September 3— Thursday prior to Pentecost 15 – (Proper 18)

 Romans 13:1-10— In this coming week’s epistle lesson St. Paul teaches civil governments have been given their authority by God. Thus, the Christian submits himself to that rule which God has established, and exhorts others to do the same.

St. Paul also tells us how we are to live with our fellow man: letting love for the neighbor guide all our actions and dealings. This love is not of ourselves, but flows from Christ, who first loved us.

Paul lists three reasons why the Roman Christians are to submit to the authorities. These arguments which Paul points out apply to us today.

First, no authority exists except from God, and all authorities that exist have been instituted by God (13:1b).

Second, rulers are not a terror to good conduct but rather to bad behavior. (13:3a). The state has the right and the duty to punish those who break the law.  

Third, the authority/ruler is God’s servant in three ways:

1. For the citizen’s good. Civic leaders are civil servants. They rule on our behalf for our benefit. So that we can be free to our primary task as Christians to gossip the gospel.

2. To execute wrath on the wrongdoer. If there are no reprisals there will be lawlessness which is never good.

3. By being busy with “this very thing,” that is, collecting taxes. (13:4a, 4c, 6b). Yes, it cost money to pave the roads, provide infrastructure, and a better way of life.

In less than two months we will hold a national mid-term election.  Paul’s teachings remind us that while we remain citizens of heaven we still operate on this earth in the civilian world. As we live in society we act as model citizens.

We live in a divided country and there will be strong debate over the direction of our country in these months leading to our next election. We can have strong opinions and points of view.  Paul’s directive gives us the framework from which we are to proceed.

For our Country: Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For Responsible Citizenship:  Lord keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Help us provide trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve You faithfully in our generation to the honor of Your holy name.

 

Image of the American flag copyright © Google images

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 20006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis   

September 2 — Wednesday prior to Pentecost 15 – (Proper 18)

 Ezekiel 33:7-9—The Lord told Ezekiel that He would restore Jerusalem, yet this did not remove Ezekiel’s obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent. Likewise, we who live in the post-resurrection time, when Christ has restored mankind by His death and resurrection, have an obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent, that they may partake of fellowship with God.

Ezekiel is summoned as a watchman and the watchman's task is to announce impending danger. God's intention is not for God's people to die. While the house of Israel is surely threatened with death, God offers repentance and assurance that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. To choose to live is to choose to turn back from evil. This verb, "to turn" is used repeatedly in this passage as a reminder of the physical understanding of repentance. 

The last Sunday in October we will celebrate Reformation. Everyone is familiar with Luther nailing the 95 theses on the castle door in Wittenberg. The first theses reads, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ``Repent'' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Luther was not acting out of arrogance. There was no “holier than thou” attitude with him. In humility he realized we all need to turn to the Lord seeking mercy, clemency, grace. 

The entire Christian life is that of repentance; turning from sin and trusting in the good news that Jesus saves sinners. The gospel is for every day and every moment. Repentance is to be the Christian’s continual focus.

Almost 30 years later, on February 16, 1546, Luther’s last words, written on a piece of scrap paper, echoed the theme of his first thesis: “We are beggars! This is true.”

From his first thesis to last words, Luther lived at the foot of the cross, where our rebellious condition meets with the beauty of God’s lavish grace in the gospel—a gospel deep enough to cover all the little and massive flaws of a beggar like Luther and beggars like you and me.

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Prayer from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

September 01 – Tuesday prior to Pentecost 15 –(Proper 18)

 

—Psalm 119:113-120 - The first letter in each verse of this portion of Psalm 119 is the Hebrew letter samekh. As in the other sections, the psalmist here extols the goodness of God in giving us His holy Word. His devotion to the Word of God moves him to reject the counsel of evildoers.

So far in the Psalm 119, the psalmist has used the word “hate” once, in verse 104, “I hate every false way,” and he has reserved the word “love” to refer only to God’s Word (verses 47, 48, and 97). In the stanza we are looking at today, he uses both “hate” and “love” to refer to the “double minded”, and to God’s Word (Your law) respectively. (119:113)

The psalmist hopes in God’s Word because God was his refuge. He lists five ways to show respect for God’s Word  in Vv. 113-117.

1.      Whole-Hearted commitment to God’s Word v. 113. “I hate vain (undecided) thoughts...” “...but Thy law do I love.”

2.      Patient in relying on God’s Word for victory v. 114. “Thou art my hiding place...” - So attackers can’t find you. “...and my shield:” 

- To hold off attacks of the enemy. “I hope in Thy Word.” - Never losing confidence.

