GENESIS 12:1-4a

THE BACKGROUND

Today’s short reading provides some of the background for the second lesson from Romans.  “Genesis” means “The Beginning”.  It is the story of the beginning not only of the creation of our world, but the creation of our relationship with God.  Last week, we learned that God created mankind as a basically good being, but one prone to break the rules.  Between that story and today’s selection, we witness a long list of sinful behavior, including the story of Cain and Able, the Tower of Babel, etc.  Things get so bad, that God chooses one holy family (Noah), wipes out everyone else, and starts afresh.  But the first thing Noah does on exiting the ark is to get drunk and get naked!  Humans are a hopeless case.  In this section of the story, God takes a new approach.  God chooses one man, and his barren wife.  He will work with just these two.

THE DETAIL

• God tells Abram to leave his father and the family settlement in Haran.  He does not give Abram any details as to where or when. (v. 1)
• But God does make a huge promise.  In verses two and three, God promises to:
  • Make of him a great nation
  • Bless him
  • Make his name great
  • Give him the authority to curse and bless others
  • Make him so famous that the whole world will be blessed because of him.
• Amazingly, Abram did what the Lord commanded.  He left friends and family, and went on down the road.  Oh.  By the way. He was 75 when this took place. (v. 4a)

THE TAKEAWAY

Before you get too amazed about Abram’s advanced age, it is good to know that his father was 70 when Abram was born.  His father also lived to the ripe old age of 250.  So, Abram was approaching his “biblical middle-aged” years, I guess. 

Still, Abram trusted in the Lord, and left home.  He trusted that the Lord would make good on His promises.  Not the least of these promises is that God would provide him with an heir through his barren wife Sarai.  (How’s that gonna happen?)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Would we be so ready to drop everything, and follow God based on a promise?  In a way, we do.  But we’ll get to that later.

ROMANS 4:1-5. 13-17

THE BACKGROUND

In previous weeks, we have been reading Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth.  He said that because they were spiritual infants, he spoke to them in simple terms.  He kept everything simple.  If you’re like me, you might have wondered how complicated it could get.  (Be careful, because sometimes you get exactly what you ask for!)  With today’s reading, we get that answer.  Today’s reading is a complex theological thought.  I will not attempt to explain all of the details, but will focus on the key points that Paul is making here for us.  First, it is good to understand two of Paul’s theological buzz words.

1. Justification is a word we studied last week.  It is the idea of how we “become right” with God; it is how we make up for our sinning.
2. Righteousness is another word used here.  I was taught that biblically speaking, this word means “right actions”.  Another word we might use is “work” or “works”. 

In the preceding chapter, Paul has been talking about how we sinful beings might become justified, or “right with God”, as we like to say.

THE DETAIL

• Paul uses the story of Abraham (who is Abram at the point in the story of Genesis 12) to consider our justification with God.  He asks the reader to consider how Abraham was justified in God’s sight, to receive God’s promises.  (v. 1)
• Paul tells us that Abraham didn’t earn God’s favor by doing something good.  Abraham’s justification came purely through having the faith to accept God’s promises made to him.  (vv. 2-4)
• Verse 5 is a little complicated.  Let me explain who is who, according to my understanding.
  • “…one who without works…” is Abraham and us.  We are “without works” worthy enough to get the job done.
  • “…him who justifies…”  is God
  • “…the ungodly…”  is Abraham and us
• Verse 5 therefore states that God is the one who makes us right with Him, because we can do nothing worthy enough to make ourselves right with God, other than to have faith. (v. 5)
• So, for Abraham and for us, the promises are made true through our right act of faith in God, not in earning Godly brownie points.   (v. 13)
• Paul now talks about adhering to religious rules; every church has them.  In the Roman church, the Christian Jews were keeping kosher. Each of our churches today has hundreds of rules, some written, and others unwritten.  Paul claims, rightly so, that all of these rules will not get us into heaven.  Only faith can do that.  (vv. 14-17)

THE TAKEAWAY

Rules provide structure and order.  They are a good thing.  That’s not in question here.  But what is in question is our salvation—what “justifies” us in God’s eyes?  This reading makes it clear that it is not by being good, but by being faithful.  By trusting in God’s promise, brought to us by His son Jesus, we are called to be His children, and heirs to the promise!

