Time in the Word - Proper 26

Time in the Word
Proper 26
The Price of Christian Leadership

The Lessons for this coming week fall under the theme of the price of Christian leadership. In the Old Testament lesson the prophet Micah instructs the people of the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson Paul espouses the price of godly living. In the Gospel we see the price of humble service. The disciples are to follow the example of the Pharisees how they lived but not on how they acted. The lessons combined are an excellent teaching tool on how one lives a life well.

Collect for Proper 26 – Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your holy Spirit that we may receive this proclamation with humility and finally be exalted at the coming of Your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


Monday, October 27, 2008 Psalm 149:1-4 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 148:13 “Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted, his majesty is above earth and heaven.” The glory of God can be seen in His creation and yet, the glory of the Creator is always greater then the glory of the creation.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 – Micah 3:5-12- The price of true instruction in God’s truth. In our Old Testament lesson the prophet predicts that although Israel will be carried into captivity, a remnant will return. Then they will appreciate all that the true prophets had warned them and all they had predicted.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul explains that the Christian in his living pleases God. Not only does he commend them for their right behavior but he encourages them to continue in how they are living “Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”

Thursday, October 30, 2008–Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title-seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.

Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions, and their piety. They want to be “seen.” “Look at me” — see how good I am! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be “seen.” Who are “they”?

Friday, October 31, 2008 Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed this Sunday. This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 Luke 24:29 –- Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Lord Jesus Christ with us abide” The Emmaus disciples urge the Lord to remain with them as evening is approaching. The Lord becomes the invited guest in our homes, in our congregation, at our school as we ask Him in. We pray for Him to be the ever present yet unseen guest in every circumstance. To illustrate this point, especially to impressionable children some families might set an extra seat at the dinner table to instruct their children that the Lord is always with us that He is ever present. Being assured of His presence in our lives we can journey through life knowing that we go it not alone for He has promised to be with us to guide, lead and sustain His people.

Shaping next Sunday’s sermon…
Matthew 23:1-12

Outline: Lord, use me.
1. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word — vv. 2-3.
2. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees — vv. 3-7.
3. Our goal: humbler service — vv. 11-12.

Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH