The scripture lessons for Sunday October 9, (the 18th Sunday after Pentecost and Proper 23C) are Psalm 111:1-10; : Ruth 1:1-19; 1 Timothy 2:1-13; and Luke 17:11-19. These texts include acts of mercy done by our powerful and gracious God. His power and grace and mercy are still at work today. Can you think of examples of His mercy in your life? Sadly, the Scripture lessons also report on those who fail to recognize His works, or take them for granted. Our eyes are often on the troubles of the world, and we miss the saving work God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are accomplishing. O Lord, grant us eyes of faith to recognize and appreciate Your continuing acts of mercy, that we would always give You thanks and praise.
The hymns chosen for Sunday are #790 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; #846 Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old; #528 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing; and for those present for communion we will sing #620 Jesus Comes Today With Healing during the distribution.
Psalm 111 is a hymn of praise, thanking God for His many gracious works, especially what He has done to ensure our salvation. In the midst of life’s troubles, let’s remember that God is a powerful, gracious, merciful, and saving God!
Ruth 1:1-19 is the opening chapter of a story about a woman named Ruth who lived a little over 3000 years ago. She was a foreigner who marries into a Israelite family. She, like others of the time, is afflicted by famine that leads to the death of her husband. In spite of this terrible loss, Ruth recognizes the goodness of God. Rather than going back home to her old gods and old way of life, she trusts the true God and determines to continue following in His ways. By God’s grace that journey leads to redemption and re-marriage, and Ruth the foreigner becomes the forbearer of Israel’s King David, and the world’s Savior, Jesus.
In 2Timothy 2:1-13, St. Paul compares the Christian life to the life of a soldier, to an athlete, and to a farmer. Soldiers forego many civilian pleasures, even suffering as they commit themselves to the battle. An athlete is required to live by the rules of the game being played. A farmer is patient and works hard so an abundant harvest can be enjoyed. So Christians too be committed, disciplined, patient and hard working so the victory and gathering of the first day can be enjoyed. Such commitment is beyond human will. So, to strengthen us, God continues to proclaim the gospel, the good news that He sent His Son Jesus to die and be raised from the grave so that you would be saved from your sin. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial suffering and death, God graciously grants you salvation. If we endure in the faith, trusting in Jesus, we will also reign with Him.
In Luke 17:11-19, the evangelist tells of Jesus’ encounter with ten lepers. They ask Jesus to show them some mercy. He miraculously heals them. What a marvelous and gracious miracle! Not only is their disease gone, they are to be welcomed back into the unity of the community. But only one, a Samaritan outsider, returned to thank Jesus for His gracious act. God’s mercies are still new every day. Jesus has done a miracle cleansing you of your sin. What is the proper response to such grace?
COLLECT: Almighty God, You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to recognize your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise 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. Amen.
I encourage you to join together for worship, beginning at 10:30. For those who cannot attend, we intend to stream the service on Facebook Live. You are also encouraged to attend Bible class at 9. Please contact me if you have questions or comments about any of this. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
