Proper 24 Reflection and Study

Pentecost 22 – Proper 24

21 October 2018

Mark 10:23-31

Self reliance might be the American way – but not so with Jesus

A prayer to resist 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, our Lord." Amen

Our Gospel lesson is a continuation of last week. 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)

1.       What was Jesus getting at with the Camel?  Recall CS Lewis’ famous line; “All things, (e.g. a camel’s journey through a needle’s eye) are possible, it’s true. But picture how the camel feels, squeezed out. In one long, bloody, thread, from tail to snout.”- From his work ‘Parables’

The camel has to die! The biggest animal passing through the smallest hole. What is Jesus getting at?   

Americans have a chance to gain nearly every material possession they want. So, we often become convinced, at least subconsciously, that we can buy happiness and meaning. This delusion can leave us void of the lasting, deep-down joy that possessions cannot bring. Where is true joy and contentment found?

Given our current cultural context, in which so much of our collectively ingrained assumptions about financial security have been uprooted and have further exposed our runaway consumption, consider the gospel's perspective on discipleship, possessions, and abundance.

2.       What is our perspective on possessions?

3.       What was Jesus getting at with His conversation with His disciples?

4.       What is your reaction to Peter’s statement?  Better yet, what is your reaction to Jesus’ response?

5.       We are now one month away from Thanksgiving. How does today’s lesson shape your plans for this year’s feast?

A 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.

A 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.

Lutheran Service Book © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+of+Mark+10:23-31  

Pentecost 22 - Proper 24

Pentecost 22 – Proper 24

October 21, 2018

Mark 10:23-31

Self reliance might be the American way but not so with Jesus

By the voluntary poverty of Christ, we enter into the kingdom of God.

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.[1]

Our gospel lesson is a continuation of last week’s conversation. The rich young man went away sorrowful. Jesus takes the opportunity to educate His disciples. He schools them. Concerning the temptation. Which is to trust in riches. And every stumbling block. He will strip away.

Next Sunday, we will sing with vigor and gusto the words of that great Reformation hymn, ‘And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife. Let these all be gone. Our victory has been won.’[2] 

Really?  

Jesus said it twice in a span of three verses: “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth—for those who are rich - like us! Americans —To enter the kingdom of God.” Unless you can find a very big needle, or a tiny camel, it’s going to be an awfully tough road ahead for you.

C.S. Lewis reminds us, the camel has to die! The biggest animal - passing through the smallest hole. “All things, (e.g. a camel’s journey through a needle’s eye) are possible, it’s true. But picture how the camel feels, squeezed out. In one long, bloody, thread, from tail to snout.”[3]

For these disciples, the common wisdom of the day was that if you were rich, you were righteous. And if you were poor. It was your sin that caused it. (Sound familiar?)

Yet Jesus told the wealthy man that to enter the Kingdom he needed to sell what he had. Jesus then commented to the disciples that being rich actually made it harder to enter the Kingdom. This completely confused the disciples. Who thought material blessings were evidence of God’s blessings.

The apostles got their attitudes from a society in which wealth was seen as an indication of God’s favor. Those who were blessed significantly and financially were viewed as having done something right. They found favor in God’s eye. God doled out the good life to some. And, as for others. They reasoned. He withheld His blessings. Health and wealth meant you were living right. Illness or disability or poverty indicated there was some sort of black mark on your record with God. That if they just trust God enough; if they just have enough faith. And prayed right. Their financial problems would be a thing of the past. If they would just dig a little deeper. And give more. Their disability or their sickness would simply go away.

The amazement of the disciples at Jesus' words reflects their cultural background. They placed a great emphasis on the privileged position of the rich. To be wealthy was believed to be sure and certain evidence of having the blessing of God. If you prosper God must be smiling down up on you was their thinking. But with His penetrating spiritual insight, Jesus saw how wealth could hinder someone from putting their trust and dependence in God.

“How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were shocked! ἐξεπλήσσοντο “Panicked” “Astounded” “Amazed” “Who then can be saved?”

For the rich to enter the kingdom of God - Simply because of their wealth - Is indeed impossible. Jesus’ word was not lost on the disciples. “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! (Vs.25) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”[4] And their question, "Who then can be saved?" shows that they completely understood.

