On Sunday September 10 we will be following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #795 Voices Raised to You We Offer; #857 Lord Help Us Walk Your Servant Way; #634 The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; and #643 Sent Forth By God’s Blessing.
Scripture lessons we will be reading are Psalm 32:1-7; Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 13:1-10; Matthew 18:1-20.
Psalm 32 is indicated to be a ‘maskil’ of King David. It is not clear what a maskil is, but it may be an indication of how or where it was to be sung. The psalm is also often characterized as a penitential psalm, expressing confession and absolution of sin. The psalm includes ‘Selah’ notations after verses 4, 5, and 7, thought to be instruction to briefly meditate on what has just been read or sung (perhaps during musical interludes). David recalls the misery he felt when trying to keep his sin a secret. The guilt burdened him physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. He also expresses the relief and restoration he felt when he had confessed his sin before God. So David would encourage each of us to confess our sin as well. When we confess our sin, God is gracious to forgive our iniquity. Don’t be stubborn. Rather than attempting to run or hide from God, we should turn to Him. He will forgive and deliver you. Connected to His Son Jesus we can be protected from trouble and shame.
In Ezekiel 33, God describes the prophet as a watchman, instructing him to call His people to repentance, warning them to turn from their wickedness. The language to Ezekiel is quite stern. If he fails to speak God’s word, he will be responsible for their sin. But if the prophet warns, and a person fails to heed the warning, God will put that person to death for their sin. It is a stark reminder that sin is a deadly serious matter to God. What shall we sinners do? Certainly don’t underestimate your sin or take it lightly. Don’t imagine it is something you can fix by being better behaved. Instead be sure to listen to God’s promises. Repent, and turn to Jesus who was sent to rescue you from sin and God’s wrath.
In the final chapters of his letter to the Romans, St. Paul is giving instruction on how to live as God’s forgiven and justified people. In Chapter 12 Paul gave a list of instructions, summarized as acts of love for God and for neighbor, even for those you would consider enemies. In Chapter 13 Paul instructs Christians to honor those in authority, including those in the government. All government systems and human authorities fall short of God’s perfection. Paul points out though, that all authority comes from God. When we resist government, we are resisting what God has appointed. The exception would be when governments act in opposition to God, we must obey God rather than men (see Acts 5:29). So we are to obey civil laws, pay our taxes, and honor authorities. When we love our neighbor (even authorities) as ourselves, we are fulfilling God’s law.
In Matthew 18, Jesus gives a series of instructions, each indicating the danger of sin. He encourages Christians to act humbly and not underestimate our proclivity to sin. In addition He warns people not to lead others into sin. He speaks particularly of not misleading children. What are our words and actions teaching our children about sin? God values the soul of each person and doesn’t want anyone to be misled into temptation and destruction. God rejoices when anyone believes in His Son, Jesus. Jesus goes on to give instruction regarding church discipline, that is, what to do if a church member has sinned against another. Jesus introduces what we Lutherans call the Office of the Keys, delegation of His authority to the Church to forgive or to “bind” sin. A Church decision on these matters is valid in heaven. Like a shepherd who returns a lost sheep to its owner, members of the Church are to do all they can to bring a stubborn sinner to repentance. In that way, we are our brother’s keeper. So we proclaim God’s Law and His Gospel. If anyone does not listen, then we ought to discipline them, treating them as an outsider and no longer a member of the congregation. The goal of such excommunication is not to punish, but rather that the brother or sister would recognize the seriousness of their offense, and humbly confess and repent so they could be restored to the assembly.
COLLECT: O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us, Your humble servants, Your holy inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, 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 readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
