Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Lectionary for 8/12/09

Today's readings are 1 Samuel 28.3-25 and 1 Corinthians 6.1-20.

How quick are believers to turn to the civil authorities for help?  It seems today we are very quick to assume that our government or others outside the Church will take care of whatever ails us.  Paul cautions the Corinthians against turning to the civil courts to resolve disputes.  The whole idea of looking outside the body of Christ for help when in trouble is something we should treat with distrust.  Of course, as we read yesterday, we couldn't stop having dealings with the world or we would have to leave the world altogether.  But why do we think the judge can decide how to resolve a dispute over property, behavior, inheritance, or custody with greater impartiality and concern for the good of those involved than a godly, experienced man could?  Why do we think our government can do a better job of feeding people who are hungry than those who are around the hungry people?  Why do we think our government is the place to look for assistance when unemployed, when we end up in debt and need assistance, when we have any number of issues to deal with?  This should not be so.  Let us rather turn to one another for help, wisdom, and comfort, knowing that those who know God's deliverance from sin and death are those who are best able to help, those who are wisest, and those who can comfort the best.


No comments:

Post a Comment