 

Jeremiah 33.1-22, Matthew 27.11-32 - Lectionary for 11/17/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 33.1-22 and Matthew 27.11-32.

What do we do with the innocent Son of God?  We see him today in our reading, standing before Pilate, accused of all manner of crimes which he did not commit.  We see Jesus today accused for our sin, for what we have done.  Jesus silently stands before Pilate accepting the blame for all our sins, for our lying, for our envy, for our power-hungry desires.  He is the one whom all the judges, all the officials, really everyone present knew had actually done no wrong.  For what was Jesus killed?  He was killed to satisfy the desires of the people.  But even more so, he was killed to satisfy the anger of God the Father against the desires of the people, not only those present, but every son and daughter of Adam's race, all the partakers of the curse against sin.

What do we do with this innocent Son of God?  Crucify him!  Let his blood be on our heads!  Here is the enigmatic statement of sinner and saint.  Let the blood of Christ be on our hands, on our heads.  We killed him.  And truth be told, if we can find someone else to pay for our crimes we're all for it.  But in a greater way, may the blood of Christ be on our heads, for it is the blood of the perfect Lamb of God which cleanses from sin.  It is the blood of Christ interposed for us and our sin which appeases the wrath of God.  It is the blood of Christ which purchases my deliverance.  Let the blood of Christ be on us all.

Jeremiah 31.1-17, 23-34; Matthew 27.1-10 - Lectionary for 11/16/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 31.1-17, 23-34 and Matthew 27.1-10.

What is this language of covenant the Lord gives us in Jeremiah 31?  Recall that in the Scripture a covenant is a holy agreement.  In human covenants we make a solemn promise before God to one another.  In divine covenants, God is always the initiator and the one who truly promises to keep the covenant.  Man is a partaker of the blessings and indeed the recipient of some of the curses inherent in the covenant, but God's promise to all mankind consistently remains intact.

Now we see a new covenant.  In the old covenant deliverance is marked with blood of animals on the doorposts of houses.  Words of deliverance are passed on using human means and human persuasion.  In the new covenant deliverance is marked by the blood of Jesus on the cross.  This is God's sacrifice, not man's.  Words of deliverance are passed on as forgiveness is proclaimed in Jesus' name, i.e., in his authority by his servants speaking in his stead.  Acts of deliverance such as baptism, absolution, and communion are not seen biblically as man's acts, but as God delivering salvation and life to his people.  Again, we are looking at God's sacrifice, not man's.  This is a fundamentally new covenant.

May the Lord be our God.  May we be his people.  May we realize that as God has granted deliverance through his work, we ourselves do not speak with persuasive words or shrewd arguments, but we proclaim Christ crucified for sinners.

Jeremiah 29.1-19, Matthew 26.36-56 - Lectionary for 11/14/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 29.1-19 and Matthew 26.36-56.

Sometimes we all feel like we are captives.  We're captive to our job, to our malfunctioning lawn mower, our pets that seem to run our lives, our debts, our household projects, sometimes even to our family members.  We spend almost half our work year earning money to pay taxes.  We do feel like captives, even if we haven't been deported as the Jews were in Jeremiah's time.

What does our Lord say to the captives?  Marry, have children, buy homes, farm the land, do business, pray for the nation you are visiting.  It may well be a very long visit.  While you are captive in that land, work to improve the land, increase your family, spread wealth around, change that land for your Savior.

This runs counter to a lot of the teaching I've heard, particularly from some of the popular Calvinistic sources.  We are told we should maintain a "wartime" mentality.  We should give everything away.  We should devote ourselves to service projects, particularly in economically depressed areas.  We should devote our lives to something worthwhile, like the teaching of the Bible.  We want to ignore all earthly pulls and claims, striving for victory which results in heavenly blessing.  

This all sounds very nice, very spiritual, but it isn't the picture the Scripture gives us.  Rather, as we are engaged in this wartime captivity we are to carry on the vocation the Lord has given us.  We are to raise our families.  We are to be God's instrument in giving people their daily bread.  We are to be diligent in our occupations, also teaching our children to be diligent and to serve their neighbors for the Lord's sake.  Our Lord will end the captivity at some time.  Our job is to be fruitful in the society that holds us captive, praying for that society as well.

Jeremiah 26.1-19, Matthew 26.20-35 - Lectionary for 11/13/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 26.1-19 and Matthew 26.20-35.

Who is faithful to the Lord?  Our Savior tells his apostles that one of them will betray him.  None of them wishes to be the one who betrays the Lord.  Often we point to Judas as the one who betrays the Lord.  While this is true it is inadequate.  Not only Judas, but the rest of the twelve deny their Lord.  Not only Peter denies the faith, but the others deny the faith by their flight.  Not only the apostles, but we deny Jesus in our hearts and attitudes.  We fall into disbelief and live as if the Lord is not God.  We fall into doubt of our Savior's providence.  We live like atheists.  Every one of us betrays the Lord.  We fail daily.  Though we wish to fear, love and trust in God at all times, we fall short and deny our Lord, betraying him to death.

Thanks be to God that in the midst of this passage of Matthew, sandwiched right between messages of doom and gloom, Jesus points to his body and his blood - his perfect sacrifice on our behalf.  Jesus points us to our sin.  Then he points us to his blood which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.  Are we partakers of his body and blood?  Are we partakers of his divinity?  Then we have the life-giving forgiveness flowing through our mortal bodies.  We are proclaimed faithful, though we know our doubt.  We are proclaimed forgiven though we know our daily denial of the Lord.  We will be called to eat and drink with our Lord in his kingdom.

Jeremiah 25.1-18, Matthew 26.1-19 - Lectionary for 11/12/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 25.1-18 and Matthew 26.1-19.

As we near the end of the year in the Church calendar we see our readings bringing us closer to God's final judgment and redemption of the world.  It's an increasingly dark time in our readings.  We see God's wrath poured out.  We see the imagery of a bitter cup of wine.  And we see Jesus anointed for burial.  We are near the climax of the whole plot of the Bible, as sin is about to reap its reward. 

How does sin gain its prize of death?  It will gain its reward as Jesus, the perfect and complete Man, dies for the sin of Adam's race.  God's wrath will be poured out on the head of his perfect Son.  The wages of sin will be death.  But the gift of God will be eternal life, as we will see in our future readings about the resurrection.

Lord, even as we see and fear your wrath, let us see the object of your wrath, your only son, who bears the penalty of sin in our place.  Let us look to you for hope and deliverance.

Jeremiah 23.21-40, Matthew 25.31-46 - Lectionary for 11/11/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 23.21-40 and Matthew 25.31-46.

We see today God's condemnation of the harmful false prophets who were arising in Israel at the time of Jeremiah.  We can easily picture God's condemnation on many modern-day self-proclaimed prophets as well.  One of the cautions we typically have about prophets is their self-ordination.  In verse 21 we see that God did not send these people but they seem to have sent themselves.  But look at the passage a moment more.  Look at verse 22 and see that even though those prophets sent themselves they certainly had access to God's words and character.  They would be able to prophesy the truth.  The issue is not the fact that they sent themselves.  It's that they did so and continue to do so without listening to the Lord.

