Proper 24 - Series A notes

 

Proper 24 Series A 

Isaiah 45:1–7

1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Matthew 22:15–22

 

We Are Recreated in the Image of God by the Cross of Christ

Collect for Proper 24: O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Plotting against Jesus, the Pharisees attempted “to entangle him in his words” by asking about the payment of taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15). The Lord pointed to coins required for the tax, and He answered that we should “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). But if coins bearing the image of Caesar should be rendered to him, then man — who is made in the image of God — must be rendered to the Lord. That tax is paid for us by the Lord Jesus, the image of God in the flesh, by His self-offering on the cross. And from His cross, as the Lord’s anointed, He reigns as the true Caesar over all nations “from the rising of the sun and from the west” (Isaiah 45:6). The Lord once called and anointed Cyrus “to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings” (Isaiah 45:1). Now by the preaching of the Gospel, “in power and in the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:5), foreigners from all over the world are “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10).

The Image

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” (Matthew 22:20, NKJV)                        

When Jewish leaders questioned Jesus as to whether one should pay Roman taxes, He asked for a coin.  They showed him a denarius and he promptly asked them whose image was stamped into the coin.  After they answered that it was Caesar’s image, Jesus said to give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and give to God that which is God’s.  Jesus demonstrated wisdom beyond that of Solomon, thus shutting down the questioning of the Pharisees.

Bear with me now and consider an illustration from our text.  Though some translations fail to translate the Greek word as “image”, yet that is precisely the word used in this account when Jesus asks, “Whose image and inscription is this?”  “Image” is a word used in Scripture to convey great depth of meaning.  It was the word used to describe that perfect humanity possessed by Adam when the world still had its pristine purity.  Adam was made in the image of God.  When Adam then sinned, the image was lost.  One could look at every human being on the planet from Adam onward and find no one demonstrating possession of the image of God.

But now there stands in front of the Pharisees the man who once again possesses the image of God.  Jesus has God’s image from two perspectives:  First He is the eternal Son of God, having been stamped with the Father’s image from eternity. Second He is the man who when one sees Him living as a man, one beholds the perfect man, the man without sin, the man whose will perfectly aligns with God’s will.  Beholding Jesus one beholds the New Adam who, like the first Adam, is in the image of God.

Jesus is like the perfect coin, stamped with the image of God, and the inscription beneath the image declares, “This my beloved Son.”  Now we can hear the voice of the Father commanding, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.”  The “coin”, Jesus Christ, will make the payment. Jesus is both the spender and the coin, even as He is both priest and sacrifice.

After a trial handled by the Roman ruler named Pontius Pilate, the people cried out, “Crucify Him.”  They were in effect saying, “Make Him pay the price of claiming to be a king who competes with Caesar.”  Indeed, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s.”  The coin is to be spent; Jesus must die by the hand of Caesar, He must be crucified under Roman law.

Being in God’s image as both God and man, this Jesus is without sin, perfectly obedient to His heavenly Father.  But now the Father makes Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.  This Second Adam is being commanded to pay the price of mankind’s sins.  He is being told by His Father to render unto God that which is God’s.  So the Son obeys.  This coin perfectly stamped with the image of God is spent to pay for mankind’s sins. 

Now this perfect coin, because He willingly rendered unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s, has paid the price of our redemption.  And what is the result?  We become the righteousness of God in Him, for He rises from the dead for our justification. Or to state it differently, in Christ we have the image of God restored.  Now in our Baptism God has declared us again to be in His image, and the inscription upon us says, “This is my beloved son.”  This is Christ’s blood-bought gift for us. 

Matthew 22:15-22

Paying Taxes to Caesar

Matthew 22:15 

Τότε πορευθέντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι συμβούλιον ἔλαβον ὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ.

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words.

Matthew 22:16

καὶ ἀποστέλλουσιν αὐτῷ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν μετὰ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν [a]λέγοντες• Διδάσκαλε, οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθὴς εἶ καὶ τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ διδάσκεις, καὶ οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός, οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων

And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. [a] 

a. Matthew 22:16 Greek for you do not look at people's faces

Matthew 22:17

εἰπὸν οὖν ἡμῖν τί σοι δοκεῖ• ἔξεστιν δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ οὔ;

Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 

Matthew 22:18

 γνοὺς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς τὴν πονηρίαν αὐτῶν εἶπεν• Τί με πειράζετε, ὑποκριταί;

 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 

Matthew 22:19

 ἐπιδείξατέ μοι τὸ νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου. οἱ δὲ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ δηνάριον. 

Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. [b] 

b. Matthew 22:19 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

Matthew 22:20

καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς• Τίνος ἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή; 

 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 

Matthew 22:21

λέγουσιν αὐτῷ• Καίσαρος. τότε λέγει αὐτοῖς• Ἀπόδοτε οὖν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τῷ θεῷ.

 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 

Matthew 22:22 

καὶ ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύμασαν, καὶ ἀφέντες αὐτὸν ἀπῆλθαν. 