JOHN 3:1-17

THE BACKGROUND

This is the story of the nighttime meeting between Nicodemus and Jesus.  It should be noted that while the New Testament gives Pharisees a bad rap, they were also the most devout sect of the day.  Nicodemus is a Pharisee, so he is a devout man.  He comes to Jesus at night, perhaps to avoid the controversy.  After all, Jesus was a controversial and challenging person.  But Nicodemus is compelled to meet with Jesus, and make up his own mind.

THE DETAIL

• Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, and begins the discussion with a statement that indicates that his mind is open to Jesus’ teachings.  Nicodemus is making it clear that he is not an adversary.  (vv. 1-2)
• At this point, Jesus does something that he did all the time.  He cuts through the chit-chat, and gets right to the point—nobody will see the kingdom of God unless they are “born from above”.  [Hit the Pause button.  The gospels were originally written in Greek. The Greek word used here for “from above” can also mean “again”.  Our translation uses one, you may be used to seeing the other.  They are both legitimate translations.  Hit the Resume button.]  It is clear from Nicodemus’ response that he understands Jesus to mean “again”, at least in part.  (vv. 3-4)
• Jesus now makes it clear that he is talking about spiritual rebirth, not physical.  (vv. 5-6)
• Next, they enter into a long discussion.  Nicodemus doesn’t get it, and Jesus tells him that he should get it.  He needs to get it. (vv. 7-12)
•  Jesus goes on to say that nobody can actually “get it”, unless they’ve already been to heaven, namely the Son of Man.  Jesus implies that this is he, but he does not say this outright, as it would be blasphemy.  (v. 13)
• Jesus concludes with some life or death statements.  He starts by recalling the story about Moses in the wilderness. When God’s People were on their wilderness journey, they were confronted by poisonous snakes.  Moses was instructed to lift up his staff, to ward off the snakes and make their bites harmless.  Jesus says that he, to, must be lifted onto a staff to save God’s People. This is Jesus’ mission, and he knows it. He came to save.  (vv. 14-17)

THE TAKEAWAY

Paul tells us that when we are baptized, our old life of sinfulness dies, and we are born anew. Jesus tells us the same thing here. We must die to our old ways, and live in the Kingdom.  By having faith in Jesus and his live-saving mission, we become God’s children.  We are born anew—from above.

The decision to follow Jesus is truly a life or death decision.  Have we truly “died to sin”, and follow Jesus’ teachings?  We will, of course, always stumble and fall.  We are, after all, human.  But since we are God’s children, we can put our trust in God’s promises. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, our sins are forgiven.  Thanks be to God!

The First Sunday in Lent

My father always told me that there is a time and a place for everything. The season of Lent is observed in many churches. It is a time that is set aside to reflect on our sinful nature: how we have fallen short of God’s of us. Just as Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, we will pursue this study for 40 days (not including Sundays). Some will also fast, to sharpen their spiritual focus, and draw nearer to God. Let’s begin our Lenten journey.

GENESIS 2:15-17, 3:1-7

THE BACKGROUND

We join Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden for the famous event— The Fall. Most preachers and teachers will pick this story apart in fine detail, like eating fried chicken off the bone. And they will pick those bones clean. I prefer to stand back and look at the big picture, and ask the question: “What does God want me to learn from this story?”

THE DETAIL

• So, God puts Adam in the Garden of Eden with only one rule— don’t eat the fruit of this one tree. (vv. 15-17)
• Time passes. Enter, the beautiful Eve. The “serpent” starts messing with her mind, filling her with notions of wisdom. He convinces her to eat the fruit. (vv. 1-5)
• She eats the fruit, and gives some to Adam. The serpent was right! Their eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness. They went to the mall and bought some clothes. (vv. 6-7)

THE TAKEAWAY

Sorry about the mall comment. Sometimes my sense of humor steps in.

You know the rest of the story. But this is enough of the story for the God Lesson for today. In Genesis 1 we learn that God made us, “and it was good”. This is one of the God Lessons for Genesis 1. We are God’s creation, and we are good.  But here in Genesis 2, we read about a big exception.  We see human frailty in action. For me, the God Lesson here is this: If we were given paradise and only one rule, we would break that rule. Do you doubt me? What is your first thought, when you see a sign that reads “Wet Paint”? If you’re a normal human being, you wonder how old the sign is, and if the paint is still wet. Am I right??? God created us good, but we’re not perfect. Martin Luther used to say that we are all sinners and saints, both at the same time. We are created good (Genesis 1) and we are also drawn to do the very thing that we should not do (Genesis 2). Without God’s help, we are a hopeless mess. Welcome to the season of Lent!