What is the content of the preaching and teaching we hear?  Is it from the Lord or is it some person's idea of what the Lord should have said?  Is it from the Lord or is it some imitation for the truth, intended to make us feel good?  Is it from the Lord or is it our idea of what we do to live a good and clean life?  The words of life are available to all of us.  May the Lord teach us to stand in his council and proclaim his true words to his people.  This will turn people from evil.  This alone is what a prophet is to do.

Jeremiah 23.1-20, Matthew 25.14-30 - Lectionary for 11/10/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 23.1-20 and Matthew 25.14-30.

Our Lord and Savior has given us great promises.  See the how in Matthew 25 the master gives property to his servants and instructs them to care for it.  This property, by the way, is no small amount of money.  A talent is approximately enough money to support a war ship at the time for about a month.  See that the master does not give specific instructions or promise a particular reward.  But when he returns he gives tremendous rewards.  What of the person who doesn't even use common sense to make moderate gains with the investment?  That person loses what he is given.

With this proclamation of the Law Jesus condemns all that we would do of our own accord, following our wisdom.  The servants who are commended are not acting like typical servants but are acting like their master.  The servant who is condemned acts according to his character, not the character of his master.

What is our calling?  We are to put our own desires aside.  We are to lay down our way of doing things.  We are to give up the kind of security that we think we can protect.  Instead, we are to take on the character and actions of our master who has given us all we need.  How could we do this, except our Lord has himself taken on our character?  The Lord Jesus Christ has taken on human nature so he could come as we are except without sin.  He then took our sin for us, becoming sin for sinful man.  Hence we take on his character, living as our divine sin-bearer.  This is not our work.  It is the work of our Lord and Savior.  

Lord, give us faith to do, in dependence on you, the works which you would do, to go where you go, to reap on your behalf where we did not sow, to gather where we did not scatter, to draw all people to you.

Jeremiah 22.1-23, Matthew 25.1-13 - Lectionary for 11/9/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 22.1-23 and Matthew 25.1-13.

The themes of our reading today are becoming quite familiar.  We are warned against our infidelity to our Lord.  Even in the midst of God's bringing of destruction upon the people of Israel, though, he is calling them to repentance.  Turn from your evil, trust in the Lord, and you will be forgiven.  Look to the future!  Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, takes teps that seem foolish in this age.  Prepare for the future coming of the Lord.  Take his word for it.  He will not follow expected patterns.  So prepare in unexpected ways.  

Do we look for our Lord when we least expect him, later than we would plan, but coming in his power and majesty to make all things right?  May we ever have such trust in him.

Jeremiah 11.1-23, Matthew 24.1-28 - Lectionary for 11/7/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 11.1-23 and Matthew 24.1-28.

As we read in Matthew today we see Jesus' teaching to his disciples about the last days.  There will be times of destruction.  People will lead other people astray.  There will be persecution, lawlessness, a decline in love for the Lord.  There will be claims that Christ is working miracles and calls which may deceive people, leading them to trust the signs rather than the true Christ who has already completed the work of salvation.

I expect most of us have heard preaching of this type, either saying we are in the last days of trouble or that there is some great tribulation yet to come.  Most of this type of preaching that I have heard seems aimed at scaring people into belief in Christ.  It also seems to give people a false pessimism about their society.  We look to the world around us for indicators of our faith, of the proximity and reality of Christ, of the truth of redemption.  This is the wrong focus.  Rather, we should look to the Scripture for indicators of our faith, the proximity and reality of Christ, the truth of redemption.  We are not led by our world and its turmoil.  There's always been the kind of turmoil Jesus talks about.  Does it grow worse?  Sure.  This is a sign that we are in the last days and that the world is ripe for the coming of Christ.  But at the same time we can look at the world in which we live and see that the Lord is the one guarding his people.  Do we not pray that the Lord will give us our daily bread?  Do we not forgive those who trespass against us?  

We are in this world.  Sometimes it's more difficult than other times.  But we're in the world, not of it.  We have the nurture, forgiveness, and protection of the Lord.  We can trust in his providence, not our own wisdom and ability.  We trust in his protection, not the locks and bars we may put on our doors.  We trust in his provision, not the ability we have to obtain and stockpile resources.  May the Lord be the Lord and we be his faithful followers.

Jeremiah 8.18-9.12, Matthew 23.13-39 - Lectionary for 11/6/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 8.18-9.12 and Matthew 23.13-39.

Like father, like son.  We've all heard this adage.  It shows up very strikingly in today's readings.  What do the people of Israel receive?  Like father, like son.  The fathers have tried to make their own way.  They have failed to trust in the Lord.  Their society has spiraled downhill.  It's full of falsehood, deceit, violence, treachery.  People are trying to get what they want, when they want it, to profit themselves.  That's our nature.  Like father, like son, we decide to do what is right in our own eyes.  Like father, like son, we fall prey to the temptations of our own desires, our own dreams.  Like father, like son, we fall under God's judgment for our failure to trust in him.  We have the very same pattern in our New Testament reading today.  Like father, like son, the scribes and Pharisees have pursued holiness.  Like father, like son, they have encouraged people to make liberal offerings.  Like father, like son, they have been rigorous with themselves to keep the strictures of the Law.  Like father, like son, they have failed to find the righteousness of God because they have been so intent on their own righteousness.  Like father, like son, they protect the faith and kill the true prophets.

What hope is there?  Like father, like son, Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the very image of the loving and forgiving Father.  Like father, like son, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man is the true heir of Adam.  Like father, like son, we are gathered under the loving wings of Jesus, our Father hen, brooding over us, protecting us, nurturing us.  Do we bolt and run like our earthly father?  Do we  seek protection like our heaven-sent savior?  

May we see our Lord, saying, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 23.39b).

Jeremiah 7.1-29, Matthew 23.1-12 - Lectionary for 11/5/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 7.1-29 and Matthew 23.1-12.  

What do we do about evil?  And what kind of evil is this that our Lord talks about in today's readings?  The evil we see in our land today is the very same kind of evil we see in the time of Jeremiah and in the time of Matthew.  We see the evil of people trying to make a way for themselves, to mediate their own redemption, to do good on their own terms rather than God's terms.  We see people working for their own profit rather than for the ood of God and what he has ordained.  This is a tremendous evil.  It seems that in the Bible the harder we try to work things out for ourselves the worse we do at it.  So what do we do?  What hope do we have?  Look again at the end of our reading in Matthew.  We humble ourselves before the Lord and allow him to do his work in us.  He  can then accomplish his will in and through us.

Jeremiah 5.1-19, Matthew 22.23-46 - Lectionary for 11/4/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 5.1-19 and Matthew 22.23-46.

In today's reading we see demand after demand.  God has his holy demands and seeks out those who keep to that standard he has given.  In both Jeremiah and Matthew we read about the perfect commands of our Lord.  How does Jesus sum up all the Law?  Love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves.  This, in a nutshell, gives us all God expects of us.  