These words from Jesus point to a tension that many of us feel. We are commanded to love the Lord our God, “with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.” [St. Mark 12:30] Yet it takes a lot to gain wealth. And, it can take even more to maintain that wealth. To what degree does our focus on wealth take our focus away from God? The disciples declare that this is hard to do — Perhaps, even impossible. Jesus doesn’t disagree with them. He leaves them to struggle with this. Yet He offers them a word of hope: “With God all things are possible.” As we struggle with conflicting loyalties in our lives, may this struggle lead us closer to faithfulness. And may the love of God lead us closer to peace.

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 one can. If you rely on yourself. It is only by God’s grace that anyone can be saved. Yet all things are possible with God.

Jesus, the greatest teacher who has ever lived points us to the solution. His answer makes clear that “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible.”(V.27)

Peter does not boast of his sacrifices but continues to panic about the difficulty of securing eternal life. What hope is there for him? In response, Jesus explains that He does not call people to hardship, but into a new community with its own benefits. He reassures Peter that poverty is not the hallmark of God's kingdom. Rather a trust and reliance upon Him. Come what may.

Notice, Jesus reminds us that persecutions accompany such a life. As if it were not difficult enough on its own, a life of authentic discipleship also runs contrary to the world's values and may arouse the world's ire.

All this comes with many persecutions. μετὰ διωγμῶν Persecutions, or the contempt of the world, and bodily sufferings on account of their allegiance to Christ, they "must" meet. Jesus did not conceal this. Rather He consoled them. He comforts them. Jesus wants His disciples to understand and expect suffering. Godliness brings suffering. Expect it!

That which you may have to give up is physical. But, that which you receive is spiritual. - And, many times greater!

In the centuries since Christ's death, many dedicated disciples have found fulfillment in these words in their own lives. They have had to "leave" their people and possessions in order to follow Christ. But, for every fleshly relationship lost - They gained hundreds of sisters and brothers in Christ. For every alienated parent – There are hundreds in God's family to care for them.  For every possession lost – There are spiritual blessings, many times greater.

Christ’s righteousness can only save you. Yet, you may be left to suffering that you didn’t deserve. Your prayers will be answered. But not in ways you might expect. God may bless you materially. But what if your material blessings actually stand between you and Christ? Are you willing to part with anything which stands in His way?

What you are called to do is trust. Trust the nature of Christ. Trust the love of Christ. Trust the justice of Christ. Trust the mercy of Christ. This God whom we worship is worthy of our trust, even when all the rules we thought we knew seem to fail before our eyes.

And this trust — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is followed by “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” As He died. Jesus trusted. And so must you.

Look around you. And see the sisters and brothers, the mothers and fathers that God in Christ has given you. A family. A hundredfold. They are relationships not of Law. But of Gospel—Relationships in the shared good news that Jesus has brought you into the kingdom. Where even the poorest are made rich.  He who was the richest made Himself poor. For your sake.

With membership in this family come persecutions, It’s true. But these persecutions. Like all worldly suffering. And all the worldly things that we set aside. Or re-dedicate to the glory of God. Are passing away. Into the age which is to come.

Does all this seem impossible? Yes! Impossible it is! For you. Yet with God. All things are possible.

Words –1,490

Passive Sentences – 4%

Readability – 77.2%

Reading Level – 4.8

Source:  http://www.textweek.com/yearb/properb23.htm

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[1] Prayer for the proper use of wealth,    Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] A Mighty Fortress is our God, stanza 4, Lutheran Service Book ©2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] From his work “Parables”

[4] A ninth-century interpreter made up the idea of a low gate into Jerusalem called "the eye of the needle," through which camels could pass only if they stooped. Presumably, then, Jesus criticizes only the proud rich, or only the rich who are not extremely determined to enter the kingdom. Unfortunately, no such gate ever existed.

Time in the Word Pentecost 22 - Proper 24

Time in the Word:
Preparation for next week, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

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...

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day… 

Mon., October 15-- Gideon – Judges 2-7 - selective verses
Tues. October 16– Samson – Part 1 –Judges 13-14 - selective verses
Wed. October 17– Chapel Day
Thurs. October 18- Samson – Part 1 – Judges 15-16 - selective verses
Fri. –October 19-  Ruth - selective verses
From the Small Catechism – 2nd Article & Meaning

 

Time in the Word

15–20 October 2018

Monday, 15 October 2018—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, 16 October 2018—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, 17 October 2018—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, 18 October 2018—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, 19 October 2018—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, 20 October 2018—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.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things

Lectionary summary on first page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Pentecost 22 ~Proper 24

Proper 24

October 16, 2016

Luke 18:1-8

Persistence in Blessing – Persistence in Prayer

The Gospel for today and next Sunday. Both deal with prayer. The Savior will use short stories. About earthly life. To teach spiritual truths.  These stories. Contain casts of only a few characters. Next week it will be the Pharisee and the tax collector. This week, it is the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Jesus will teach us about Persistence in Blessing. And Persistence in Prayer.