When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Sources:
English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 24

 

Time in the Word
Proper 24
October 16-121, 2023

The Lessons for this week deal with God and the world. God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. A pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as his instrument; he uses a nation to fulfill his purposes in the world. In God’s hands lies the destinies of the nations. The Lord reigns among the nations and will judge the world with righteousness. In the Hymn “Before the Lord We bow” we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love.

Collect for Proper 24 – Almighty God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, October 16, 2023 - Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Vs. 5 of Psalm 121; “The Lord watches over you- the Lord is Your shade at your right hand.” Under the theme “Nations under God” this Sunday’s readings deal with God and the world.

God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. The Antiphon reminds us that the Lord is watching. How does that make one feel? We seek after Him who grants us grace which is found in the second half of the phrase “He is Your shade at your right hand.”

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Isaiah 45:1-7 -In our Old Testament lesson a pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as His instrument. The Lord uses a nation to fulfill His purposes in this world. In God’s hands lies the destiny of nations.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul greets the Thessalonians and thanks God for their faithful work of faith and love. This is the first of a series of readings from the book written by the Apostle Paul. With respect to the Gospel lesson for the week – The Thessalonians render to God what God deserves. As for the Old Testament lesson; as Cyrus was chosen, God chose the church of Thessalonica. (Vs. 4) 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus’ return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.

Thursday, October 19, 2023– Matthew 22:15-22 - Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble.

Pharisees and Herodians come to him with the question whether taxes should be paid to the Roman government. The Pharisees would say, “No”; the Herodians would answer, “Yes.” If Jesus said one should not pay taxes, he could be arrested as a subversive and revolutionary. If Jesus said one should, he would be in trouble with the patriotic Jews who hated Roman dominance. Jesus recognized that the inquirers were hypocrites and that they came to find occasion to have him arrested. His answer caused his enemies to marvel at his answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Friday, October 20, 2023 - Psalm 96:1-9 - This Psalm is appointed for next week. The key verse is verse 7b Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”.

Saturday, October 21, 2023 –Psalm 145:1 -Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Before the Lord We Bow” an appropriate hymn for this week’s theme “Nations under God.” In this hymn we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love. Truly we serve a God who governs the affairs of men who will judge the world with righteousness and equity. Having read these lessons here are a few points to ponder. Is it a true statement that the Lord has already judged the world? If so when and how? When Christ returns in glory what will be the sentence rendered?

A Prayer of the Church at the time of the Reformation (The Great Litany): Be mindful of all who have fallen asleep…who have offered You these gifts…who do good works…and are concerned for the poor…Remember, Lord those who live in deserts and mountains…those who persevere in virginity…those in authority…speak good to their hearts…Be mindful, O Lord, of the people assembled here, as well as those who are absent from good cause…fill their households with every good thing; sustain their marriages in peace and harmony; nurture their infants; train up the youth; support the elderly, comfort the fainthearted; gather in those who are scattered and lead back those who have strayed, uniting them in Your holy, catholic and apostolic church…Sail with those who sail…plead for the widows, shield the orphans…hear the cries of the afflicted. O God, look after all those who are on trial…those who love us as well as those who hate us…Be mindful, Lord our God, of all Your people and lavish on all Your rich mercy, granting to all what leads to salvation. And, if we have failed to commemorate anyone, whether out of ignorance or forgetfulness or because of the great number of names, You, O God, will remember. 

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Luther's Seal copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

 

 

Time in the Word - Proper 24

O Lord, Almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Almighty God, our creator and guide, may we serve You with all our heart and know Your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, forever and ever. Amen

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

 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.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas, ©Higher Things.

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer

“Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’ ” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5).

Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7).

He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).

God answering prayer is a theme for this coming Sunday. From the Introduction to the Lord’s prayer Luther reminds us, “With these words, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear Father.”

Monday, 10 October 2022—Psalm74:18-19, 21; antiphon ,Psalm 74:2a—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Remember your congregation, which You have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage. David prays for God to come to the aid of His people and defend His cause in the face of mocking enemies. When we cry out to God, He promises to hear and answer according to our need.

Tuesday, 11 October 2022— Psalm 121 — This psalm is a dialogue of confession and assurance. Its use as a pilgrimage song provides the key to its understanding. Key terms are “the Lord” and “watch over” each occurring five times in this psalm

Wednesday, 12 October 2022— Genesis 32:22-30— In these verses Jacob wrestles with God. He will not let go until God blesses him. Often we struggle; asking God to bless us, to strengthen and increase our faith. Jacob is given a new name. It will no longer be “Jacob”. Now Jacob has acknowledged God as the source of blessing and was about to reenter the Promised Land. The Lord acknowledges Jacob as His servant by changing his name.

Thursday, 13 October 2022—2 Timothy 3:14-4:5— In Palestine, people thought that a time of moral decay would precede the end of the world. The Apostle Paul, the author of this book sees the decadence resulting from false teaching as contributing to this (3:1-9).

Timothy has Paul’s example to follow, particularly the “persecutions” (3:11) he endured. Suffering for Christ is part of being Christian (3:12). While true Christians will be shown to be godly, false teachers “will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived” (3:13) by the devil.