Are we going to do that?  If we consider our attitudes adequately we will see that we fail utterly.  We do not love God with all our heart.  We do not love our neighbors as ourselves.  We place ourselves on the throne rather than as God's subjects at his feet.  That's the way we are.

Again, Lord, we come before you with thankful hearts.  You have carried our sins and offenses in your death on the cross.  You have risen from the dead to show yourself the victor and to be the firstborn among many brothers.  You will raise those who trust in you and your forgiveness as well to be your brothers in eternity.

Jeremiah 3.6-4.2, Matthew 22.1-22 - Lectionary for 11/3/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 3.6-4.2 and Matthew 22.1-22.

God's call to his people is a call to depart from their spiritual adultery.  He commands that we have only one God.  There is none equal to him in this world.  Yet we fail to fear, love and trust him.  Even though most of us don't make the step of offering our children to idols, making sacrifices, and hanging out with the prostitutes in the pagan worship sites, we still fail to look to God with our whole hearts.  We fail to be solely devoted to him.  We are like those who are invited to the wedding feast in Matthew's Gospel and who make some half-wit refusal to the king.  What are we to do?

The fact is, whatever we do we will end up committing spiritual adultery.  We are despicable in this.  But see in Matthew 10 that the Lord of the wedding feast does fill his hall with guests.  None is worthy of attendance, but both bad and good are gathered into the hall for the wedding feast.  That includes us bad people.  Through Jesus' death on our behalf, through his giving himself as a substitute for us who were unworthy and who treated him with despite, we are gathered into the wedding hall.  Let us then rejoice in the feast our Lord has placed before us.  That's our duty, and it is our great delight as well.

Jeremiah 1.1-19, Matthew 21.23-46 - Lectionary for 11/2/09

Today's readings are Jeremiah 1.1-19 and Matthew 21.23-46.

Jeremiah the prophet lived at a significant crossroads in Israel's history.  He saw a free but embattled Israel, then lived to see a captive Israel.  He received God's command to serve as a prophet when he was young, but then lived to an old age. Throughout this long life, Jeremiah saw again and again that the Lord had called him and would sustain and protect him, regardless of the dangers he faced.  He was to proclaim God's word in boldness, to be rejected, to be ignored, even persecuted, and then to see God protecting him even through the persecution, famine, and deportation of his people.

Is our Lord bringing our culture into some sort of a period of difficulty like that faced by Jeremiah?  We hardly know.  But we do know that our Lord will provide for the proclamation of his word to our culture.  Those of us who are prepared to speak out in the name of the Lord will not be put to shame.  We will see God's hand of protection, no matter what happens in our society.

May the Lord make his people faithful.

Deuteronomy 34.1-12, Matthew 21.1-22 - Lectionary for 11/1/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 34.1-12 and Matthew 21.1-22.

Today is recognized as All Saints' Day, the day when we remember and rejoice in the lives of believers, living and dead.  Our readings point us to this reality, this promise of eternal life.  In this earthly life, Moses can go near the land of promise but does not get to enter it.  His sin and the frailty of his aged body prevent him from being a partaker of the promise, as did Abraham's sin and frailty, along with countless others over hundreds of years.  But Moses is blessed to see what he has longed for, to have a glimpse of what others will soon inherit.

We likewise will not enter the land of promise in this earthly life.  In our mortality though we can approach the promised land we will not inherit it.  We inherit the land only in our immortality, once our mortal lives have ended.  We look to Jesus, the forerunner, who in today's reading does enter the city of Jerusalem as a king, ready to inherit his throne.  We look in faith to Jesus who has risen from the dead as the firstfruits of the resurrection and has taken his immortal throne.  We look to the day when we, along with all the saints, will be raised in incorruptibility to an eternal life in the land of promise.  This is the promise made to all the saints.  This is why we an celebrate on a day like this.  All the saints, living temporally and living eternally, are living.  Our Lord is the lord of life.

 

Deuteronomy 31.30-32.27, Matthew 20.1-16 - Lectionary for 10/30/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 31.30-32.27 and Matthew 20.1-16.

The thrust of both our readings today is that the Lord is exactly the kind of Lord who lavishes care on people who don't particularly deserve it and who often complain to him in return.  See how in the Old Testament reading we see the people of Israel repaying the Lord's favor and kindness by desiring other gods and ignoring the true God who has provided them with all they need.  In our New Testament reading we see that the people who seemed perfectly happy to be hired in the morning and work all day are upset because the master showed his care for others who didn't work all day as well.

The Lord is presented throughout Scripture as a God who cares for his people and governs them in his love.  What do we have to be jealous of?  Is it that the Lord shows love for others we don't think deserve it?  Maybe that means we need to realize that we don't deserve God's favor either.  Maybe that makes us uncomfortable.  Maybe that's a good thing, as it may remind us that our Lord's love does not cease.

May our Lord draw us lovingly to himself today.  May we rejoice in seeing him do the same to others.

Deuteronomy 31.1-29, Matthew 19.16-30 - Lectionary for 10/29/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 31.1-29 and Matthew 19.16-30.

Today we read about the two ways to gain eternal life.  Yes, two ways.  Before you throw rocks, hear me out.  There are clearly two ways in Scripture which are revealed which will lead us to eternal life.

Way 1: Live a righteous life before God keeping his commands and decrees, trusting that his commands are good and right.  Indeed, if we do this we will be perfect and we will enter life.  This is not my opinion.  This is what Jesus says in Matthew 19.17.  This is a way to eternal life and blessing.  It will work for everyone who does it, bar none.  Nobody is prohibited from keeping God's commands and decrees, trusting that his commands are good and right.

Way 2: Live a life of humility before God, trusting that his commands are good and right and that they have been fulfilled in Christ, who forgives us when we sin against God and when we confess our distrust in him.  Jesus summarizes this now in Matthew 19.26.  It's impossible with man, but possible in God's will.  Our Lord has kept the decrees of God on our behalf.  We trust in his righteous ability to keep those commands and to fulfill all things, and that he has done it for us.

Two ways.  Go ahead, choose one.  In way #1, we have to earn our own merit before God.  We have no recourse when we fail.  There is no repentance.  There is no forgiveness.  One strike and you are out.  There is no second or third strike in this game.  In way #2 we have repentance for our sin.  We have forgiveness in Christ.  We have a perfect Lord who has already overcome the world.

I think we'd better stick with way #2, don't you?

Now you can throw rocks if you disagree.

Deuteronomy 30.1-20, Matthew 19.1-15 - Lectionary for 10/28/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 30.1-20 and Matthew 19.1-15.

What does God do for his people when they endure hardship?  Of course, our attempts to answer that always fall short.  We don't know God's plan exhaustively.  We have no idea of the depths of his mercy and grace.  And in this very complicated world with an incredible number of interactions among people and events we have no clue of all the implications of any one situation.