1. What the widow in Christ’s parable teaches us.

A.      About ourselves.

1.            Like the widow. We also experience injustice. And evil. At the hands of others. In her case. We don’t know specifically what was involved. Likewise. We often don’t always know beforehand what people will do to us. They might malign us.  Impugn our motives. Pilfer our homes and businesses. And persecute us.  In overt or subtle ways.

2.            But we do know. That our sin. Makes us deserve nothing but punishment from God. Not only do others sin against us. But we too sin against them. Thinking. Speaking.  And doing evil. Continually. Over and over again. Each of our sins against others is also a sin against God. It is a striving against Him. That deprives us of our rights as children.  This brings death. For which all sin brings.

3.            In the face of the evil. Done against us. And the evil that we do. We are tempted to despair. We are virtually unable to help ourselves. And any help from God. Appears to be delayed. Or denied.

4.            But God our heavenly Father.  Invites us to seek His help. And blesses us for Christ’s sake. You are not unknown to God. Not as the widow was to the judge. You are His elect. That is, He has chosen you in Christ before the foundation of the world. He has adopted you as his beloved child. Because of the work of His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ.

B.      About God.

1.            As the widow persisted in her plea and request for mercy. So did our lord persist in His work of winning for you His Father’s good pleasure. He endured as your Substitute. He experienced human injustice and wickedness. Drinking the bitter dregs. The cup of suffering. That the Father administered to Him. As the result of your transgressions and sins. Never did He falter in carrying out His mission of salvation. He persisted. Declaring, ”It is finished!” But also promising, “I am with you always!”

2.            For the sake of His crucified and risen Son. The Father now persists in hearing your prayers. His desire is to bless you. Through Christ, you have access to the throne of grace. What a blessing it is to uphold one another in our Friedheim family. - Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.

2. What the judge in Christ’s parable teaches us.

A.      About ourselves.

1.            In stressing that the judge’s decision was a selfish one. The parable reminds us that we also decide to do many things for a selfish desire to benefit ourselves, rather than a pure desire to praise the Father and benefit others. For example, our obedience to civil laws is sometimes motivated more by our fear of punishment than by a concern for the common good. Or a celebration of the Reformation can tend more toward worship of the self then toward proclaiming with thankfulness and patience the glorious message that the Father has entrusted to us the salvation of others.

2.            Such selfishness is unrighteousness. Such selfishness is contrary to God’s will. Such selfishness deserves condemnation. Yet, it so thoroughly pervades all human thinking, that the parable is not at all absurd or unbelievable. The judge is a picture of how we by nature deal with each other!

B.      About God.

1.            How different in this regard is God from sinful human nature. We can contrast the judge’s forced and selfish decision with God’s willing and selfish promises. God loved the world so much that He freely and selflessly gave His only Son into death to save all sinners from everlasting death. Jesus did not regard equality with God as a thing to be grasped. Rather, He humbled Himself. And became obedient even to death. The Holy Spirit designs to enter even our frail and mortal bodies and build us into a holy temple in the Lord.

2.            Unlike the judge. Who in selfishness. Was erratic and suspect. The Father is altogether trustworthy. He wants us to hold Him to His promises and blessings. Demand them! You are His child. His answers to prayer do not always come according to our timetable. But He does answer. – And always at the right time.

The Father wants you always to pray and not despair. Realize His faithfulness toward you. Be constant in prayer. The Father’s persistence in blessing leads to persistence in prayer.

Face of Christ - http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Words – 850

Passive Sentences – 2%

Reading Ease –73.9

Reading Level -4.7

Time in the Word - Pentecost 22- Proper 24

Time in the Word:
 Preparation for next week, the 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost

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.

Prayer for hope of eternal life in Christ: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raised in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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 2016— 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, 11 September 2016— 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 2016— 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 2016—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 2016—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 2016— 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.

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas, ©Higher Things.