In 4:6-8, Paul sees his death as being close, so he hands on his ministry to Timothy and other future leaders. The ministry is now Timothy’s (“your”, 4:5). May he, like Paul, remain steadfast (“sober”) as he evangelizes, visiting various cities – even enduring “suffering”.

Friday, 14 October 2022—Luke 18:1-8 — Some Pharisees have asked Jesus when the kingdom of God will come; he has answered: it is already “among you”. Using examples from the Old Testament, He has warned His disciples that its full coming will be sudden and unexpected; many people will miss it, being preoccupied with worldly affairs.

In Jewish society, a “widow” (v. 3) had no legal status; she was powerless. The story tells us twice that the judge is a rogue: he neither respects God nor cares about other people (vv. 2, 4). So why would Jesus tell an absurd story? Because such stories are easily remembered and are likely to be retold. The point, never give up when searching God’s grace and favor.

Saturday, 15 October 2022— Psalm 31:1-5- The Hymn of the Day is I trust, O Lord, Your Holy Name, (LSB #734). We trust God’s promises, which are found in the clear promises of God’s Word. We trust only in which God has promises. When searching for God’s promises - go to the source - where His truth is found – the clear Word of our Lord.

Time in the Word - Proper 24

By the Voluntary Poverty of Christ, 

We Enter the Kingdom of God

To love and trust in earthly wealth is vanity. For nothing of this earth will last forever, nor can any of it grant eternal life (Eccl. 5:10). But the one who trusts in God is “occupied with joy in his heart” and is able to sleep in peace, “whether he eats little or much,” because he knows that the “days of his life” are “the gift of God” (Eccl. 5:12, 18–20). The person who trusts in riches cannot sleep, because he “shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand” (Eccl. 5:15). Therefore, it is difficult “for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 20:23). Indeed, it is impossible for man, and yet, “All things are possible with God” (Mark 20:27). Thus, the Rich Man, Jesus Christ, has made Himself poor and has gone through “the eye of a needle,” through death and the grave, “to enter the kingdom of God” on our behalf (Mark 20:24–25). He is the “great High Priest who has passed through the heavens” (Heb 4:14), so that we may now enter His Sabbath rest by faith in His forgiveness (Heb. 4:3–9).

Collect for Pentecost 22—Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer for deliverance from the love of money: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for the proper use of wealth: Almighty God, all that we possess is from Your loving hand. Give us grace that we may honor You with all we own, always remembering the account we must one day give to Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Time in the Word

11–16 October 2021

Monday, 11 October 2021—Psalm 34:1–4; Antiphon, Psalm 34:18—The strange circumstances of this psalm are found in 1 Sam 21:10–15. David, in a moment of weakness of faith, had sought protection from Saul in a foreign king, rather than trusting in the LORD. When he realized his sin, he faked insanity and then wrote this psalm which proclaims the truth that true deliverance is to be found only in the LORD. Neither riches nor earthly power can deliver us from our circumstances, only the LORD.

Tuesday, 12 October 2021—Psalm 119:9–16—Psalm 119, the longest of the psalms, is a hymn of praise to the Word of God. This portion sings of the blessings of storing up God’s Word in our hearts. Oftentimes our children think it drudgery to memorize scripture passages; it is not until many years later that they recognize the blessing of knowing these nuggets of truth. We should all treasure the Word of God and delight in it as much as all riches.

Wednesday, 13 October 2021—Ecclesiastes 5:10–20—Many years ago, a reporter asked billionaire John D. Rockefeller, “How much is enough?” His famous reply: “Just a little bit more.” This passage from King Solomon, who possessed wealth of wisdom that surpassed his great wealth of riches, shows the futility of such thinking. Riches can be a blessing, but if they are allowed to control a person, they become a curse. Trusting in money more than in the One who provides the material blessings is idolatry.

Thursday, 14 October 2021—Hebrews 4:1–13—This portion of our reading through the book of Hebrews contains an exhortation and a warning. 

We are exhorted to seek the true rest of the Lord, while warned not to make the mistake of the rebellious people of Israel, who hardened their hearts against the Lord, and did not enter into His rest.

Friday, 15 October 2021—Mark 10:23–31—Sunday’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s. After the rich young man went away sorrowful, Jesus takes the opportunity to educate His disciples in the barrier that great wealth poses to one’s salvation. The temptation is to trust in the riches, rather than the rest. In fact, it is impossible, not only for the wealthy, but for anyone to earn His salvation by any means, even good works. Who can be saved? they ask. Who, indeed? No can, if he relies on himself. It is only by God’s grace that anyone can be saved, for all things are possible with God.

Jesus predicts His trial, execution, and resurrection for the third time, while walking boldly to His death. Jesus goes to die the sinners' death, accepting the Law's penalty in our place. Faith looks to Christ crucified and risen and says, "for me!" Luther - "Who is this "me?" It is I, an accursed and damned sinner, who was so beloved by the Son of God that He gave Himself for me." (AE 26:176)

Saturday, 16 October 2021—Sunday’s hymn of the day is Jesus, Priceless Treasure (LSB #743). It is a great hymn of faith, trusting in Jesus in spite of all trials and tribulations, sadness and trouble. Written in 1641, it soon made its way into most hymnals, being paired with a strong melody, one of the finest German Lutheran chorales.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas copyright © Higher Things

Lectionary summary on first page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Proper 24 Series C

Proper 24 Series C 

(October 16-22) 

Genesis 32:22–30

2 Timothy 3:14—4:5

Luke 18:1–8

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer

Collect for Proper 24: “O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that You Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.” 