Here's something we do know from today's reading.  We do know that the Lord uses hardship, among other things, to remind us of the Lord's promises and his compassion.  When we face difficulties we can look to our Lord and see that he is the one who ultimately resolves all troubles.  We can look at our situations and see how they are all ultimately related to the sinful condition of the world.  We can look at Jesus Christ, who has redeemed the world to God.  We know that we can look from our hardships to the life-giving Lord who has promised final deliverance.

So what does the Lord plan for us today?  We don't know.  But we do know that our Lord and Savior, in Matthew 19.14, says children may come to him for his blessing.  We who look to him in faith can come to him this day as well.  We can know that he is always with us, caring for us, and is the one who will bring us through all our trials.

Deuteronomy 29.1-29, Matthew 18.21-35 - Lectionary for 10/27/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 29.1-29 and Matthew 18.21-35.

What does it mean that all the Israelites are members of the covenant?  God has proclaimed a covenant that can be kept by faith, not by works.  All those people who are joined with the people of Israel, every man woman and child, partakes of this covenant.  Yet we see that everyone is perfectly able to depart from the covenant.  It is altogether possible to walk away from God's grace and try to be saved by works, by obedience to the Law.  Of course, we are not able to keep the Law perfectly with all our hearts all the time.  We will fail every time.

So in the New Testament we see that people are saved by grace through faith, not of their works, but by God who saves them.  This salvation is the gift of God, it is not something we can do.  In some ways, salvation is a matter of non-doing rather than doing.  We fight the urge to depend on our goodness for salvation.  We fight the desire to trust in ourselves.  Yet all the while we are concerned with doing good.  The works of righteousness which God has ordained are things we are to do, things which delight God, things which serve our neighbors.  We are certainly to do lots of good works.  But those are not what save us.  Salvation is rather a non-done work, as it is already done by Christ on our behalf.

We partakers of the covenant have the privilege of clinging to Christ and His righteousness as our hope.  This is the belief in the covenant the Lord has delivered to his people.  It is the very same covenant he made at the beginning of time.

Deuteronomy 28.1-22, Matthew 18.1-20 - Lectionary for 10/26/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 28.1-22 and Matthew 18.1-20.

Look at the love the Lord has for his chosen people.  His love exceeds reason.  Here's an example.  Is a lone shepherd actually going to leave 99 sheep to wander unsupervised on a hillside while he goes to look for the one who strayed?  Not at all.  The unsupervised sheep will be prey themselves or at least will wander away.  But our Lord and Savior comes to rescue us when we stray.  His loving care is able to protect us when we are not wandering and to rescue us when we are wandering.  This is no earthly shepherd.  His love exceeds all reason and ability.

As we read and consider the cursings and blessings we are given in Deuteronomy, let us remember that these cursings and blessings are spoken by the Lord who chooses to bring blessing upon his people.  All around us we can see evidence of his mighty hand of blessing.  May the Lord bless us to return thanks to him for his lovingkindness today.

Deuteronomy 27.1-26, Matthew 17.14-27 - Lectionary for 10/25/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 27.1-26 and Matthew 17.14-27.

Today we see several frustrating events in the ministry of our Lord.  First, the disciples are not able to cast out a demon due to their lack of trust in God.  Then the disciples are distressed by Jesus' foretelling of his death.  Peter then agrees that Jesus should pay the temple tax, thus indicating that he does not think Jesus is really the Son of God.  These are aggravating situations indeed.  Jesus deals with our unbelief all the time, showing that he is the Lord who cares for us even when we treat him with doubt, even when we bring shame to him.  

See how Jesus shows his mighty power and forgiveness to Peter?  Notice he corrects him and then provides Peter's need to pay the tax, as well as giving him the opportunity to pacify the leaders and pay for Jesus as well.  And Peter finds this money in the mouth of the first fish which comes up.  He presumably catches others, which can then be sold or eaten.  Jesus takes Peter's lack of understanding and gives him an opportunity for prosperity, at least a little prosperity he wouldn't have had otherwise.

Such love that our Lord has for us.  He takes annoying situations and makes them work for his glory and our good.

Deuteronomy 25.17-26.19, Matthew 17.1-13 - Lectionary for 10/24/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 25.17-26.19 and Matthew 17.1-13.

Our reading in Matthew today points us to the supremacy of Christ.  When God appears in power, we look to Christ.  When we think we have a good idea about something great to do, we are to hear Christ and His Word.  No matter what the situation, we are to hear, trust, and obey our Lord and Savior.

God has revealed himself in these last days in the person of his Son.  What additional revelation do we need?

Deuteronomy 24.10-25.10, Matthew 16.13-28 - Lectionary for 10/23/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 24.10-25.10 and Matthew 16.13-28.

Jesus tells those who believe on him to take up their cross and follow him.  This is not always a pleasant journey.  We sometimes think of our "cross to bear" as some sort of difficulty.  What if we think of it as our lethal injection or an electric chair?  The cross was a tool of execution.  It is in fact Jesus' death.  It is our death too.  Taking up Jesus' cross leads to death.

Well what of this?  As we think biblically we see that death in Christ is great gain.  We lose our life in the reality of Jesus' resurrection.  We do not gain this world.  We gain eternity.  We do lose our own attempts at righteousness, justification, wealth, and worldly accomplishments.  Those will all pass away with our earthly body - when the cross gets hold of us.  We gain Jesus' life,  Jesus' righteousness, justification from the One who is just, the riches of heaven and its eternity.  This is great gain.

Let us then deny ourselves and follow Christ.  It seems like foolishness for now.  It grants life and eternity.  There's nothing foolish about that.

Deuteronomy 21.1-23, Matthew 16.1-12 - Lectionary for 10/22/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 21.1-23 and Matthew 16.1-12.

We've been walking through God's commands to Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land.  Today he points out to them that life in society is really pretty tough.  Actions have consequences.  Laws have consequences.  Sometimes you plan something and it works but it may have a result you didn't plan on or desire.  

God cares about just treatment.  He talks here about just treatment when someone has been murdered but the killer is not found.  That person, even if unknown, is treated with respect.  He talks about justice for captives who have been taken into families.  He talks about just treatment for the children of unloved wives.  When it comes time for an inheritance they are to be treated justly.  He talks about just treatment for parents of rebellious children, and for those rebellious children themselves.  Even criminals who have been executed are not trampled and defiled.  Their very bodies, as something created somehow to bear God's image, receive dignity in their treatment.

No matter how you stack it, God's standard for love of neighbors in our community far surpasses our ideas.  We do not find this kind of legislation anywhere but places where God's Word has been taken seriously.  May the Lord give us a deep and genuine love for our neighbors.

Deuteronomy 20.1-20, Matthew 15.21-39 - Lectionary for 10/21/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 20.1-20 and Matthew 15.21-39.

