Thursday, July 23, 2020

July 23 – Thursday prior to Pentecost 8 – Proper 12


Matthew 14:44-52 - In the Parable of the pearl of great value, the merchant sold all he had for just one pearl. Jesus was willing to die - for you. St. Paul explains it this way, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8


You inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchase and redeemed you with His precious blood. God made him who had no sin to be sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 1 Corinthians 5:21

You, yes, you are that valued object - you are of much worth.  The God-man Jesus Christ gives up His life in exchange for your life of misery and sin.

Finally, the Parable of the dragnet of fish.  A dragnet was drawn through the water between two boats onto the shore. Fish of ever kind…good…and bad come ashore. When the net was full, edible and inedible fish were sorted from one another.  As Weeds were allowed to grow in a previous parable here there is no delay in the sorting of the fish.

God’s rule includes a final judgment at the close of the age. You need not worry about that day. The Father is gracious to you through His Son, our Savior, in who you are chosen. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” -Ephesians 1:4.

Thus we are encouraged to pray, Let not my heart be troubled dear Lord, by thoughts of the final judgment. I know You have prepared a place for me in heaven.

His word will not return empty. It will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. All of this will come to fruition on the Day of Judgment. “All will be made right at that time." Keep doing what you have been called to do. Gossip the Gospel. Be focused in your living.  All is not lost in your labor.  Only the persons that refuse to hear the gospel remain lost.

For those who are in Christ, ‘heaven is their home.’ Only those who reject the saving gospel grace message; - they will reap what they have sown, by living for themselves and not for the Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. God will have the last word.  You, proclaim His word.

By God’s grace in Christ, we have been given the full armor of God, along with the gift of wisdom and understanding. To follow Jesus Christ. And speak about the reign of God in Christ, our savior, our hope, and our comforter. Dressed and ready to share the mysteries of God’s reign as revealed in Jesus Christ. These parables of God’s reign in Christ give us the assurance and hope that He is our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil.

So who are you?  I’ll give you a hint. It’s written right next to the South door of our gathering space… So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. - Isaiah 28:16

Heavenly Father, grant me Your righteousness and entrance into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen



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