Man’s “Goodness” vs. God’s Goodness (Luke 18:1-8)
Rev.Dr. Daniel J Brege

Though Scripture acknowledges that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that there is no one who does good, not even one, and that without faith it is impossible to please God, yet as the Lord Jesus speaks of prayer He verifies that among fallen mankind a kind of “goodness” can be observed.  Though this kind of “goodness” in fallen man is to be found, yet such goodness is tainted with sinful motives, tainted with selfish desires.  Such apparent goodness must yet be purged of sin in the eyes of the Holy God.

At times Jesus would then use this warped “goodness” in the fallen world as a contrast with God’s wondrous and loving goodness—a goodness uniquely found in the giving of His Son into death for mankind’s salvation.

Our text speaks of an unrighteous judge who neither feared God nor respected man. This description indicates an outward evil of this judge being expressed because of the inner evil of his heart. Nonetheless this judge (though it was because of totally wrong motives) did good to the widow who was petitioning him. If the unrighteous judge did something good, how much more will the righteous God hear and lovingly answer the prayers of His people—for Jesus’ sake—giving them good things with the ultimate good timing that only God possesses?

As another example of this tainted goodness used by the Lord to illustrate something about approaching God in prayer, consider what Jesus says about those who come to God—asking, seeking and knocking at the ear of God.  The Lord explains, “If you then, being evil, now how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” (Lu. 11:13).   Observe the commentary on the condition of man:  “…you, being evil.”  Yet even though people are evil, they still know how to give good gifts to their children.  Once again the giving of such good gifts by evil people is a goodness warped by sin, yet there is still a goodness—albeit tainted—that can be recognized among fallen mankind.

The contrast again is clear: If God, who is not tainted by sin, is approached by His children, won’t He give what is good—ultimately the Holy Spirit—to those children who ask?

Why would God hear the requests of sinful people who live in a sinful world?  Who are His children that He should listen to them? It is only because there is one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.  Our approach to our Father in prayer can only happen because God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.  Indeed, whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name (that is, consistent with who He is and what He is about), the Father will give it to us.  Yes, the Righteous Judge, the good Father who loves His children infinitely more than any earthly Father—this One will always hear us for Christ’s sake.

“Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Genesis 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Genesis 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’ ” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Timothy 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Timothy 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Timothy 4:2).

Luke 18:1–8

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1

Ἔλεγεν [a]δὲ παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς πρὸς τὸ δεῖν πάντοτε προσεύχεσθαι [b]αὐτοὺς καὶ μὴ ἐγκακεῖν,

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

- ἐγκακεῖν, do not...stop, loosing heart. Become weary, loose confidence.

Luke 18:2 

λέγων• Κριτής τις ἦν ἔν τινι πόλει τὸν θεὸν μὴ φοβούμενος καὶ ἄνθρωπον μὴ ἐντρεπόμενος. 

He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.

-Jesus will call him "unjust" in v.6 Arguing from the greater to the lesser he has no regard for God or for man.

Luke 18:3 

χήρα δὲ ἦν ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ καὶ ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτὸν λέγουσα• Ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου. 

And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 

- continued action. She kept coming to him.

- ἀντιδίκου - the "unrighteous" or anti righteous opponent.

Luke 18:4 

καὶ οὐκ [c]ἤθελεν ἐπὶ χρόνον, μετὰ [d]ταῦτα δὲ εἶπεν ἐν ἑαυτῷ• Εἰ καὶ τὸν θεὸν οὐ φοβοῦμαι [e]οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐντρέπομαι, 

For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,

Luke 18:5 

διά γε τὸ παρέχειν μοι κόπον τὴν χήραν ταύτην ἐκδικήσω αὐτήν ἵνα μὴ εἰς τέλος ἐρχομένη ὑπωπιάζῃ με. 

yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”

- ὑπωπιάζῃ - blacken my eye, pester, wearing me down...

- "this troublesome widow"

Luke 18:6 

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ κύριος• Ἀκούσατε τί ὁ κριτὴς τῆς ἀδικίας λέγει• 

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 

- listen to this one

Luke 18:7 

ὁ δὲ θεὸς οὐ μὴ ποιήσῃ τὴν ἐκδίκησιν τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ τῶν βοώντων [f]αὐτῷ ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός, καὶ [g]μακροθυμεῖ ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς; 

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 

-God makes justice for His elect

- will he not surely - be slow to help,  delay

Luke 18:8 

λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ποιήσει τὴν ἐκδίκησιν αὐτῶν ἐν τάχει. πλὴν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐλθὼν ἆρα εὑρήσει τὴν πίστιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς;

I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

- The faith see 2 Timothy 4:4 

footnotes

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Lectionary notes LCMS notes

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

Time in the Word - Proper 24

Preparation for next week, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 24

O Lord, Almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer

“Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’ ” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). 

Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). 

He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).

God answering prayer is a theme for this coming Sunday. From the Introduction to the Lord’s prayer Luther reminds us, “With these words, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear Father.”

Almighty God, our creator and guide, may we serve You with all our heart and know Your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, forever and ever. Amen

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

 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.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week:

October 14 Gideon                 Judges 2-7

October 15 Sampson Part 1 Judges 13-14

October 16 Chapel

October 17 Sampson Part 2 Judges 15-16

October 18 Ruth                 Selected Verses

Catechism Review: 2nd  Article of the Apostles’ Creed 

________________

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas, copyright ©Higher Things.

Monday, 14 October 2019—Psalm 74:18-19, 21; antiphon ,Psalm 74:2a—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Remember your congregation, which You have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage. David prays for God to come to the aid of His people and defend His cause in the face of mocking enemies. When we cry out to God, He promises to hear and answer according to our need.

Tuesday, 15 October 2019— Psalm 121 — This psalm is a dialogue of confession and assurance. Its use as a pilgrimage song provides the key to its understanding. Key terms are “the Lord” and “watch over” each occurring five times in this psalm 

Wednesday, 16 October 2019— Genesis 32:22-30— In these verses Jacob wrestles with God. He will not let go until God blesses him. Often we struggle; asking God to bless us, to strengthen and increase our faith. Jacob is given a new name. It will no longer be “Jacob”. Now Jacob has acknowledged God as the source of blessing and was about to reenter the Promised Land. The Lord acknowledges Jacob as His servant by changing his name.

Thursday, 17 October 2019—2 Timothy 3:14-4:5— In Palestine, people thought that a time of moral decay would precede the end of the world. The Apostle Paul, the author of this book sees the decadence resulting from false teaching as contributing to this (3:1-9). 

Timothy has Paul’s example to follow, particularly the “persecutions” (3:11) he endured. Suffering for Christ is part of being Christian (3:12). While true Christians will be shown to be godly, false teachers “will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived” (3:13) by the devil.

In 4:6-8, Paul sees his death as being close, so he hands on his ministry to Timothy and other future leaders. The ministry is now Timothy’s (“your”, 4:5). May he, like Paul, remain steadfast (“sober”) as he evangelizes, visiting various cities – even enduring “suffering”.

Friday, 18 October 2019—Luke 18:1-8 — Some Pharisees have asked Jesus when the kingdom of God will come; he has answered: it is already “among you”. Using examples from the Old Testament, He has warned His disciples that its full coming will be sudden and unexpected; many people will miss it, being preoccupied with worldly affairs.

In Jewish society, a “widow” (v. 3) had no legal status; she was powerless. The story tells us twice that the judge is a rogue: he neither respects God nor cares about other people (vv. 2, 4). So why would Jesus tell an absurd story? Because such stories are easily remembered and are likely to be retold.The point, never give up when searching God’s grace and favor.

Saturday, 19 October 2019— Psalm 31:1-5- The Hymn of the Day is I trust, O Lord, Your Holy Name, (LSB #734). We trust God’s promises, which are found in the clear promises of God’s Word. We trust only in which God has promises. When searching for God’s promises - go to the source - where His truth is found – the clear Word of our Lord.

Pentecost 20 - Proper 22

Pentecost 20 – Proper 22
October 7, 2018
Mark 10:2-16
The Savior’s perspective on children

Over a million children are victimized by parents; broken bones, missing teeth, burns, bruises, etc. In contrast, Jesus urges parents to bring children to Him that He might bless and love them. He calls parents to provide, protect, and love His children. Though parents may not physically abuse their children, they may be cruel to them by neglecting them. Good parents want only the best for their children.  This morning Jesus asks parents to permit their children to come to Him. By doing this we are doing a very good thing.

Bring your children to Jesus and permit them –

1.    To be blessed by Jesus – V.16

2.    To know Jesus by your instruction

3.    To come to Jesus by Baptism – V. 14

O Spirit of the Father, breathe on them from above. So searching in Your pureness, So tender in Your love, that guarded by Your presence and kept from strife and sin, their hearts may heed Your guidance and know You dwell within. (LSB 858; 3)

I.        Bring your children to Jesus and permit them to be blessed by Jesus. (v. 16) “And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.”  Jesus took the small children in His arms and blessed them (cf. 9:36-37) - “He took a little child and had Him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the one who sent Me.”

This is a striking act taken by the Savior. He is showing His love for them. Apparently these were fairly small children. This was the overflowing of Jesus' divine love for children. It was this experience - that the disciples in their insensitivity - were preventing the children from having and Jesus from giving. No wonder Jesus was indignant!

A.     One of the greatest gifts we can give is an investment to our children. What wouldn’t we do for our children? Time and circumstances may change from one generation to the other - yet one truth remains central – we want to do right by our children.  But far and above and temporal gift we can bestow on our children are the spiritual blessings we offer them. These parents begged Jesus that He would touch them, but He did more. This says something about the Savior – He gives far and above what we could ever ask or think.