Our reading today in Deuteronomy 20 shows Israel on conquest as different from other nations.  Let's remember some of the features of the Israelite behavior.  First we see that they were voluntarily understaffed.  Rather than compelling everyone who could hold a sword or throw something to join the fight, they sent those who were fearful or who would be preoccupied with other obligations home.  Better to have soldiers deactivated than distracted.  Second we see that the Israelites were inspired with courage from the true God.  The priests were there not just to give comfort or, as in paganism, to make sacrifices and hope something good might happen, but to remind the soldiers of the definitive command and promises of God.  Third, we see that Israel was merciful in this conquest.  They first demanded surrender, second they engaged in a seige so as to demand surrender.  The goal was to subdue the people, not to exterminate them entirely.  They were not to engage in wanton destruction of cities, forests, fields, or those who did not surrender.

This invasion of Israel actually showed a good deal of love for the people who were already in the land.  What?  Loving your neighbor whom you are invading?  Yes.  In their invasion, Israel was bringing knowledge of the true God.  They were bearing with them God's blessing, peace, and health for the people they overcame.  It would be counter-productive to go around engaging in looting and plundering.   They were bringing God's kingdom to the region.  This is a great blessing to the people.

May we also be messengers of God's kingdom, his blessing and peace wherever we are.

Deuteronomy 19.1-20, Matthew 15.1-20 - Lectionary for 10/20/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 19.1-20 and Matthew 15.1-20.

Garbage in, garbage out - is this a rule for holy living?  I suppose it can be a rule for holy living, but it is an inferior rule.  Here's a partial reason for that.  How many rules do we need?  What kind of information and influences are we taking in on purpose?  What do we get simply by being in this world?  Can we avoid them all?  And if we do avoid them all, does that make us holy?  In fact, we see in Matthe 15 that a change in behavior doesn't necessarily signify a change in heart.  We can clip the leaf clusters from a poison ivy vine, handle the vine, and still get poison ivy.  And like poison ivy, we are toxic.

The garbage that comes out of our lives shows what was inside.  What kind of garbage do we see?  How do we respond to hardship?  Do we act with a hard heart and become bitter?  How do we respond to blessing?  Do we find ways to treat that as a cures too?  How do we see our good works?  Maybe we compare ourselves to others and thus proclaim ourselves holy.

In the most holy person we find evil.  Should we wash our hands and purify ourselves from uncleanness?  Yes, but it is not enough. Moreso we plead that our Lord will wash our hearts.  May the Lord bring out good fruit from our lives.

Deuteronomy 18.1-22, Matthew 14.22-36 - Lectionary for 10/19/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 18.1-22 and Matthew 14.22-36.

One of the common complaints that I've heard about the more liturgical church traditions is that there is an emphasis on the priest or pastor leading, representing the congregation to God and representing God to the congregation.  Is this not, however, what we see in Deuteronomy 18.15-19?  Here we see that it was good and right that the people of Israel would want a mediator between themselves and God because they were afraid to face God's holiness.

The priesthood in the Old Testament is foreshadowing the priesthood of Christ in the New Testament.  Likewise, in the age of the Church, we still have those who look back to our Lord and Savior.  They make prayers on the behalf of all the saints.  Those prayers are traditionally called "collects" as they serve to gather together the needs of all the people and bring them before the Lord.  The pastor proclaims the Word of God, including our Lord's forgiveness for the sin we confess.  This is God speaking to his people through the human messenger. 

Again and again in Church practice we see people looking forward or backward to Christ, the true Mediator between God and man.  While this in no way excuses every believer from faithful prayer, true confession, and diligent service, it does remind the believer that he does not stand on his own.  He can look to the true Mediator, Christ the Lord, who has stood between sinful man and the holy God,  redeeming and guarding his people so they would not perish.

Deuteronomy 17.1-20, Matthew 14.1-21 - Lectionary for 10/18/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 17.1-20 and Matthew 14.1-21.

We often hear people complain about the idea of legal discipline and vengeance as it is presented in the Bible.  Many times I have heard people suggest that the legal system under the Old Testament was harsh.  Just look at all the killing!  And what's this "eye for an eye" thing?  

Of course, the "eye for an eye" described to a property owner how careful he had to be with his livestock and personnel because if they should harm someone else he should have the same harm inflicted upon himself, showing that the lives and well-being of others is very important.  But that's not in this passage.  This passage in Deuteronomy talks about the death penalty. 

Observe that evidence needs to be marshalled.  Circumstantial evidence will not do.  You need eyewitnesses to a serious crime.  You cannot convict someone on the basis of one witness.  Two or better three witnesses are required.  It is unacceptable to have witnesses who disagree.  They need to be able to tell what happened and show that they actually saw it.  These witnesses appear before multiple judges.   The trials are open to all.  And if someone is to be put to death, the witnesses are the first to begin the execution.  The rest of the community participates as well. 

This is no arbitrary or bloodthirsty process.  It follows the rules of law.  It involves everyone in protecting the defendant.  When it is clear the defendant cannot be protected, he is executed, but everyone has to participate.  It's a terrible thing with a strong deterrent factor.  We do not want to die, and we especially don't want our family and friends to have to kill us.

How does this type of penalty differ from the surrounding culture of the day?  If someone was accused of wrongdoing an avenger could go kill him.  End of story.  If a king, judge, or other powerful leader wanted someone dead, he could have that person executed.  End of story.  There were no requirements for testimony, no requirements for eyewitnesses, no opportunities for appeal.  The Biblical mandates are very kind and gentle.

Our Lord values truth, justice, and redemption.  Did people commit crimes and then live due to lack of witnesses?  No doubt.  How have we committed crimes and sins against our Lord and Savior?  Yet we live because he took on our sin, becoming sin for us, becoming a curse in our place.  We are all condemned.  We have three eyewitnesses - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We deserve nothing but death.  Instead our Lord has lavished life and salvation on us by his grace through the faith he imparts to us.  Thanks be to God for his wonderful gifts.

Deuteronomy 15.19-16.22, Matthew 13.44-58 - Lectionary for 10/17/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 15.19-16.22 and Matthew 13.44-58.

As we read the commands about offerings and the various feasts that Israel is to celebrate, we notice that the Israelites do not lose their offerings in any way.  They take their offerings to the appointed place and they eat them along with everyone else.  It's more like a banquet than like paying taxes.  We also see in the different holidays that everyone participates, including the poor who would not have means to celebrate God's goodness.

While our Lord did appoint private property - you can't have the prohibition against stealing without having private property - he is intensely interested in seeing that the poor and hungry are cared for.  Within the context of God's community there should be no crushing poverty.  God provides the needs for his people, using his people to do it.

May the Lord ever bless us to care for those in our community who need our care.

Deuteronomy 14.1-2, 22-23; 14.28-15.15; Matthew 13.24-43 - Lectionary for 10/16/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 14.1-2, 22-23; 14.28-15.15; Matthew 13.24-43.

Our reading in Deuteronomy underlines for us that we are not to hold too tightly to this world's things.  Every seventh year was to be a Sabbatical year.  It was a year of release.  Slaves you purchased from among your countrymen would be released.  Debts would be forgiven.  Not only were the Israelites to practice this debt amnesty, but they were to be especially generous at this time, sending their servants away with gifts.  Every seventh year the people of Israel would see God's provision for them at a time when they were prohibited by law from providing for themselves.

How does this relate with our New Testament reading?  Look again at the parable of the weeds.  This is not an example of good human farming methods.  It is not a good idea to leave our gardens with all sorts of weeds growing.  Yet this is what our Lord does with this world.  He allows sin.  He allows the work of the enemy to continue.  He allows this counter to our human wisdom.  Just like the Israelites who grant forgiveness of debts and see that their Lord gives them all they need, we grant forgiveness of sin and see that our Lord has already settled the problem of sin on the cross and will settle the problem of the sinner in the day of judgment.

Have we been shown mercy?  Let us then go and show mercy.

Deuteronomy 13.1-18, Matthew 13.1-23 - Lectionary for 10/15/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 13.1-18 and Matthew 13.1-23.

I'll just point out briefly today that some of what the Bible says makes no sense to our own ideas of logic.  In today's readings we see that those who are not faithful to God and his will should be destroyed, even if they are our families.  We are to accept no lack of faith and righteousness as they are defined by God.  The standard is incredibly high.  Every one of us is guilty.  Then in our New Testament reading Jesus makes some very cryptic remarks essentially indicating that the Word of God is planted everywhere, that it accomplishes its purpose and bears fruit except where it is violently choked out.

Are we violently choking out God's Word?   To be realistic, we have to admit that we are.  That's the way we typically operate, at least on some level.  We do want to do things our way, according to our timetable.  

We can take heart because God's Word is mighty.  It accomplishes its purpose. Even in the unfruitful ground it is creating nourishment.  Even the birds who snatch the Word away end up dropping it, allowing it to be fruitful.  God's Word is greater than we are.  Our nature is to choke and destroy God's Word but it grows, blossoms, and bears fruit anyway.  There's nothing wrong with the Word.

Why the parables?  It seems that Jesus is speaking in parables so that if we insist on closing our eyes, stopping up our ears, and turning our backs we are able to do so.  Jesus speaks in mysteries apparently so we can ignore what he says if we insist.  Let's don't ignore it.  May the Word of God dwell in us richly, bringing forth an abundant harvest.

Deuteronomy 12.13-32, Matthew 12.38-50 - Lectionary for 10/14/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 12.13-32 and Matthew 12.38-50.

Many times Christians are uncomfortable with the idea of a particular place for God's presence.  We like to emphasize his omnipresence, which is a true and biblical concept.  Yet we see in many places throughout Scripture that God appoints a particular place for worship, as he appoints particular ways of worship.  Has this idea passed away in the New Testament?

Jesus makes clear in Matthew 28 and many other places that he himself is, in fact, the New Testament place of worship.  He comes to be with his believers.  He has broken the bounds of worship in Jerusalem by having fellowship with believers wherever they are assembled in His name.  

What about referring to the local church building as "God's house" or the ideas of focusing attention on a cross, a crucifix, an altar, or a copy of the Scripture?  We do not worship the building, the furniture, or the book but we do worship the Lord who is revealed in those things.  We do not worship the building, the furniture, or the book but we do find the true presence of Christ with his people as we worship him in spirit and truth.  And since he has promised to be with us in bodily form in his Supper we may rightly treat his real presence with particular honor.  

We've all heard the question, "If Jesus walked into your local church would he be welcome?"  So we proclaim that Jesus is really present in our local churches.  Do we honor him?  He has appointed a place of worship, and that is where we are gathered in his name.

Deuteronomy 11.26-12.12, Matthew 12.22-37 - Lectionary for 10/13/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 11.26-12.12 and Matthew 12.22-37.

Our Lord gives us the option of receiving his blessing or his curse.  He makes it quite clear.  Through faithful obedience, particularly loving the Lord with all our heart and acting in accord with that love, we receive God's blessing.  What is the force of this?  If we look honestly at the Law of God we see that we will never succeed.  Luther compares the Law to a light which does nothing but show our failure.  It leaves no room for self-righteousness.  

Even in this passage loaded with the condemning light of the Law in Deuteronomy we find that God is giving promises.  He is saying that by faith we can bring our offerings.  By faith we can rejoice before the Lord.  By faith we can live in the blessing of God even though we fail in our attempts at keeping God's Law.

We see this, of course, much more clearly when in the New Testament we read that Jesus died for our disobedience to God's Law.  He gave himself in our place so we could live and rejoice in his righteousness.  There's the Gospel which we need so much after reading the Law.

Deuteronomy 11.1-25, Matthew 12.1-21 - Lectionary for 10/12/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 11.1-25 and Matthew 12.1-21.

Who is the Lord of the Sabbath?  Jesus clearly identifies himself as the Lord of the Sabbath today.  He also points out that he is free to do good on the Sabbath.  

There's a lot of debate about the Christian view of the Sabbath.  I'll simply propose today that we consider that the believer is in the presence of the Lord of the Sabbath all the time.  The Sabbath is the time of rest from our labors.  As we saw in yesterday's reading, the labors from which we most need rest are those labors we enter into as we fight with sin.  Sin is the curse, the Sabbath is the rest from the curse of sin.  Christ our Sabbath has ushered us into an eternal Sabbath, the deliverance from sin.  What day of the week is the Sabbath?  Today.  What do we rest from?  We rest from sin because of Christ's love for us.  Will tomorrow be the Sabbath as well?  Yes it will.  The Sabbath-day's rest from sin will last forever.  After all, we are in the presence of the Lord of the Sabbath who has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

This is rest indeed.  I wonder how many of us will remember that as we go about our busy days?

Deuteronomy 9.23-10.22, Matthew 11.20-30 - Lectionary for 10/11/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 9.23-10.22 and Matthew 11.20-30.

Are we laboring with God's commands?  Are we striving to do what the Lord has told us to do, to keep the commands he has given us, to love him with all our heart?  This is the command of God.  We are to come to him in obedience and in true heartfelt repentance for our sin and failure.  And on one level the Lord has made it easy on us.  Unlike the gods of the pagans, we do not have to figure out by intuition or by natural revelation what would be pleasing.  We have the Scripture which tells us clearly what it is that God expects.

So what do we do?  We fail in keeping his commands.  We are heavy laden by the Law of God.  We are burdened down with our effort to obey.  We are weary.  What shall we do?  He tells us - come to him.  We can trust in our Lord, Jesus, who has kept the law on our behalf, who has borne the penalty for our sin in his body.  We can look to him and we will see that he is the gentle one.  He is the one who has stooped down to lift us up when we could no longer lift ourselves.  He is the one who gives us rest from the sin which we see so very clearly when we try to keep God's Law.  This is the Gospel.  Christ has done what we need.  We have only to look to him in repentance and faith.

Deuteronomy 9.1-22, Matthew 11.1-19 - Lectionary for 10/10/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 9.1-22 and Matthew 11.1-19.

Consider John's disciples who came to ask Jesus if he was the Christ.  Look at Jesus' answer.  He does not simply say that he is the Christ.  He points his questioners to his works.  We likewise will do well to look to Jesus' works.  What has he done?  Has he lived in this sinful world and become acquainted with sorrow and the grief that we endure?  Has he seen the fruits of sin in people's lives?  Has he seen the crushing weight of God's Law upon sinful people?  Has he taken on the sin of the world and died so that we might live?

