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John 14:15-212 - Lectionary for Easter 6A

5/18/2017

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5/18/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our culture often talks about ideas such as leading by example or servant leadership. It points out that teambuilding is valuable in nearly any organization. There is doubtless some measure of truth to this idea. Just as there are times when leadership must be by decree and command, there are times when we can build a next generation of effective leaders by example and exploration of issues.

In John 14:15-21 we find not only a clear teaching of God as the triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but we also find the leadership style of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls him the “helper.” The Holy Spirit, though infinitely superior to us, is the one who comes alongside us, nurtures us, holds us up when we are in danger of falling, and guides us along the way so we will not stumble. He, along with the Father and the Son, is the helper of God’s people.

Christians can also develop a habit of leading by helping. In many instances, that is exactly what our culture needs. When we see those around us who are struggling, who are confused, who have lost their way or never knew what the way was in the first place, we are also doing the work of the Holy Spirit when we bring encouragement and compassion to our neighbors.

What is the direction we give in our helping? Jesus tells us. Our work is shaped by God’s commands. It is the decree of God which shows our concern for God’s kingdom. Helping others to fit into God’s commands will help them see their place in the kingdom as well. Our Lord has given His Word. It’s high time we used it to the best possible effect.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

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1 Peter 3:13-22 - Lectionary for Easter 6A

5/17/2017

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5/17/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle this week, from 1 Peter 3:13-22, is one of the more challenging passages in the New Testament. The first few verses are challenging mentally and spiritually. In verses 13-17 we are encouraged that we should be committed to the good. Normally we won’t receive harm for doing good, but if we do, at least we have a clear conscience.  Most of us will go to fairly great lengths to avoid trouble. However, we do need to realize that suffering will come in this life, at least sometimes.

Verses 18-22 are challenging on an entirely different level. The describe Jesus’ work to bring us to God. So far, so good. But what is he doing when he “proclaimed to the spirits in prison?” Most people have taken this to be a commentary on what Jesus was doing between the time he died and was raised from the dead. Many have suggested that this is akin to the work of a victorious general taking a tour through conquered territory, pointing out to all the inhabitants that he is, in fact, victorious. Because Jesus’ work to atone for sin was complete on the cross, he was not descending into the underworld to make futher payment for sin.

The work of Jesus has a parallel in baptism. It is a washing, a cleansing. Peter says it is not a regular washing, with water removing dirt, but that it speaks before God that we are raised from death by faith in Christ. It is the fulfillment of God’s work to save the world through Noah. Baptism, then, rescues from death, carrying the believer through the deadly waters. It is greater than the worldwide flood, for it rescues people forever. As we consider our baptism, then, we recognize and confess that it is God’s work to rescue us from sin and death. It is not our work at all. God is taking the physical element of water and applying it to us, in conjunction with his Word, bringing forgiveness and life.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

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Acts 17:16-31 - Lectionary for Easter 6A

5/16/2017

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5/16/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Heart and center to the conflict in Acts 17:16-31 is the identity of this God proclaimed by Paul. As he has been discussing the Gospel with the Jews, he also finds himself talking with some of the Greek philosophers. What is this new message? It is one which, if we think about it, runs completely counter to all our expectation. We have virtually no experience with this idea.

I often speak with young Christians who are confused by this very confusion. Why do we find it confusing? Within the Christian culture it is fairly normal to talk about a God who makes demands, some form of forgiveness of our disobedience to those demands, and an attitude of favor from God despite whatever else might be wrong. This has become second nature to many Christians.

What message does natural revelation give us? It is a completely different message. We live in a world which is best characterized by “eat or be eaten.” Life is rough, then you die. You reap what you sow. If anything good happens in your life, it must be because you did something good. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. You stab me in the back, I would wish I had a chance to stab yours.

This is exactly what the Jews and the Greek philosophers were expecting. The idea that God himself took upon himself the penalty of all our wrongdoing by going willingly to death, then rising from the dead to bring eternal life to all who believe, rather than those who did enough heroic or charitable acts - this is absolutely crazy talk!

Paul makes a very persuasive argument in Acts 17. However, it is not widely accepted by those who hear him. He is faithful about the identity of the true God. However, only a few people believe. Our world, as a whole, is not ready to accept such teaching. But to all who do receive it, they are promised the very same life of resurrection that Jesus has. This is the true Gospel.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

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Psalm 66:8-20 - Lectionary for Easter 6A

5/15/2017

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5/15/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our reading from Psalm 66:8-20 this week points to the very different circumstances we will endure in God’s kingdom. There are times of suffering and times of abundance. There are times of temptation and times of confidence. There are times of sorrow and times of joy.

In all of our different circumstances, what can we know from God’s Word? We can know that the Lord has not rejected us. He hears our prayer. He watches over us. He will show his good favor to us. Even though sometimes it doesn’t seem that we are perfectly in favor, we recognize God’s comfort when we find it after a time of trouble. We are strengthened for the hard times by the nurture we receive in the easy times.

For this reason, we should not put too much confidence in our perception of our life. Is life pleasant? Is life difficult? God remains the very same God, lovingly watching over all, regardless of our temporary experience. We can look to him in confidence that he will never change in his care for his people.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

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