In the gospel lesson for this coming Sunday October 3, Jesus tells a parable about two men, one a Pharisee (who would have been a prominent religious leader) and the other a tax collector (someone the Jews would have considered to be a traitor of sorts, working for the Roman occupying forces). The two men have different approaches to prayer. Jesus considers the tax collector to be justified before God, but not the Pharisee. In learning more about prayer we’ll consider what the parable says about God and what it says about us.
Scripture readings for Proper 25 are Psalm 5; Genesis 4:1-15; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; and Luke 18:9-17.
Hymns chosen for the day are #558 Not Unto Us; #567 Not What These Hands Have Done; #559 Oh How Great is Your Compassion; and for those present for communion, we will sing#628 Your Table I Approach during the distribution.
Psalm 5 begins with the attribution that it is a psalm of King David, with direction that it is to be accompanied by flutes. The psalm could be considered a prayer for mercy. God hates the sin of pride. The psalmist approaches God in humility, trusting in God’s love, bowing down he asks for God’s guidance. Liars and boasters will be destroyed for their rebellious acts. But those who take refuge in God and love His name will be protected and blessed.
Genesis 4:1-15 recounts the first murder. Not long after Adam and Eve fell for the devil’s deception and sin entered the world, their sons Cain and Abel gave an offering to God. God accepted Abel’s offering, but wasn’t happy with Cain’s offering.. In jealous anger Cain killed his brother Abel. Punishment was swift and severe—Cain would be separated from his homeland, and separation from God. You may find it interesting or surprising that God continued to care for murderous Cain even after declaring him guilty. Why was Abel considered righteous, while Cain was not? The book of Hebrews 11:4 explains that Abel’s offering was given in faith, but Cain’s was not. There is a connection between humility and faith, and a contrast between faith and pride.
In 2 Timothy 4 St Paul reports on his status. He is writing from prison after being arrested for preaching the gospel. Unlike previous arrests and abuses, Paul senses that he may soon be put to death. Much like Jesus was treated, his friends and co-workers have abandoned him in fear. But Paul remains confident, trusting that even in death Jesus will be with him. An award will be given to Paul, and to all who love Jesus. The enemy may kill the body, but Jesus will rescue you, taking your soul to heaven to await the day of resurrection and the restoration of all flesh.
In Luke 18:9-17 Jesus continues instruction about prayer by telling a parable. Humility is a key component of proper prayer, recognizing we have nothing to merit God’s attention, nothing with which to negotiate a deal with God. All we can give Him is our sin. By the death of Jesus, God removes the guilt of sin, and grants you forgiveness. Those who hold to His promises in faith are consider to be right with Him.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy; forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid; and give us those things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I urge you to join us at Sunday’s service to hear God’s word and to receive His gift of forgiveness in the Lord’s Supper. We intend to stream Sunday’s service on Facebook at 10:30 for those who cannot attend. Please set aside time to join in Bible study at 9 as well. Let me know if you have any prayer requests of questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
