Sunday October 2 is the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. The three year lectionary assigns Scripture readings from Proper 22C: Psalm 62; Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; and Luke 17:1-10. A theme, or rather a pair of connected themes, in Jesus’ instruction in the Gospel lesson is forgiving our neighbor, and the Christian faith that such forgiveness requires.
Hymns chosen for the day are #538 Praise Be to Christ; #720 We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight; #587 I Know My Faith is Founded; and for those present for Communion, we will sing #629 What is This Bread, during the distribution.
The opening notes of Psalm 62 say this is a psalm of David sent to the choirmaster according to Jeduthun. This is similar to the introduction of Psalm 39. According to 1 Chronicles 16:41-41 Jeduthun was one of the court musicians. In 2Chronicles 5:12-13 Jeduthun is also listed as one of the court singers. In 2 Chronicles 35:15 Jeduthun is also identified as King David’s “seer”. Apparently Psalm 62 was to be sung or played in the style of Jeduthun. The Psalm expresses confidence in God. Though neighbors, friends, and neighbors may turn against us, God continues to be our faithful Savior. We should trust in Him.
Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah in the period just before the Babylonian army attacked, likely around the time of the Battle of Carchemish when the joint armies of the Egyptians and Assyrians were soundly defeated by the ascending Babylonians. Habakkuk’s prophecy is a bit strange as it is not directed at the people, but is primarily a conversation between the prophet and God. Habakkuk complains about the corrupt society, the lack of justice, and the threat of the approaching enemy army. God seems to be distant and uncaring. God answers with assurance that He is indeed fulfilling His will, the Babylonians are agents of God’s judgment, but they too will eventually fall aside. It is a word of assurance—you can write it down on your tablet; it will occur at its appointed time. So Habakkuk agrees to wait and watch. We too would do well to life by faith not by sight, trusting that God will accomplish the judgment and victory of the Last Day, just as He has foretold.
The epistle is from St. Paul’s second letter to his young co-worker Timothy. Timothy was leading a congregation in Ephesus; Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Several workers in the churches had been abandoning the faith as persecution was increasing. Tychicus has been sent to replace Timothy so that he in turn could help Paul in Rome. In the opening chapter of this letter Paul expresses his fondness for Timothy, then urges him that even in times of suffering he should remain faithful and avoid compromising what he had been taught about Jesus and the gospel.
The gospel reading from Luke 17 could be divided into 4 parts, but with further study I think that these “parts” are all connected. Jesus tells the disciples how serious sin is. Sin can ruin an immature faith, so it would be better to drown than to cause others to sin. Since sin is serious we need to rebuke Christians who sin so they repent, but we should also be ready to forgive those who sin against us. The disciples recognize how difficult true forgiveness is, so they ask for a greater faith. Jesus instructs them that when they act faithfully, they shouldn’t think they are extraordinary or expect a greater reward. Forgiveness is part of a disciple’s duty. Think about the following statements–we are saved by God’s grace; we are not saved by faith. Rather we are saved through faith, that is, faith receives God’s grace. Do you recognize why these statements are true? If I say, ‘I am saved by my faith’, I am in danger of putting myself as the cause of salvation. O gracious God help me to avoid sin! Help me to forgive those who sin against me! Help me to be a faithful servant to Jesus my Savior who earned Your forgiveness for me!
COLLECT: O God, our Refuge and Strength, the Author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
We intend to stream the service on Facebook Live beginning at 10:30. You are encouraged to attend Bible study at 9.
The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
