12TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Lessons & Prayer
FIRST READING: Isaiah 51:1-6
Once again this summer, we are in the portion of the Book of Isaiah that seeks to offer promise and hope. For Biblical scholars who divide the book into two major divisions, we are in “The Book of Comfort” (Chapters 40-66); and for Biblical scholars who divide the book into three major divisions, we are in “Second Isaiah” (Chapters 40-55). In either case, Jewish exiles – who have been defeated, deported, and devastated – are being encouraged by proclamations of future deliverance from exile in Babylon, a return to their homeland, and the restoration as a nation and faith community of an Israel that has been judged and punished by God.
Today’s reading appears to speak especially to those in the troubled circumstances of exile who are still trying, those “that pursue righteousness” and “that seek the Lord.” But perhaps the prophet is also seeking to reach those who have pretty much given up, to fan embers of past faith, and to bring forth one small flickering flame of hope. In any faith community at any given time, there are probably people who are strong in faith and hope and also people who are overwhelmed and wavering. God’s Word is both “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” for those who believe and also for those who struggle to believe.
The prophet tells the people to LOOK BACK to their faith history, to their faith forefather and foremother, Abraham and Sarah (the only place in the Hebrew scriptures that point to both Abraham and Sarah as original bearers of the covenant promise), “to the rock from which [the exiles] were hewn”. The prophet reminds them that their nation started out as just two, then became many – God can do it all again with these tattered exiles who feel few and small. And the prophet speaks to exiles who are ironically in the same geographical area from which Abraham and Sarah began their journey of faith – God can lead his people on that journey once more.
The prophet tells the people to LOOK UP “to the heavens”… to LOOK DOWN “at the earth beneath”… to LOOK AROUND for signs of God’s presence and power… and then to LOOK AHEAD to God’s promised salvation and deliverance. Sometimes it might seem like troubles and tormentors might overwhelm and destroy us. But when we LOOK BACK, LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN, and LOOK AROUND, we can find reasons to LOOK AHEAD with faith in our hearts and faithfulness in our living! Let us always look to the rock from which we were cut for strength!
SECOND READING: Romans 12:1-8
In Romans, Chapters 12-15 Paul offers a description of the new life in Christ. Sin’s mastery over humankind has been broken in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because we Christians are justified and reconciled to God, we are free from the power of sin and death (Romans, Chapters 1-5). And we are therefore called to live different. Paul says that we should no longer be “conformed to the world” but “transformed” by Christ. No longer must individuals remain captive to sin. And no longer should individuals remain individual. In Christ we are under new management. In Christ we – each and all – offer both mind and body to understand and do the will of God. In Christ we belong to one another – we are “one body in Christ” – sharing God’s grace and blending our varied gifts, living faithfully and loving fervently.
It is true, as Paul suggests, that sometimes people in Christian communities of faith think of themselves more highly than they ought. It is also true that some Christians think they have no gifts and abilities, nothing to offer. Do you sometimes battle pride and jealousy in your journey following Christ? Or do you sometimes hesitate and hold back out of fear and faltering? Whether we think we are “too big” or “too little”, let us each offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice to God”. Put in your whole self. And let’s trust God to know how to blend our different gifts to bring new life to the world!
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 16:13-20
WHO IS JESUS? How each person answers this question is foundational for individual faith. Today, some of the disciples of Jesus answer Jesus with what others are saying about him. Then Peter, no doubt given a hint by God, proclaims that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”. Peter is answering this question in Caesarea Philippi, built by Herod the Great and rebuilt by his son, Philip… a place where empire, power, military might, wealth and status, and so many other gods of other religions are all on display. Peter is answering with God’s own perspective – Jesus is truly the saving presence in the midst of all these other competing choices. It is such a shining moment for Peter! But it will not last
WHO IS JESUS? There is still a place in our world for Christians of courage and conviction, character and compassion who will stand for Christ rather than fall for anything. What do YOU say about Jesus, and not just with your lips? In your heart? With your daily deeds? With your values? Where your feet take you? In your most challenging moments? And even when you think nobody is watching? WHEN YOU ANSWER THE QUESTION, “WHO DO I SAY JESUS IS?”, YOU ARE ALSO ANSWERING THE QUESTION, “WHO AM I, REALLY?” Just as Simon was given a new name — “Rocky” – let the Lord give you a new name, a new self, a new obedience, a new faithfulness, a transformed future.
Jesus promises the “keys of the Kingdom”, at least to Peter and most likely to his soon-to-be-born Church. Our Lord also promises St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and his whole Church on earth today, the keys. He has entrusted the power of God’s grace and forgiving love to do two things: (1) to proclaim, offer, and practice forgiveness (“whatever you loose on earth”); and (2) sometimes, to withhold forgiveness (“whatever you bind on earth”) because forgiveness without accompanying repentance is “cheap” forgiveness and not new life. Whether we use that key which will reconcile persons with God and one another, or we use that other key that is “tough love”, both keys are meant to unlock our sin and to open the door that leads to God’s heart, to God’s mercy, to a right relationship with God. This is truly an astounding identity, an amazing authority, and an awesome responsibility that the Lord grants his Church! And let us say it again, there is still a place in our world for Christians of courage and conviction, character and compassion who will stand for Christ rather than fall for anything. Don’t lose the keys! And, even more than that, USE them!
A PRAYER
Dear Jesus, give me the wisdom and spiritual insight to recognize who you are… and then help me to offer myself as a “living sacrifice” in humble service, so that others may recognize the Jesus in me. The gates of hell will never prevail against your presence in me and the unity that you have given all of us as your one body of mercy, compassion, and love here on earth. Amen.