ROMANS 5:12-19

THE BACKGROUND

Paul wrote this letter to the Christian church in Rome. That church consisted of an odd mix of both Christian Gentiles and Christian Jews. The first three chapters paint a broad-brushed perspective of various types of people, pointing out how they have fallen short of God’s expectations (sinned). In chapter 2, Paul turns on his audience, and says “and what about you…?” Do you think you are any better, he goes on to say. He drives the point home in 3:23– “…since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

THE DETAIL

• Paul reminds the reader of Adam’s fall, which was today’s first lesson. (v. 12)
• Paul explains that even though the law didn’t come until Moses, the fall of mankind was already in place. (vv. 13-14)
• Paul now contrasts “the free gift” (of salvation through Christ) with “the trespass” (The Fall). The sin of one man (Adam) caused death. But the sins of many are justified* through the free gift offered by one man (Jesus).
• The next three verses repeat one another, but in different words. I believe Paul does this to make things clear and drive an important point home.  He’s saying that Adam gave us death, but faith in Jesus gives us life! (vv. 17-19)

THE TAKEAWAY

During Lent, it is very important for us to reflect on our sinfulness.  But we should never forget that Jesus is our lifeline.

MATTHEW 4:1-11

THE BACKGROUND

This is the famous story of Jesus temptation by the devil. Here, again, I believe is best to stand back and look for the God Lesson for me, rather than to pick apart the story in infinite detail.

THE DETAIL

• Jesus has been fasting in the desert for nearly six weeks, and is very hungry. (vv. 1-2)
• In three very different ways, Jesus is tempted to abuse his divine power. One is to feed his hunger, one is to prove his divinity, and one is to use his divine power to gain political power. In each case, Jesus triumphs over the temptation by recalling his Father’s words. He remains focused on his divine mission to remain a humble servant to his Father, and do what he was sent to do. (vv. 3-11)

THE TAKEAWAY

I take great comfort in this story. It tells me that Jesus was human. He was tempted to do things that he knew he shouldn’t. I’ll even bet that during his 30+ years on this earth he was tempted more times than just this once. But with this story, I see that he remains dedicated to the task that lies ahead. He is going to walk in our shoes, heal us, teach us and love us enough to die on the cross for us.

*This word is best understood like this: If you kill a person in self-defense, you have still killed someone, haven‘t you? But in a court of law, the judge would claim your actions “justified”. You were acting in self-defense. You are set free. Paul is saying that Jesus’ death on the cross has “justified” all our sinful acts. We are forgiven. We are set free.

EXODUS 24:12-18

THE BACKGROUND

All the readings for this Sunday point to the gospel reading, which is the story of the transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain.

THE DETAIL

• God tells Moses to come up Mt. Sinai. He has some instructions to give the people through him. (v. 12)
• Moses makes preparations for the trip, delegating authority to others who will remain in camp. (vv. 13-14)
• God was present on the mountain. The writer uses metaphors to try to describe it. He calls it God’s “glory”, whatever a glory is. He describes this glory as a cloud and like a fire. It must have been an incredible sight to see. (vv. 15-17)
• So, Moses went up there and waited. He had a personal meeting with God that kept him there nearly six weeks. (v. 18)

THE TAKEAWAY

In biblical times, if you wanted to meet God, you went to a high place. All the Canaanite temples were on hilltops or mountaintops. The temple in Jerusalem is also on a hilltop. Moses’ encounter with God flows with this pattern.

Where do you go to find God?

2 Peter 1:16-21

THE BACKGROUND

This letter was written in response to growing doubt regarding Jesus’ return. In the third and final chapter of this letter, Peter finally reveals the reason for the letter. But first, he lays the foundation. He gives them the reason they should remain vigilant. He recalls the scene of Jesus’ transfiguration.