1.      He took them in His arms. Now the Scripture was fulfilled. Isaiah 40:11 reminds us, He shall gather the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His bosom. There was a time, when Christ Himself was taken up in the old man Simeon’s arms, (Luke 2:28).  Now He took up these children, not complaining of the burden – Not as Moses did, when he was told to carry Israel, that peevish child, in his bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child, (Numbers 11:12). Jesus was pleased with it. If we in a right manner bring our children to Christ, He will take them up, not only in the arms of His power and providence, but in the arms of His pity and grace, (see Ezekiel 16:8); for under them are His everlasting arms.

2.      He put His hands upon them, indicating the bestowing of His Spirit upon them (for that is the hand of the Lord), and His sets them apart for Himself. Children are an inheritance from the Lord. They are set apart to be a blessing.

3.      He blessed them - with the spiritual blessings which only He can give. Our children are happy, if they have but the Savior’s blessing.  This is what we attempt to do when our babes-in-arms are brought to the communion rail.

What is the reason for bringing them? What is the reason for blessing them? Is it to make them better? Will Billy or Mary be better behaved children if we bring them up front?  Is it magic, something akin to a “good luck charm”? 

No, we bring them to remind them of the blessings which are theirs in and through their baptism. If, our children are to be blessed, I think it is wise to remind our children (and also ourselves) of the blessing which is theirs in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

This is what you do every time you make the sign of the cross. Whenever we have a baptism the candidate receives the sign of a cross on the forehead and the heart as a sign that they have been redeemed by Christ the crucified. When you make the sign of the cross you are reminded that you have been redeem by Christ the crucified. You are reminding yourself of the blessing which are yours in and through your baptism.

What are these blessings? In baptism the Christian receives the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.  That is why we use the benediction spoken over these babies at their baptism, “May the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ who has begotten you of the water and the Word keep you in His grace both now and forever more, peace be with you. Amen”  

B.      Jesus asserted that children are to be welcomed. He bestows His blessings upon them, which are now appointed to be conveyed and conferred in holy Baptism. For the seal of the promise, is to you and to your children. (see Acts 2) 

II.     Bring your children to Jesus and permit them to know Jesus by our instruction.

A.     This is why we have a Sunday school and a parochial day school at Wyneken Lutheran School. This is why we support a youth group and encourage family devotions with the children.

B.     If the church is to continue it will be through these little ones. They are the future. Because they are present already. Each generation enters this world apostate. It is our duty to connect them to the Savior. We do this by following the words of the Savior’s Great Commission; we make disciples - by baptizing and by teaching. 

III.   Bring your children to Jesus and permit them to come to Jesus by Baptism. (v.14) “When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

A.     Baptism is the means of bringing children into the kingdom. You can almost hear the Savior. “What do you mean? Will you hinder Me from doing good; from doing good to this rising generation, to the lambs of the flock?”

1.      Christ is very angry with His own disciples, if they discourage any in coming to Him themselves, or in bringing their children to Him.

2.      He ordered that they should be brought to Him, and nothing should be said or done to hinder them. Jesus says, “Suffer these little children…” as soon as they are able, to come to Me, to offer up their supplications to Me, and to receive instructions from Me. Little children are always welcomed to the throne of grace with their Hosannas.

B.     Baptism is the means of keeping all in the kingdom.  Jesus was "indignant" when He realized that the disciples thought children were unimportant and bothersome.

1.      Mark not as softness these human emotions of Jesus. Mark tells us He was indigent with His disciples.  He is quite candid about the failings of these disciples.

2.      Jesus wanted children to come to Him. They should not be hindered in their coming. After all, children in their receptivity and dependency exemplify for us the characteristics of those who possess God's kingdom. 

Bring your children to Jesus and permit them –

1.    To be blessed by Jesus –

2.    To know Jesus by instruction –

3.    To come to Jesus by and through their Baptism –

Words-1,375

Passive Sentences-10%

Readability – 75%

Reading Level-6.3

Proper 24

Proper 24 – October 22, 2017 –

O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that, with You as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

THEME: All Obligations Are to God, Expressed In Two Kingdoms

The Gospel lesson appointed to be read on this Sunday gives us the opportunity to determine what our obligations are with respect to our God and to our government. This is important issue especially as we ask ourselves the question - how are we to be witnesses in this world?

There are certainly many differing opinions concerning this subject of church and state or God and government. Some believe that Christians are to be totally separated from this world and society. Some Christians believe that the child of God is to have absolutely nothing to do with this world and is therefore to be shielded and separated from the outside world. An example of such exists in our own backyard in the Amish community. Their manner of dress, their customs, their traditions are deliberate. They believe that the Christian is to completely separate from the rest of us. Their mantra - “Be Ye Separate.”

Then there are Christians who would go so far as to say that as Christians we have the obligation to change the world by being actively aggressive in the shaping of government policy and in dictating the culture of the world. 

So how ought we to approach this sometimes difficult subject? Do religion and politics mix? We have the obligation to be witnesses in the world. As Christians we certainly have a message the world needs to hear and what is more relevant to a lost world than the objective truth of the gospel? By these words of our Savior we must say that all obligations are to God as they are expressed in two kingdoms.