Let us not ask, "What would Jesus do?" but rather, "What did Jesus do?"

Deuteronomy 8.1-20, Matthew 10.24-42 - Lectionary for 10/9/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 8.1-20 and Matthew 10.24-42.

In Deuteronomy 8.15 we see that the Lord led Israel through the wilderness "that he might humble [them] and test [them] to do [them] good in the end" (ESV).  This humbling and testing goes on in our age as well.  Our Lord and Savior brings us through many trials.  Daily we are confrtonted with the temptation to live by our own wisdom, to depend on our ability.  Yet we do not live by bread alone, but by God's Word.  We do not live based on our covenant, but on God's covenant.  We do not live by our toils but by the toils of Christ on our behalf.

What does our Lord do when we choose to live by our own wits, when we exercise our free will, which is actually a bound will, when we try to have it all our own way?  Ultimately he allows us to do so.  He warns us it is the path of destruction.  He throws obstacles in our way.  He lets us endure the challenges and sufferings that come to people in every socio-economic class.  He lets us see the sinfulness of sin as we are sinned against and as we sin against others.  He lets us find that there is no adequate recourse for sin and suffering outside of himself.  But ultimately he lets us strive to earn our own salvation, to live our own way.

Let us not go down the path of destruction by exercising our will, living by our word.  Let us rather be humbled and tested, that our Lord may do us good in the end.  And this is the good he has promised.  Dying he will die for us and our sin.  He will show us that he has borne our shame and grief.  He will show us that the resurrection he experienced is the resurrection we will have, a resurrection to eternal life.  He will show us that he is indeed our living hope on this earth and in the life to come.

Deuteronomy 7.1-19, Matthew 10.1-23 - Lectionary for 10/8/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 7.1-19 and Matthew 10.1-23.

God has chosen his people.  They are to be his holy people.  Yet counter to some modern non-Christian religions, he does not give believers the command to destroy infidels.  Here in Deuteronomy 7 is an example of a command which God gave but which expired.  In Christ we are to bring the Gospel to all nations, including the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and all the other Ites we can find.  Yet we do not make covenants with unbelievers.  We do not marry with them or give our children in marriage to them.  We do not turn away from the Gospel of Christ for any reason whatsoever.  We are a people called to be holy to the Lord.  When we are called to account, we speak the Word of God in the power of the Spirit and we trust that our Lord will work though us with His Word.  

This Christian life is quite different from all those other religions which are set on world domination.  They convert through the sword and by constraining behavior.  Christ converts through the Spirit and he changes behavior through repentance and forgiveness.  It couldn't be more different!

Deuteronomy 6.10-25, Matthew 9.18-38 - Lectionary for 10/7/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 6.10-25 and Matthew 9.18-38.

Jesus looks at the people.  They are weary and harrassed.  They are like sheep without a shepherd.  When we consider the pastoral office, it's important to consider that the pastor serves as our Lord's shepherd for the sheep of his flock.  The shepherd acts on the behalf of the master.  He acts to guard and nurture the flock.  He protects them from their weariness.  He sustains them when they are weary, moving them to safety and nourishment.  And he makes sure they are nourished with all they need.

How many of our pastors today do not do the work of a shepherd, but do the work of an administrator, a coach, even a sheep that wants its flock to provide for it?  The biblical role of a pastor is that of Christ himself, laying his life down for the good of his flock, giving them the words of life and forgiveness they need, feeding them with true food and true drink which does not perish.  This is the ministry of the shepherd.

Lord, may those who are the shepherds of your flock, as well as those who are the sheep of your flock, look to you for their provision.  May we all together rejoice in the life you have given, the work you have ordained for us, the gifts you have provided for the good of your people.  May we all in turn show the world that you are the good shepherd, who protects your flock from being weary and harrassed.

Deuteronomy 5.22-6.9, Matthew 9.1-17 - Lectionary for 10/6/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 5.22-6.9 and Matthew 9.1-17.

Today we see more of the crushing weight of God's Law.  He is a consuming fire, the one who scares everyone off the mountain of his presence.  He gives commands and we are to keep all of them flawlessly.  He cautions us to be very careful.  If we keep God's commands flawlessly we are promised a rich inheritance.  

How will we keep these commands?  If we look to ourselves for that ability we will either lapse into despair or into self-righteousness.  We will either realize we cannot do God's command or we will deceive ourselves by saying that we in fact keep God's command and that it's everyone else who is some sort of a sinner.

This will not do.  We realize we fail constantly.  Yet we do not plunge into despair because our Lord has told us of his good favor, his love and kindness.  He has reminded us that his desire is to bless those who turn to him in belief.  And he has shown us that mercy in Christ.  Which is easier?  To forgive sin or to heal someone who can't walk?  We can do neither, just as we cannot keep God's commands.  But Jesus can do all of this with perfect ease.  He shows his divinity in his ability to do what no human can do.  And that includes taking on the penalty for all our failure to follow God's Law.  We are crushed, but he is crushed on our behalf.  We are in despair but we turn to him in hope.  We realize we cannot be righteous in ourselves but we turn to his perfect righteousness.

Christ has delivered us from the curse of the Law.

Deuteronomy 5.1-21, Matthew 8.18-34 - Lectionary for 10/5/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 5.1-21 and Matthew 8.18-34.

We continue seeing passages that give us some good insight into the distinction between Law and Gospel.  See how when God commands us to do things they seem to be things that we really can't do?  Or if we can do them we don't always want to do them?  And recall how in recent readings in Matthew Jesus has turned up the heat on some of the Law - murder includes unfair criticism of your brother, for instance.

So where's the Gospel?  Look how Jesus does what is needed and good.  Jesus is able to command the weather, something none of us can do. Jesus casts out demons with seemingly no effort, something else we can never do.  Jesus' ability to do things on our behalf is astounding to everyone.  Should it surprise us then when he says he can become sin for us and die for our sins?  Should it surprise us when he says he will be with us always? 

Our Lord in his Gospel has accomplished great things, fulfilling God's Law, that we couldn't do and wouldn't want to.  He can even make us desire to do God's Law, thus making us people who will love and serve our neighbors.  May we have the grace to follow our Lord in thankfulness today, trusting his promises.

  

Deuteronomy 3.1-29, Matthew 7.1-12 - Lectionary for 10/2/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 3.1-29 and Matthew 7.1-12.

I fear that Matthew 7.1 is the only Bible verse people in much of modern Western society know, and that they know it quite badly.  What is judging in the Bible?  We are in fact to make moral decisions and assess whether something is right or wrong.  But we are not to condemn out of hand without knowledge.

So how should we judge?  We look at the facts.  We consider Scripture.  If something is sin we identify it as sin for which Christ died.  If something is not sin we identify it as something which is good in the sight of our Lord.  We consider that our sin is every bit as serious, maybe more serious, than the sin of those around us.  And we rejoice in Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Who's judgmental?  It must be those people who have decided that Christians are judgmental.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com

Deuteronomy 2.16-37, Matthew 6.16-34 - Lectionary for 10/1/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 2.16-37 and Matthew 6.16-34.

