13TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church

08-30-2020

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 15:15-21

The Book of Jeremiah – the longest book in the Bible – contains powerful public sermons and symbolic public actions by the prophet as he delivers God’s message. But it also contains the prophet’s private moments with God, when he was weary, frustrated, overwhelmed, lonely, anguished, even angry towards God… and startlingly, passionately honest about it all. Today’s reading is one of six such “confessions” of Jeremiah (See Jeremiah 11:18-23; Jeremiah 12:1-4; Jeremiah 15:10-21; Jeremiah 17:12-18; Jeremiah 18:18-23; and Jeremiah 20:7-18). His words confirm what many of us have discovered: ministry on behalf of God is not an easy job. Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the impossibility of preaching God’s difficult words of judgment to a people who refused to believe and respond.

When has obeying God and trying to do the right thing alienated you from family or friends or the crowd… caused you dejection and depression and regret and a long list of complaints? Does it surprise you that the Bible would contain such an honest portrayal of human faith and faithfulness as these “confessions” of Jeremiah?

In verses 15-18 Jeremiah gets right to the point: “Remember me, O Lord… bring retribution to my persecutors.” He reminds God of his initial attitude of delight and commitment to his mission… the isolation, persecution, and imprisonment he has already endured… and the pain and suffering he continues to face. He dares to say that God has been a “deceitful brook… waters that fail”, with no relief, no sustaining of life. You might remember that, in the Jeremiah 20 “confession” from the 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, the prophet even wished that he had never been born! Have you ever wanted to give up believing and trying?

God’s answer in verses 19-21 reminds the prophet that he did not suffer alone. And, though the people will continue to fight against him, God would continue to be with him, fortifying, saving, and delivering him through it all as Jeremiah continues to deliver his terrible and unpopular message.

And there’s something else. In verse 19 God calls upon Jeremiah to repent and promises, “If you turn back, I will take you back.” Just as Jeremiah has been warning of God’s judgment and has called on the nation to repent, God instructs Jeremiah to repent. The Bible does not record Jeremiah’s repentance, but his continued ministry of many years implies it. God allows us our questions and complaints, then calls us back to faith and faithfulness. Sometimes, like Jeremiah, it enough to be able to vent our feelings, then to be assured and strengthened by the simple words, “I am with you.”

SECOND READING: Romans 12:9-21

Paul continues to offer a description, started at the beginning of this chapter, of the new life in Christ. His recommendations, while simple, present a huge challenge to those who are trying to live as a Christian. The foundation of what Paul calls for is a genuine and growing love of God and a genuine and growing love of humanity, both Christians and non-Christians… and, yes, including our enemies.

You can read through his list about Christian conduct. Read slowly… pause after each suggested behavior and reflect. Do some feel easy to you? Are there some behaviors that you still must work on? As you read through his list, can you think of persons or situations that might exemplify that Jesus quality of genuine love that Paul is speaking of… can you think of those specific points of conflict where there is hurt and hate, friction and anger, hostility and division? Remember, Paul has said that we should no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If we allow Jesus to rule over us in our hearts, minds, and actions… if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in our being and our becoming… then love for God and love for our neighbor will surely be at the very core of our daily living!

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 16:21-30

In last week’s Gospel reading, Peter seemed to be walking on water again with his great confession, but this week he is falling through thin ice. Last week Peter was commended by Jesus, but this week he is blasted. Last week Peter was a “rock of faith”, but this week he is a “stumbling block”. And last week we each might have been willing to pick up and courageously carry our cross, but this week we could easily set it aside. THERE IS A SATAN IN EACH OF US, AS WE TOO SET OUR MIND ON HUMAN THINGS RATHER THAN DIVINE THINGS. As you check what’s on your mind and in your heart, remember this: What the world has to offer is really nothing in comparison to the life that Christ offers. But the only way to this life is under the burden of a cross and following behind Jesus.

“God, forbid it!” that we would keep ourselves from risking our lives following Jesus in the path of self-giving service… thereby losing our lives to this world’s fading treasures and fleeting pleasures.

This is a personal question, intended for private reflection and an honest answer. How would you describe your present response to the call of Jesus to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him?

I’m not ready for this.
I’ve got a long way to go.
I’ve come a long way.
There’s a lot more to it than I bargained for.
Ask me tomorrow.

What does it mean to you to take up your cross and follow Jesus? How do you practice this in your daily life? How does Paul’s advice in the Second Reading encourage or challenge or convict you in your cross bearing?

Can you think of situations in your life when you have “found” your life by “losing” it?

Your best opportunity to truly live won’t come through self-centeredness and self-promotion but through Christly self-denial and courageous cross-bearing.