Today’s reading deals
with the event of Christ’s incarnation leading to His suffering and death for
the salvation of humanity. Jesus’ incarnation gave Him solidarity with humankind
in order to save it. At present, we do
not see Christ’s lordship over everything, but we do see Him (verse 9). His atoning death created a oneness of Christ
and His followers whom He calls “brethren” (verse 11). In comparison with the Old Testament lesson,
humans are created and re-created by redemption.
The writer to the
Hebrews uses the term “perfect” in
verse 10. This is not a moral but a religious use of the word. The religious
meaning of “perfect” is the
completion and fulfillment of a goal, destiny, or purpose. It was Jesus’
mission to take away the sins of the world through his atoning death. He
fulfilled the mission and accomplished the goal through suffering death on a
cross. Thus, Jesus was perfect – fulfilled, completed his destiny as Savior.[2]
Collect for Pentecost 19—O God, whose almighty power is made known
chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the fullness of Your grace that we
may be partakers of Your heavenly treasures[3]
A prayer for steadfast faith – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[4] -30 September 2021
[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Pentecost 19, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis
[4] For steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment