Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus. The heat might contradict me, but the calendar tells me it is the end of the summer. Schools and colleges are back in session. I encourage you to seek education for your souls, that is to join in a Bible study, that you might better grasp the history of God’s saving power that is now also available to you. No matter which book of the Bible you choose to study, see how it testifies to Jesus. Meet with us at 9am Sunday mornings, or let me know if there is another day or time you would like to meet.
Sunday September 7 is the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. We will be making a change by following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #876 O Blessed Holy Trinity; #873 How Clear is Our Vocation Lord; #563 Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness; and #724 If God Himself Be For Me, verses 1,2, 9, and 10.
Scriptures assigned to the Propers for the day; Psalm 1, Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-21; and Luke 14:25-35. A casual reader might conclude from these passages that we contribute to our salvation by making the right decisions to choose God. But a reader being more careful and letting Scripture interpret Scripture will see that God is the active agent. Through the gospel proclaimed and applied in baptism, God does all the work to make us His own. However, it is possible for us to turn away from God’s choosing, and to reject the gospel.
As God says through Moses to the tribes of Israel as they are about to enter the land He promised them, ‘choose life and good (what God is already doing for them), or choose death and evil’ (Go your way and reject what God is offering). There is no middle ground or fence-sitting in God’s reign. One either receives what God has already earned and promised, or one does not.
The epistle lesson varies a bit from the theme I’ve suggested. St. Paul is acting in a “Christ-like manner”, writing a letter attempting to restore a relationship between a slave owner and a runaway slave, both of whom are Christian. In our American context we have a visceral reaction to discussions about slavery and slave owning. But I encourage you to focus your attention to the redemptive and relationship-healing language Paul uses to bring the two together—from different vocations but both brothers in Christ. Paul’s words may motivate you to also become a peacemaker and reconciler. But his explanation should also lead you to appreciate the sacrificial work of Jesus who has reconciled us sinners back to God.
The gospel reading for Sunday begins a long section of instruction from Jesus that will focus on the gospel and His purpose in seeking out and restoring to God those who are currently separated from God, lost in their sin. But 14:25-35 emphasize the cost of discipleship. Christianity is not all fun and a bed of roses. There is an expectation that those chosen by God and redeemed by Jesus would behave as those who are chosen and redeemed. Like salt that “loses its saltiness” has no value, a disciple who does not speak and behave like a disciple is also not being useful to the kingdom.
Consider the cost of being a disciple. Take up your cross, be willing to suffer, and follow Jesus who has purchased you with His blood and called you by the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.
COLLECT: O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son, Jesus, but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him; for He 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 lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