THE DETAIL

• He tells them that he didn’t make this stuff up. He saw this event with his own eyes. Then he gives them a Readers’ Digest version of the story. We’ll dig into the event a little deeper in the gospel lesson below. (vv. 16-18)
• Peter says that it should therefore be very clear to all that this is a true prophecy. Plus, true prophecy comes only through the Holy Spirit. (vv. 19-21)

THE TAKEAWAY

It will be summarized with the gospel lesson below.

MATTHEW 17:1-9

THE BACKGROUND

In recent weeks, we have been studying excerpts from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5, 6, & 7). This Sunday we fast forward eleven chapters to wrap up the Epiphany season with the story of the transfiguration of our Lord. Three of the four gospels include this event in their narratives. Just prior to this story in Matthew, Jesus foretells his death, Peter rebukes him, and Jesus says “Get behind me Satan”.

Also of note, Matthew’s gospel was written about 40 or 50 years after Jesus’s death and resurrection. There could also have been some doubts surrounding the second coming cropping up in Matthew’s audience as well.

THE DETAIL

• Jesus takes Peter and the “Sons of Thunder”, James and John, up a high mountain. (v. 1)
• Here’s where it gets strange and a little confusing. Jesus is “transfigured” before them. Transfigure means to improve the appearance of something or someone, often spiritually. A metaphor is used— “his face shone like the sun”. People use metaphors to try and describe indescribable things. And his clothes were super white, like in a laundry soap commercial (or even more!). The writer of the commentary I recently read says that the apostles were given a glimpse of Jesus in his resurrected glory (and clothes). He’s a retired seminary professor, so I respect his opinion. (v. 2)
• Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear. Two famous people from the Old Testament. They are talking to Jesus. (v. 3)
• Peter babbles something stupid about making tents, so they could all hang out together. (v. 4)
• God speaks, telling them to listen to His son. This scares the apostles, and they fall to the ground. Jesus tells them to get up and not be afraid. (vv. 5-7)
• Just like that, it was over. Jesus tells them to keep this to themselves until he’s raised from the dead. (vv. 8-9)

THE TAKEAWAY

Both Peter and Matthew use this story to strengthen the faith of those waiting for the second coming of Jesus. We are shown Jesus in his heavenly form. God calls his other two “heavy-hitters” to talk to Jesus and to demonstrate Jesus’s authority to the three apostle witnesses. The way is going to be difficult for Jesus and for the apostles. God provides this scene to give them the vision and strength to carry out their mission.

This scene should also help us to firm up our confidence in Jesus’ promised return. Note that at the time of this transformation event, about 1,300 years had passed since the time of Moses. 2 Peter 3:8 states the God, a day is like a thousand years and vice versa. Our task as Children of God is to be Jesus’ presence to those around us. Jesus is most certainly coming! We just don’t know when.

DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20

THE BACKGROUND

The book of Deuteronomy is a combination of narrative and law-giving.  The narrative chapters cover the last part of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, up to the time that they will enter the Promised Land.  In other chapters of this book, Moses restates the Ten Commandments, and proceeds to give them many detailed laws.  These laws will become the framework around which the Jews will live their lives.  These laws define and set them apart from their neighbors.  

In today’s reading, Moses is concluding the giving of the law, and calling for the people to choose.  He is telling them to choose the Lord God Yahweh by abiding by these laws, or choose a whatever god.

THE DETAIL

• Moses lays down a simple choice- follow God or don’t. One way is life and blessings, the other way is death.  (vv. 15-18)
• Now, the choice is cranked up a notch.  This choice will become a covenant between God and His people.  The heaven and earth are called to be witnesses to this covenant act.  (v. 19a)
• Moses urges them to choose God, reminding them of God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac of the Promised Land.  (vv. 19b-20)

THE TAKEAWAY

With Jesus’ dying on the cross and the coming of the Holy Spirit, I know that God chose me long before I was aware of it.  But I also believe that we need to make a commitment to serve the Lord.  It is a life and death decision.  Following Jesus by obeying his commandments doesn’t win me any heavenly brownie points.  But it does light the way of love that Jesus would have me follow.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In our everyday lives, we probably have the opportunity to choose “God or other” perhaps a couple of dozen times each day.  While Jesus’s death on the cross has erased the threat of death, we still have a choice to make.  Let’s be more aware of the little choices we make each day, to ensure that they always reflect our faith-walk.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:1-9

THE BACKGROUND

Today’s second reading is a continuation of last week’s reading. 

