A Study for Proper 20
September 15 - 20, 2014
God’s Generosity
In the Lessons for this week the Gospel, as usual, gives the
key to the theme of the day. When a payment time comes for the laborers in the
vineyard, it was learned that each was to receive equal pay regardless of hours
worked. The reward is the same in the Kingdom whether we enter early or late.
They who return to the Lord (Old Testament reading) will receive mercy and
pardon. In the Epistle lesson, Paul says he does not know whether to live or
die, because death would mean a closer relationship with Christ, his greatest
reward. The Lord is good to all. The suggested Psalm relates to the Old
Testament lesson – “seek the Lord.” The hymn emphasizes our stewardship of life
and harmonizes with the Gospel with its emphasis on working in the Kingdom.
Monday, September 15, 2014 – Psalm 116:12-13, 15 - Antiphon,
verse 17: “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the
name of the Lord.” – This psalm is a song of deliverance from death. David or
another king such as Hezekiah may have written it. (See Isaiah 38:10-20)
Tuesday, September 16, 2014 - Psalm 27:1-9 - This week’s
Psalm is David’s triumphant prayer to God to deliver him from all those who
conspire to bring him down. The prayer presupposes the Lord’s covenant with
David. It is faith which publicly testifies to the Psalmist’s confident
reliance on the Lord.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - Isaiah 55:6-9 - Generosity
of mercy to all who return. In Sunday’s first reading, the prophet’s hearers
are encouraged to seek God and return to Him for mercy and pardon. God’s
thoughts and ways are totally different from ours. This truth is illustrated in
today’s reading, the parable of laborers in the vineyard. If God were like the
world, he would not take back his enemies and freely pardon them. The world,
rather, would seek revenge and treat enemies with hatred. We, by our nature, do
not love or seek reconciliation. We hate and kill and never, never forgive. God
is so different — thank God for that!
Those who return to the Lord in repentance will receive mercy and
pardon. The same thought is echoed in the much loved hymn, “Just as I Am”
Thursday, September 18, 2014 – Philippians 1:1-5; 6-11;
19-27 - Our Epistle lesson for this week speaks of the generosity of Christ
both in life and in death. Paul finds life on earth is Christ while the
anticipation of death is gain. Paul says he does not know whether to live or
die, because death would mean a closer relationship with Christ, his greatest
reward. Thus our life here on earth is nothing but preparation for our life to
be lived in glory.
Friday, September 19, 2014 – Matthew 20:1-16 - The parable
of the laborers in the vineyard in the Gospel lesson for this coming week
reminds us that God’s generosity is equal to all. When payment time came for
the laborers in the vineyard, it was learned that each was to receive equal pay
regardless of hours worked. The reward is the same in the kingdom whether we
enter early or late. The thief on the cross receives the same reward as the
faithful Christian who lives eighty plus years. Are we to spurn God’s
generosity?
Saturday, September 20, 2014 –1 John 3:17 - Our reading is
the inspiration for the hymn, “We Give Thee But Thine Own.” How does this hymn
harmonize with our theme for today? It emphasizes our stewardship of life and
harmonizes with the Gospel with its emphasis on working in the Lord’s Kingdom.
How has the Lord blessed your life? How will you return a portion to Him this
coming week?
Collect for Proper 20 – Lord God heavenly Father, since we
cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your
abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son,
our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
Keep, we pray O Lord, Your church with Your perpetual mercy.
Because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all
things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable.
For Home and Family - Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the
homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger.
Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels,
and may Your blessing be with us forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
A prayer before we study the Word - Almighty God, our heavenly
Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our
search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due
diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your
holy faith.
For Schools - Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You
have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously
enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that
they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Sources:
Lutheran Service Book Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
MO © 2006
Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO ©
1980, p. 83
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980
CSS Publishing Lima OH, p. 253
Image
© Ed Rojas Higher Things
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