3.      Reject the influence of bad companions v. 115. “Depart from me, ye evil doers;”

4.      Count on God’s Word to never let you down v. 116. “Uphold me according to Thy Word..”

5.      Cling to God for safety and protection v. 117. “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:”

Take note that when the psalmist writes, “I love Your law,” this is not the opposite of the Gospel, but a term which encompasses the whole of God’s communication to man.

Collect for Psalm 119 Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.[1] 

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[1] Collect for Psalm 119, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

August 31— Monday prior to Pentecost 15 (Proper 18)

 

Psalm 37:3-5, 39; Antiphon, Psalm 92:1—The Old Testament lesson, the New Testament lesson and the Gospel for this coming Sunday give us a description of the Christian living in the world.

The Introit from which is our reading for today tells us that trusting in the Lord enables us to serve Him, and to have courage in the face of a world that is hostile to the Lord and His people. The antiphon reminds us, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High.”

How do you wait for God? How do you stop yourself from becoming angry or frustrated especially when it appears that others have everything that they want?

The psalmist tells us do something else! In verse 3 he gives three directives.

  ·   Trust in the LORD; as you ask God for help.

  ·   Do good things; give help to people around us. The Lord does not need your good works. Yet your neighbor however does. In your vocation you become the hands, the feet, the fingers and toes of Jesus. You serve as the Lord has served you.

  ·   Finally, enjoy what the land gives, even if it is not much. Look around. Everything you have is a gracious gift of God. Enjoy the blessing which come to you from his gracious hand. The Lord has promised to provide.

So trust in His timing. Rely on His promises. Wait for His answers. Believe in His miracles. Rejoice in His goodness. Relax in His presence. Come near to Jesus and He will come near to you.

Collect for Psalm 37 – Lord Jesus, you bless the poor with the kingdom of heaven. Teach us to put our trust in the Father and to seek his kingdom rather than to imitate the powerful or envy the right; so may we serve you now and forever.[1]   

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[1] Collect for Psalm 37, For All The Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church Volume II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Proper 18 (Pentecost 15)

 

Pentecost 15 -Proper 18
Series A 

Ezekiel 33:7–9
Romans 13:1–10
Matthew 18:1–20

Living as Humble Little Children of the Father

 

True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of child-like faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God. The Lord sends His watchman to warn us with a word from His mouth, in order that we may not die in our iniquity, but be turned from our pride and selfishness to live (Ezek. 33:7–9). Thus we live in humility and faith before God as well as in love for our neighbor, which “is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). In the reverent fear of God, we do no harm to our neighbor, but we “pay to all what is owed to them” (Rom. 13:7) and we “owe no one anything, except to love each other.” (Rom. 13:8).

Proper 18 -

Romans 13:1-10

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns...

In the Lessons for this week we encounter sinners. What shall we do with our fellow sinners and how shall we deal with them?

In the Gospel lesson (Matthew 18:15-20) Jesus teaches what we should do to be reconciled to those who sin against us.

Ezekiel in the Old Testament lesson (33:7-9) reports that God expects us to warn the sinner, who, if he repents, will live. Paul in the Epistle lesson urges obedience to the officials and law of government and teaches that love is the way to obey the law. 

The Hymn of the Day -  LSB #373, "By Grace I’m Saved, Grace Free and Boundless" speaks of the power we as Christians possess to carry out this task. It is found in the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who has called and saved us according to His grace and favor.  We place our confidence in God and enjoy His blessings, even in times of trouble.

Civil governments have been given their authority by God. Thus, the Christian submits himself to that rule which God has established, and exhorts others to do the same. St. Paul also tells us how we are to live with our fellow man: letting love for the neighbor guide all our actions and dealings. This love is not of ourselves, but flows from Christ, who first loved us.

v. 1.  every person, no matter their status, is to be subject to the governing authorities.

       to be "subordinated" does not mean inferior. W/in the creation...recognize you     position in God's order. 

v. 2.  resists - "to set ones' self in opposition."

        appointed - ordinance which God appointed - an office - the embodiment of the person serving in the office. 

       The government is God's arm...to receive punishment from the state is to receive God's punishment. 

v. 3.  good or bad conduct is by God's definition. Government is not the definer of good or evil. We know the law by nature. To be foolish is to flee from it 

v. 4. God's servant - deacon - official service - a religious cast -

         Incurring wrath is a badge of the office. God's wrath is final and ultimate.

v.5   notice first "fear of wrath" and second "conscience" uses of the law. 

v.6 - 7  Paying of taxes is our obligation.  Death and taxes are certain. Taxes are part of God's positive work. Death is God's "opus alienum" 

v.8 - love is our only "Debt" thus we pray "forgive us our debts" 

v. 9 - all commandments come to a head , "love your neighbor as yourself" this is how it is done...all this falls under the #4 commandment This love is God's love from a divine perspective. Only was we can love is in Christ. 

v. 10 - love does no wrong. Every law, including that which would have us submit to government authorities, is fulfilled in love. 

 The thesis of Paul’s argument is in verse 1a, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.” 

 Reasons why the Roman Christians are to submit to the authorities. 

First, no authority exists except from God, and all authorities that exist have been instituted by God (13:1b). 

Second, rulers are not a terror to good conduct but rather to bad (13:3a). 

Third, the authority/ruler is God’s servant in three ways: 

1. for the Romans’ good,

2. to execute wrath on the wrongdoer,

3. by being busy with “this very thing,” that is, collecting taxes (13:4a, 4c, 6b). 

Paul intersperses his reasons with examples and consequences, such as at 13:2 where he notes the results of resisting authority. He also makes a noticeable shift from making statements of fact (indicative mood) to a command “pay to all what is due them” (imperative mood) at 13:7,  - thus connecting submission to the authorities with a duty to pay taxes and offer revenue. 

The reasons (facts) for submission to the governing authorities are fundamental to Paul’s command that the Roman Christians fulfill their civic obligations. 

In summary, Paul is arguing that because the authorities were instituted by God, and continue to serve both God and the Christian, believers must submit to their rule. The rulers of Rome are to be respected and obeyed for reasons of conscience and their possible wrath. (13:5) 

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I. Christians submit to the authorities because civil authority is God's institution and, as such, will punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good. (13:1-5)

A. Christians submit to civil authority because God has appointed that authority. (1-2a)

B. Christians submit to civil authority because the civil authorities will punish those who resist them (2b-3a) and will praise and do good to them that obey. (2b-4)

C. Christians submit to civil authority because of the punitive action of the state (i.e. wrath) and also because of conscience. (5)

II. Christians submit to civil authorities (who give themselves to collecting taxes)by giving back to them whatever is owed, whether taxes, dues, respect or honor. (13: 6, 7) 

A. Christians pay taxes because God has appointed the state to receive taxes and they persist in collecting them. (6)

B. Christians demonstrate submission to civil authorities by giving back to each authority what is owed, whether taxes, revenue, respect or honor.  (7)

– Romans 12:9-21 Living as Humble Little Children of the Father

 

A Prayer in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come;

 

True greatness. Is not found in self-sufficient strength. That alone runs counter to our culture today which boasts, “Only the strong survive.”  Rather, it is rooted in humility. Like that of infants and children. παιδίον Which always trusts. Always hopes. Always perseveres. This love. - Bears all things. Believes all things. Hopes all things. Endures. All things.[1] 

The greatness of child-like faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” But whoever is humbled. As a little child. Is considered, “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” [2]

How then shall we live? We live in humility. In faith before God. And in service toward our neighbor. Which is always motivated by love. 

We live in humility and faith before God and in love for our neighbor. 

1.     This is shown by “serving the Lord.” V. 11

Paul is specific regarding attitudes which lead to certain actions and outcomes. Rejoice in hope.  Be patient in tribulation. Be constant in prayer. V.12 

A.    Rejoice in hope. ἐλπίδι

1.     Rejoice with patient perseverance with those who rejoice. V. 15a

Says Jesus, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice, celebrate, and be exceedingly glad; because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”[3] Paul expresses the same sentiments when he writes, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.”[4]

It is indeed a privilege to suffer. But your life is not lived in the abstract. Rather, you live on behalf of Christ and with Christ. And for Christ. Thus we rejoice in the confidence that we belong to Him. You are a sheep of His fold. A lamb of His flock. A sinner of His own redeeming. 

2.     We also “weep with those who weep.” V. 15b You can have unwavering confidence that Christ will act on your behalf. We should therefore not hesitate to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer concerning our personal grief. How comforting it is to know that Jesus understands our pain and provides the comfort that we so sorely need! Without a doubt, the primary source of consolation is our compassionate heavenly Father.[5] He is the foremost example of empathy. He has assured His people: “I myself am the One comforting you.” —Isaiah 51:12; Psalm 119:50, 52, 76.

B.     Paul encourages us to be patient in tribulation. We each will face difficult days. Paul points us to Christ.  Who will shepherd you. Under the most difficult times.

1.     Bless those who persecute you. V. 14a – Says Jesus, “But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.” - Luke 6:27-29

2.     Bless and do not curse them. V. 14b – Jesus continues, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” - Luke 6:35 

C.      Be constant in prayer. 

1.     Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. V. 17 Paul does not mean to be politically correct. Rather he encourages us. This is love in action. Repay no one evil for evil. But take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.

2.     If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. V. 18 If you regard someone who has done evil in a haughty, disrespectful way, then you are guilty of not doing all that is possible to live at peace with that person.  Paul speaks of our attitude toward that person. It means to think about and to help meet others' genuine needs, including the needs of people who do not like us.

3.     But why? What’s the point?  Does Paul argue that by doing good to an enemy you will increase God's judgment on that person?  We are not to have any part in repaying evil in our personal relationships. Love is to be genuine. My love for an enemy isn't genuine if I am motivated by the idea that any kindness shown increases God's punishment on that person! There are people placed into your life for only one purpose – that you may love them. 

2.     In the reverent fear of God. We do no harm to our neighbor.

Luther, commenting on this section of Scripture reminds us, “Faith is a living, unshakeable confidence in God's grace. It is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures.

This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith. Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily.  He will serve everyone; suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace.

It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire. Therefore be on guard against your own false ideas and against the chatterers who think they are clever enough to make judgments about faith and good works but who are in reality the biggest fools. Ask God to work faith in you; otherwise you will remain eternally without faith, no matter what you try to do or fabricate.”[6]

A.    “Let love ἀγάπη be genuine. V. 9 This love. Refers to divine love. What God prefers. To literally see that person as they are – one for whom Christ died. Thus Paul would also write, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.[7]

1.     This love. Abhors. Detests. Hates. ἀποστυγοῦντες What is evil. This is the only time Paul will use this phrase. It is a love devoid of evil.

2.     This love. Holds fast to what is good. It is love connected to Christ. Who went to the cross to redeem you and make you His own.

B.     Love φιλαδελφίᾳ one another. V.10 

1.     With brotherly affection. Give preference. “For you have been taught by God how to love one another.”[8] This love. Is self-evident. It is constant. It simply exists. It can do none other.

2.     Outdo one another in showing honor. Honor is an act of grace. It is giving someone else what they don’t always deserve and can never earn.

3.     Honor is the opposite of shame. Shame drives people away. Shame marks people as outcasts. Unloved. And unvalued. A shamed person says, “If you really knew everything about me you wouldn’t love or value me.” But honor draws people into community. Honor says, “I know everything about you and I love and value you.” Honor is rooted in the cross. This is the demonstration of Christ’s mercy and love. You belong to Christ. That is why you have honor.  

Genuine love is not simply being nice to people. Genuine love has a moral orientation toward the good we desire. When we show love toward someone, we are moving them toward Christ and His goodness. To love someone is not simply to cater to specific likes and dislikes of that person. It is rather to act toward them in ways that help them experience more of Jesus. Showing them His goodness love and care.  

Words –1,500

Passive Sentences – 3%

Readability – 77.8

Reading Level – 4.5

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

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[1] 1 Corinthians 13

[2] Matthew 18:3–4

[3] Matthew 5:11-12

[4] Philippians 1:29

[5] 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

[6] Luther’s Commentary on Romans 12

[7] Philippians 2:5-9

[8] 1 Thessalonians 4:9

August 29 — Saturday prior to Pentecost 14- (Proper 17)

 

The hymn of the day, Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus (LSB #531), connects the suffering of Jesus with our salvation and shows that the glory of God is revealed in the suffering and death of His Son. ‘Worship, honor, power, and blessing / Thou art worthy to receive’ because ‘Thou didst suffer to release us…Thou universal Savior, Bearer of our sin and shame.’

Our hymn was written by John Bakewell. (1721-1819)  When Bakewell was about 18 years old, he was deeply touched by a book he read and turned his thoughts to the Lord. By the time he was 23, he was preaching the gospel in his own neighborhood. Later he became associated with the Wesley’s and their work in London.

From 1749 he preached at the “Greenwich Royal Park Academy”. He not only preached the word but wrote several hymns as well.

On his tombstone, in City Road Chapel (buried near to John Wesley) appears the following inscription

“Sacred to the memory of JOHN BAKEWELL, late of Greenwich, who departed this life March 18, 1819, aged ninety-eight. He adorned the Doctrine of God, Our Savior, eighty years, and preached His glorious gospel about 70 years.

“Hail Jesus enthroned in glory

There forever to abide;

All the heavenly hosts adore Thee,

 Seated at Thy Father’s side;

 Worship, honor, power, and blessing,

 Thou art worthy to receive;

 Loudest praises without ceasing,

 Meet is for us to give. ”

This hymn was written in 1757.[1]

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[1] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/114