 Oh, those Corinthians!  Three or four years have passed since Paul first brought the Good News to this city.  By now, they should be mature Christians.  But they are still focusing on petty things that divide them.  They are still behaving like babies.  In Corinth, there appears to be a competition going on between the “Church of Paul” and the “Church of Apollos”.  If you want to learn a little more about Apollos, turn to Acts 18:24-28.  He wasn’t a bad guy.

THE DETAIL

• Paul states that when he was there three or four years ago, they were Christian “newborns”.  He preached to them in simple terms.  Now, it appears that they have not matured enough to be spoken to in any other way.  This is obvious, because of the way they’re behaving.  (vv. 1-4)
• He tells them that both he and Apollos are God’s servants.  That their spiritual growth comes from God (the Holy Spirit), not this preacher or that preacher.  They are both God’s servants.  (vv. 5-9a)
• The important thing is that we are God’s creation, not the product of one particular preacher.  (v. 9b)

THE TAKEAWAY

I have been blessed by having been taught by many good preachers.  Each one has “watered” and “sown” in their own unique way.  I feel sorry for people who jump from one church to the next, trying to find the right preacher who will preach to them the message they want to hear.  It is important for us to remember that it is about God, not the preacher.  Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who does the work, and nobody else.

MATTHEW 5:21-37

THE BACKGROUND

Today’s gospel lesson is a continuation of the Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  If today’s lesson makes you a little uneasy, that’s OK.  I think Jesus intended for people to become a little uncomfortable at this teaching.  He is preaching on the Law of Moses, but he cranks everything up in intensity.

THE DETAIL

• He starts with the commandment “Thou shalt not murder”.  (We translate it “kill”, but it really says murder.) Jesus states that even if you insult someone, it’s the same as murder!  We should settle our differences, and love one another.  (vv. 21-26)
• Then, he shifts to adultery, saying that even looking at someone lustfully is adultery!  Furthermore, we should take drastic measures such as amputation, to avoid sinning.  This is getting harder.  (vv. 27-30)
• He then shifts to divorce.  There were two schools of thought on this in Jesus’s time.  One school went so far as to say that if a man’s wife was a lousy cook, he could send her back to her father!  Jesus takes the strict road, only allowing for divorce in the case of infidelity.   (vv. 31-32)
• Finally, he talks about oaths.  It is good to know here that back then, written contracts were unheard of.  Contractual agreements were all verbal.  In order to emphasize the sincerity of commitment to the agreement, it was common to amplify the oath, by swearing on the heavens, or relatives, or whatever.  Jesus says don’t do this.  We should all be so trustworthy that if you agree to something, a simple yes should suffice.  (Vv. 33-37)

 THE TAKEAWAY

Jesus makes it clear that the Ten Commandments and other Laws of Moses are far more complicated and difficult than they appear.  It really boils down to love and trust.  We should love one another and trust one another so well, that these sins all disappear.  

 Jesus’s teaching accomplishes two things.

         1.   It explains to us God’s true intent for us.  This is how He would like us to live our lives.

         2.   It shows me just how sinful I really am.  I am hopelessly lost and unable to save myself.

It is impossible for us to save ourselves.  The Good News is that’s why God sent His son.  

God saves us.  Thanks be to God!

MICAH 6:1-8

THE BACKGROUND

The kings of Judah had a team of court prophets.  Often, were yes-men, telling the king what he wanted to hear.  As a prophet, Micah was an outsider.  If there had been a private club in Jerusalem for prophets, Micah would not be allowed to be a member.  What set Micah apart from the rest was that like Isaiah and Hosea, he spoke for God’s Will.  This was contrary to what the king and God’s people wanted to hear.  Today’s first lesson is the essence of his message to God’s people, both then and now.