The Pharisees as a group were powerfully loyal to the Jews, who hated the Romans. The Herodians on the other hand - were intensely loyal to Rome which ruled the Jews with great difficulty. They come to Jesus with a question.

The Pharisees had hoped to trap Jesus in his teaching. If Jesus said it was unlawful to give tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have him brought to court on a charge of sedition, a crime punishable by death. If Jesus said it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have advertised this and used it as an opportunity to diminish Jesus’ popularity before those persons who labored under the yoke of the Roman government (and wished to be freed). But Jesus refused to be trapped. And His answer gives mankind direction in living for all ages of the world.

I. THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of this world is of God. Jesus uses the word "Caesar" to symbolize the power of the government. 

In the history of the world there have been many different forms of government but all are of God. Jesus said to Pilate a Roman Governor.  "You would have no authority over Me if it had not been given to you from above." (John. 19:11.) 1 The God-man, Jesus, was subject to the earthly authority which He had given to Pilate. 

St. Paul says in Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to higher authorities because there is no authority which is not of God and the authorities which exist have been ordained of God." 2 God Himself has given us an earthly government. Daniel acknowledged the Babylonians as his government. Jesus and Paul recognized Rome as their God-given government.

B. The kingdom of this world demands my obligations. Jesus told the Pharisees and the Herodians: "Pay to Caesar what you owe to Caesar." What did they owe to Caesar? We owe taxes, obedience to all laws, and loyalty to the government. That is what Jesus himself, Paul and Peter did. In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus gives us the correct attitude toward earthly power. He directed Peter to catch a fish which would yield a coin with which Peter would pay their tax. And Jesus obeyed all laws whether of the Jews or Romans. He submitted both to Pilate and Herod at His trial even though it was an unjust trial. And the apostles direct us to willing obedience toward our government. 

Says St. Paul – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:1-6

Peter reminds us – "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." I Peter 2:13-16

TRANSITION: The Kingdom of this world is of God so also is the Kingdom of God to which I am obligated.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of God is of God. Jesus said to the Pharisees and Herodians: "Pay to God the things of God." Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: "You are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." In this passage the word "rock" means Peter's confession of Christ. Christ builds His church on the confession of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And even Satan and his hosts cannot destroy this church. To this church Christ gives the power to forgive sins to penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from sinners who refuse to repent.

B. The kingdom of God demands my obligations. Christ is our Shepherd. His pastors are also called shepherds. They are to take good care of the flock. 3   

When the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus, Jesus asked for a denarius, a common coin in that day. We use our money to support the government and the church. We pay our taxes and we pay our church contributions. Both are commanded by God. In 1 Corinthians 16 Paul encourages us, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (V.2) Paul told the people to pay their taxes and also support their church’s mission. All of this belongs to God. We are only stewards of His gifts.

I am a citizen in two kingdoms, the kingdom of earthly power, my government, and the kingdom of God, my church. I owe each everything I have. It all is a gift of God and belongs to Him anyway. Christians are sojourners and pilgrims in this world (I Peter 2:11). While our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), we are to be ever mindful of our responsibilities to the nation in which we live. As we love God and serve our neighbor we are witnesses of Him in this world. That, my friends is the definition of missions – Love God, serve your neighbor – become a sermon in shoes. 

Words –1,454
Passive Sentences –12%
Readability – 68.3%
Reading Level – 7.4
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

1.   Rome was one of the most tyrannical Empires known to man
2.   See also I Peter. 2:13-17 and Titus 3:1.
3.   Acts 20:28

Time in the Word - Pentecost 20 ~ Proper 24

Time in the Word

Pentecost 20 –Proper 24

October 16-21, 2017

The Lessons for this week deal with God and the world. God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. A pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as his instrument; he uses a nation to fulfill his purposes in the world. In God’s hands lies the destinies of the nations. The Lord reigns among the nations and will judge the world with righteousness. In the Hymn “Before the Lord We bow” we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love.

Collect for Proper 24 – Almighty God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, October 16, 2017 - Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Vs. 5 of Psalm 121; “The Lord watches over you- the Lord is Your shade at your right hand.” Under the theme “Nations under God” this Sunday’s readings deal with God and the world. 

God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. The Antiphon reminds us that the Lord is watching. How does that make one feel? We seek after Him who grants us grace which is found in the second half of the phrase “He is Your shade at your right hand.”

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - Isaiah 45:1-7 -In our Old Testament lesson a pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as His instrument. The Lord uses a nation to fulfill His purposes in this world. In God’s hands lies the destiny of nations.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a - In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul greets the Thessalonians and thanks God for their faithful work of faith and love. This is the first of a series of readings from the book written by the Apostle Paul. With respect to the Gospel lesson for the week – The Thessalonians render to God what God deserves. As for the Old Testament lesson; as Cyrus was chosen, God chose the church of Thessalonica. (Vs. 4) 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus’ return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.

Thursday, October 19, 2017– Matthew 22:15-22 - Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble.

