Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our Savior, Jesus. The Church calendar indicates we have entered the “green” season, the weeks and months following Pentecost. Think of green as indicating life. The focus of the gospel readings chosen for the post-Pentecost season emphasize the continued ministry of Jesus through the life of the Church. That being said, for the next several Sundays I intend to preach on the epistle readings, a near continuous reading through St. Paul’s letter to the Roman Church. Paul’s emphasis on salvation by grace through faith and not by obedience to the law is important to understanding of the gospel.
For the next several weeks we will also be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for June 11 are #553 O Christ, Our Hope, our Hearts Desire; #557 Seek Where You May to Find a Way; #611 Chief of Sinners Though I Be; and #720 We Walk By Faith, and Not By Sight.
Scripture readings for the June 11 are Psalm 119:65-72 ; Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-25; and Matthew 9:9-13.
Verses 65-72 is one section of the teaching psalm 119. The psalmist prays that God would give him good judgment and knowledge on how to properly apply God’s commandments. The psalmist recognizes antagonists and other afflictions in his life, but sees them as God’s acts of discipline and chastisement, for they turn him away from himself and help him to remember his need for God’s gracious favor.
The prophet Hosea prophesied from about 740 BC to 715 BC, overlapping with other prophets Isaiah and Amos, in the years before the northern kingdom of Israel was overrun by the Assyrians. Through the words of Hosea, God was critical of Israel’s attitude toward Him, frequently comparing them to an adulterous wife. Like many prophecies. Hosea speaks of God’s coming judgment as well as God’s grace and faithfulness toward His people. In verses 5:15-6:6 there is a bit of a conversation, God saying He will withdraw until the people repent; the people respond by urging one another to return to God; then God speaking again, explaining what He wants from His people—steadfast love and true knowledge of God, not empty, thoughtless acts of sacrifice nor temporary love that lasts little longer than morning dew. God wants our ongoing trust in His words and gracious character, not empty, robotic obedience.
In the first three chapters of his letter to the Church in Rome, Paul gives evidence that all people are sinners deserving God’s judgment. In Chapter 4 Paul explains how God restores us rebels—it does not depend on our efforts or good intentions, but rather upon His grace and mercy demonstrated through Jesus who died for us, undergoing the punishment we deserve. This sacrificial gift from God is received through faith. Paul uses the example of the ancient patriarch Abraham to illustrate the connection between God’s grace, God’s promise, and our response of faith. We are saved by Jesus Christ who has paid our penalty. But we Christians can also say faith saves us, if we recognize faith is the means by which we hold to the benefits of Jesus. Salvation and faith are gifts from God.
In the gospel reading from Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls a tax collector, Matthew, to leave his job to instead follow Him and be His disciple. Tax collectors were often treated as traitors, for they were Jewish citizens working for the Roman occupying forces. Many tax collectors also abused their authority, extorting additional revenue from people. But Jesus was not afraid to spend time with tax collectors or other sinners—these sinners were whom He had come to save. Thank God for His grace, sending His Son into the world to rescue us from sin’s condemnation. Whatever vocation we serve, we have opportunity to share with others the good news of Jesus.
COLLECT: Almighty and most merciful God, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and hearts to hear His call and follow Him by faith, that we may feast with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