I wonder if we think about those people who are not Israel, who are not God's specially chosen people.  In Deuteronomy 2.19 we see that God has made promises to people who are not the children of Abraham.  God has given the territory of Ammon to the descendants of Lot.

What do we know about Lot?  He was a nephew of Abraham.  He was not in the line chosen to receive the promise of God.  He departed from the city of Sodom when the city was due to be destroyed by fire.  He fell into sinful disbelief and fear before bearing children with his daughters who were concerned their family line would pass away if they didn't get him drunk and impregnate themselves.  This is the story of a family that is a real wreck!

God promises to care for lots of people who have messed up families.  God promises to care for all sorts of people who fall into fear and disbelief.  God promises to care for all his chosen people, those he has adopted not of the biological descendants of Abraham but those of the spiritual seed of Abraham.  He promises to be with us, never to leave us, never to forsake us.  He will be with us to the end of the world, even though our families are messed up, even though we fear, even though we believe only weakly.  We who have seen the deliverance of God are delivered indeed.  We have a place and an inheritance which our Lord will guard for us. 

Deuteronomy 1.37-2.15, Matthew 6.1-15 - Lectionary for 9/30/09

(Posting early due to an appointment altogether too early in the morning on the 30th)

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 1.37-2.15 and Matthew 6.1-15.

In our modern world's culture of governmental charity and a welfare state, I wonder how many people are actually quiet heroes.  In Matthew 6.1-4 we see our Lord's command to give quietly.  The United States government doesn't seem to think this actually happens.  I think it happens a whole lot more than we know.  How many times have you known someone who had a need which was known and that need was taken care of?  How many people have you known who are in lower income groups, raising children, and routinely receive bags of hand-me-down clothes?  How about the young couple just getting started who receive a basket of food just because someone knew they could use it?  Have you ever gone looking for an excuse to give something to someone?  I know I have, and sometimes I've managed to pull it off too.  I wonder how many Christians have quietly adopted other people's children by giving their parents clothing, lunch money, Christmas and birthday presents, and making sure those children make it to sporting events, music lessons, even doctor visits.

Of course, once we talk about this in the blogosphere we ruin it.  So don't talk about it.  Just go do something.  Have fun!  Your Father sees you and will reward you with his smile of delight.

Deuteronomy 1.19-36, Matthew 5.21-48 - Lectionary for 9/29/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 1.19-36 and Matthew 5.21-48.

We continue looking at this Law/Gospel idea.  Let's take the beginning of our reading in Matthew for an example.  What's the big thrust of verses 21-26?  It's clearly got a big emphasis on law.  Jesus starts out reminding us of the law about murder and then he applies the same kind of penalty against those who are angry with their brothers.  Did you have a brother growing up?  I did.  Nobody can provoke anger more effectively.  And in our world we are surrounded by brothers and sisters.  Jesus paints us as all being in the same family.  Fact is, there are a lot of people who are good at provoking anger and we're good at being provoked.  We are good at deriding those around us.  We are good at mocking and criticizing.

Is that enough law?  There's plenty of sin that we do.  Now look at verse 23.  This isn't just about when we are angry.  What about if someone else is angry?  Good grief!  I have to be responsible for that person's anger too?  This is too much, isn't it?

Jesus says if we know some situation where someone has something against us or we have something against someone we are not even to finish making our offering.  We don't even try to enter into worship when there is unforgiveness.  It's futile because by definition we are guilty, and that guilt is just as bad as the guilt of murder.

So there's the law.  Go ahead.  Take it and apply it.  If the shoe fits, kick yourself with it.  If it doesn't, go look for your feet.  There's plenty here to convict each of us.

Where's the Gospel?  It's right there, but we had to look.  "Come to terms with your accuser" (v. 25).  Who is accusing us?  It may not be the other person.  If I'm angry with my neighbor, if I've been mocking my neighbor in my heart, he is not accusing me.  Who is accusing me?  God is my accuser.  Wait a minute!  This is worse!  I'm guilty of murder and I'm not being accused by a person, but by God!  But this in fact is the Gospel because I come to terms with my accuser through the completed work of Christ on the cross on my behalf.  I come to terms with my accuser because Christ died in the place of murderers.  I come to terms with my accuser because Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for me.  I come to terms with my accuser because my accuser has given himself for me.  There's the Gospel.  There's the forgiveness.  There's the renewal of access to worship. 

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com

Deuteronomy 1.1-18, Matthew 5.1-20 - Lectionary for 9/28/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 1.1-18 and Matthew 5.1-20.

Here we see two lawgivers - Moses and Jesus.  I'm going to give a simple challenge today, but beware.  It's a challenge that will take a lifetime or longer to master.  When reading today's passages, try to look at that distinction between Law and Gospel clearly.  Remember the Law is that which we do at God's command.  The Gospel is what God does on our behalf.

I'll kick off the thoughts with a few leading questions from Matthew 5.3.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

Is this a command for us or is it a description of us?

How do we fail to be poor in spirit?

What could we do to truly be poor in spirit?

What are the identifiers of someone who is truly poor in spirit? 

If we try to do something to be poor in spirit does that negate it and make us not blessed?

What is the kingdom of heaven?

What does it mean that it is ours?

How does the kingdom of heaven become ours?

What has Jesus done to make the kingdom of heaven ours?

How will we see the kingdom of heaven?

What assurance is there in knowing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit?

After looking at this statement of Jesus, summarize what God commands and what God promises.

That Law and Gospel paradigm fits awfully well.

Malachi 3.6-4.6, Matthew 4.12-25 - Lectionary for 9/27/09

Today's readings are Malachi 3.6-4.6 and Matthew 4.12-25.

God continues to point out Israel's failings through Malachi.  Notice that some of the people are moved by God's condemnation, they apparently repent and gather to faithfully talk together.  It would certainly seem as though their talk is centered, not on the latest dairy goats or chariot production, but on what God has done in his people.   

What has the Lord done in his people?  This is in our New Testament reading, as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy is revealed.  The people who were dwelling in darkness see a great light.  Christ the Lord has come.  God has visited his people bringing redemption and healing with him.  

I mention Law and Gospel on this blog a lot.  We recall that Law is what we are told to do.  Gospel is what God has done for us.  Here we have an opportunity to work on distinguishing between Law and Gospel quite clearly.  What has God commanded?  It's all over the place in this reading.  We realize we have not done it and that no matter how hard we try we will still fail.  We do not find hope and salvation in Law.  We find conviction of sin, we find restraint of sin, and we find God's values proclaimed.  But we do not find salvation.  How about Gospel?  This is where God delivers hope and salvation to us.  Look at all the Gospel statements.  Christ has come.  He has revealed God's mercy.  He has called people to be with him.  He proclaims deliverance from disease and affliction.  He rescues his people from sin and death.  There's the Gospel.

Thanks be to God who has brought the Gospel in Christ.