Pharisees and Herodians come to him with the question whether taxes should be paid to the Roman government. The Pharisees would say, “No”; the Herodians would answer, “Yes.” If Jesus said one should not pay taxes, he could be arrested as a subversive and revolutionary. If Jesus said one should, he would be in trouble with the patriotic Jews who hated Roman dominance. Jesus recognized that the inquirers were hypocrites and that they came to find occasion to have him arrested. His answer caused his enemies to marvel at his answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Friday, October 20, 2017 - Psalm 96:1-9 - This Psalm is appointed for next week. The key verse is verse 7b, "Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”.

Saturday, October 18, 2017 –Psalm 145:1 -Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Before the Lord We Bow” an appropriate hymn for this week’s theme “Nations under God.” In this hymn we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love. Truly we serve a God who governs the affairs of men who will judge the world with righteousness and equity. Having read these lessons here are a few points to ponder. Is it a true statement that the Lord has already judged the world? If so when and how? When Christ returns in glory what will be the sentence rendered? 

A Prayer of the Church at the time of the Reformation (The Great Litany): Be mindful of all who have fallen asleep…who have offered You these gifts…who do good works…and are concerned for the poor…Remember, Lord those who live in deserts and mountains…those who persevere in virginity…those in authority…speak good to their hearts…Be mindful, O Lord, of the people assembled here, as well as those who are absent from good cause…fill their households with every good thing; sustain their marriages in peace and harmony; nurture their infants; train up the youth; support the elderly, comfort the fainthearted; gather in those who are scattered and lead back those who have strayed, uniting them in Your holy, catholic and apostolic church…Sail with those who sail…plead for the widows, shield the orphans…hear the cries of the afflicted. O God, look after all those who are on trial…those who love us as well as those who hate us…Be mindful, Lord our God, of all Your people and lavish on all Your rich mercy, granting to all what leads to salvation. And, if we have failed to commemorate anyone, whether out of ignorance or forgetfulness or because of the great number of names, You, O God, will remember.  

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Image © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Proper 24

Proper 24

19 October 2014

Matthew 22:15-22

O God, the protector of all who trust in you. Have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal;

These words of Jesus were spoken at the temple in Jerusalem. It's Wednesday of Holy Week -

The Pharisees took counsel on how to trip Jesus up. Jesus had been destroying them. Now there is a time of grace. But not for long. The end will come.

There was no inconsistency in Jesus' words. They wanted to find fault with Him.

Pharisees began to plot against Jesus in response to His actions in healing on the Sabbath day, and drew the Herodians into their conspiracy.

These Pharisees.  They send their disciples along with the Herodians to confront Jesus. Yes!  Pharisees and Herodians in bed together. These Herodians were considered unclean. Pharisees and Herodians were mortal enemies. They  did not like each other. These Herodians.  Were and had been sincerely friendly to Herod the Great, and to his dynasty. They would refer to Herod as, "The King of the Jews!"

They begin by complementing Him. Be aware when they serve desert before dinner.

They flattered Jesus for His honesty and impartiality, then questioning Him politically in relation to His attitude to paying Roman taxes. Jesus did appear to have impressed the Herodians with his reply: "... they marveled (εθαυμασαν) at Him".

What do you think? We know you teach the way of God and truth. It doesn't matter to you nor does it concern you. You do not look into the face of men. Is it lawful to pay tribute, to participate in the census    to Caesar? (And what were His parents doing?) Is it permissible to participate in government?

Jesus knowing their evil asks them, "Why do you tempt me?" Remember the warning of the apostle James, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations." (James 1:2)

"Show me the tribute'" Jesus responds. They displayed  a denarius.

"Whose image portrait is on it?"

"Caesar," they reply.

"Give to CAESAR what belongs to Caesar. And to GOD what belongs to God."

Jesus has no desire to get into a political debate. Especially when He knows their heart and their intent.

There are more pressing matters. Its Holy Week! It's Wednesday! In 48 hours Jesus will be dead. The cross is coming into view. It can't be avoided. It compels Him.

Jesus is content for His followers to render loyalty to Caesar , who is an earthly King. Render to Caesar what he is due;  taxes, revenue, respect. But to Christ, the King of Kings, we owe Him our lives.

“When they heard it they left Him.”  Literally, they let it go. Is this not the definition of forgiveness? Your sin, it's gone. It's been nailed to Jesus' cross. He bore your sin in His own body on the bloody cross of Calvary. That you might die to sin. And live to Him.

There at the cross we fund a great exchange. Your flaws and failures. Given in exchange for Christ's perfection. He renders you to God...offering His own body as the payment for your sin. 

As a Christian, a follower of Jesus; the Christ, the King of Kings, you owe Him everything. For Caesar there is an obligation. Try to evade paying taxes. You won't go far. Run afoul of law, and you must pay the consequences. For King Jesus, the debt you owe for your sin, the bill is marked, "paid in full!"

Jesus gives you NOT religion. Religion says, "If you change first, you may join us." Jesus invites you. He simply says, "Come, join and follow Me, and you'll be changed."

So, what's your obligation to Jesus?

"For all which it is my duty to thank and praise and serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true!

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Words – 679

Passive Sentences – 5%

Readability – 79%

Reading Level – 4.0