THE DETAIL

• Micah presents his message in the form of a courtroom scene.  God has a complaint against His people.  He is calling the mountains and hills to be the jury.  God is going to present his case to His people. (vv. 1-2)
• God is obviously not happy with His people.  Have you ever had a parent complain to you, saying “What have I done, that I deserve this sort of behavior from you?”  This is what God is saying.  (v. 3)
• God answers his own question, laying a little guilt trip on them.  He reminds them of the good things he has done for them, starting with rescuing them from slavery in Egypt.  (v. 4)
• He adds a log to the fire.  He reminds them of how their enemy King Balak called on the diviner Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam blessed them instead.  [Numbers 2] God further reminds them of how he led and protected them as they left their encampment in Shittim, crossed the Jordan River, and defeated the Canaanites at the city of Gilgal.  This would be the first city to fall to the Israelites as they take possession of the Promised Land.  [Joshua 3-4]  (v. 6)
• God’s people plead guilty to the charges.  They ask what their sentence should be.  They suggest a fancier, more intense form of worship.  (vv. 6-7)
• The people are reminded that God has already told them what to do.  It is not about quality of worship, but quality of life-actions.  It’s simple (but not easy)-- 
  • Do justice
  • Love kindness
  • Walk humbly

THE TAKEAWAY

It is easy to say “I love the Lord!”  But it is much more difficult to walk the walk in our daily actions.  This is not to say that God doesn’t appreciate quality worship.  But if the worship isn’t backed up by a humble heart and righteous acts of faith, then our worship becomes a hollow, hypocritical act.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31

THE BACKGROUND

This is a continuation of last week’s second lesson.  You may recall that Paul contrasted the eloquence of certain preachers who had come after him with the “foolishness of the cross”. 

THE DETAIL

• The cross on which Jesus was crucified was the worst form of a death sentence.  Romans had several other ways of doing this, but this was the slowest, most painful, and publicly humiliating.  To a non-believer, worshipping the cross seemed like a foolish activity.  (v. 18)
• Paul takes a pot-shot at wisdom and eloquence in the following verses.  He contrasts God’s wisdom with mankind’s wisdom.    (vv. 19-25)
• He then turns to the reader, holding up a mirror.  He reminds them that God has called them to be the wise, even though they were ordinary people.  This is the wisdom of God in action.  (vv. 26-27)
• Why would God do this?  For one reason, God likes to turn things upside down, as we will see in the gospel lesson.  He loves to challenge our thinking.  He does this so we will have no bragging rights; God gets all the credit, not us. (vv. 28-29)
• So, Paul tells us, forget about all your divisions.  Forget about aligning yourself with Cephas, Apollo; or being Lutheran, Baptist, or Methodist.  It is all about God— we should boast only in the Lord, and what the Lord has done for us.  (vv. 30-31)

THE TAKEAWAY

These are powerful words, both then and now.  How easy it is to ignore these words.  God wants us to focus on our commonality, rather than our differences. 

MATTHEW 5:1-12

THE BACKGROUND

I view today’s gospel lesson as the sort of kick-off or inaugural address of Jesus’ ministry. Chapters one through four give us the background to the life of Jesus.  Chapter four transitions from the work of John the Baptist to the work of Jesus. The first of Jesus’ disciples are called.  Now, it’s time to get down to the business of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  In the verses just before today’s reading, we find Jesus teaching in the synagogues around the region of Galilee, proclaiming the good news, and healing the sick.  He is starting to draw a crowd.

THE DETAIL

• Jesus takes his disciples up a mountainside to teach them.  He is laying the foundation of what he intends to be an do in the years ahead.  Was he speaking these words to the crowd or just the disciples?  It is not clear.  (vv. 1-2)
• He teaches them what we now call The Beatitudes.  According to Webster, beatitude is “a state of utmost bliss”.  Older translations use the word “blessed”, while newer ones use “happy”.  Both are an accurate translation of the word used in the original Greek.  Jesus tells us that we are blessed-happy when we are:
  • Poor in spirit
  • Mournful
  • Meek
  • Hunger and thirst
  • Need mercy
  • Pure in heart
  • Making peace
  • Being persecuted
  • Are being reviled
• Jesus tells us that if we are these, we should rejoice and be glad!  (I’m not so sure about that…)  The reason for our rejoicing is that God’s holy prophets also experienced these things, so we are in good company.  (v. 12)

THE TAKEAWAY

I don’t know about you, but this does not look like a “Happy List” to me!  In my life, I have come to learn that the list above are not the things that make me happy—quite the opposite. I am not alone.  I have had good Christians try to explain to me that “meekness is not weakness”.  I’m sorry, but I believe it is exactly that—meekness is weakness, and God’s heart goes out to the meek.  So, what is God’s point?  I believe that one reason He sent His son to us was to tell us what matters most to Him; what His priorities are.  This list from Jesus and his Father tells me that His way is not our way.  As adopted children of God, and heirs to the Kingdom, it is our duty to ascribe to God’s priorities rather than our own.  If we are experiencing any of these things, we can rest in the comfort that God loves us, and has blessed us.  If we those around us are experiencing these things, we should love and comfort them as a reflection of God’s love.  It is what God’s children do. 

ISAIAH 9:1-4

THE BACKGROUND

The Old Testament lesson for this Sunday is again from Isaiah.  This passage is quoted in today’s Gospel reading.  But this prophecy had a very poignant meaning for the time at which it was given; God’s people needed to hear what God’s expectations were of them.  Interestingly, God’s expectations are the same for us.  The nations to the north of Judah were conspiring against it.  In chapter 7, God promises a king who would be “Emmanuel”, or “God with us”.  Today’s lesson talks about the time when this promised king will rule. 

THE DETAIL

• God promises that the gloomy days will be gone, and glorious times are coming.  Their relationships with the nations to the north (Naphtali and Zebulun) will be restored.  There will be a time of peace and cooperation.  (v. 1)
• The people of the north (just mentioned) are not Jewish—they’re Gentiles.  They walk in darkness, because they do not know the Lord. But in this new glorious time being foretold, the light of God will also shine on them.  (v. 2)
• This verse is addressed to the people of Judah.  God is telling them that they will be the ones to bring this light to the people of darkness, the Gentiles.  (v. 3)
• Finally, God reminds them that the people who lived in darkness are under a great burden. God’s people will relieve them of this burden.  That’s a good thing!  (v. 4)

THE TAKEAWAY

The king of Judah ignored God’s advice and prophecy, and messed things up.  But those are just the details of the story.  God’s message to His people was that He wants His people to share His love with “the nations” (everybody).  In this time and place, we are God’s people.  We are the ones who share the Good News with those around us.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-18

THE BACKGROUND

We’re still in chapter one of Paul’s first letter to the church of Corinth, but look at this—he has already jumped into one of the big problems with that church.  What might that problem be?

THE DETAIL

• Paul pleads with this church to get rid of the divisions that exist between them.  They are quarreling amongst themselves.  (vv. 10-11)
• At the heart of the problem is that they have grouped up into factions.  It appears that the division might be over who baptized each member.  (v. 12)
• Here’s a starter hint at where Paul’s coming from—it’s about Jesus.  More to follow.  (v. 13)
• As an aside, Paul tries to isolate himself from the foray.  He’s not sure, but he doesn’t think he baptized many in Corinth.  He seems to say “Don’t blame me!”  (vv. 14-16)
• Here’s another aside.  Apparently some preachers were more polished or eloquent speakers than Paul.  People must have been aligning with these fancy preachers.  (v. 17)
• Here’s the heart of the matter.  Paul’s message was and always will be about Christ crucified.  Revering the cross might seem foolish to some.  After all, it was the equivalent of a hangman’s noose or the electric chair.  It was a means of executing criminals.  But to people of faith, the cross represents the power of God.  (v. 18)

THE TAKEAWAY

We are all guilty of this problem.  We like to think that our denomination is far superior to all those other ones.  Paul grabs us by the shoulders and says “Stop it!!!” We are all washed in the Blood of the Lamb.  All our divisions are nonsense.  We need to love one another.

MATTHEW 4:12-23

THE BACKGROUND

This scene from the Gospel of Matthew is about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.  He has just recently been baptized by John, and has called his first disciples.

THE DETAIL

• News comes to him that John the Baptist has been arrested by Herod.  Essentially, this signals the end of John’s ministry, and the beginning of Jesus’ mission.  Jesus heads back to his home country, the northern region of Judea called Galilee. (v. 12)
• He moves from his home town, and settles in Capernaum. It is about 30 miles to the northeast of Nazareth.  Capernaum is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  It is also the northern edge of the country of Judea.  Immediately to the north are the Gentile lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. (v. 13)
• Matthew quotes Isaiah 9.  He reminds his Jewish readers of the prophecy of Isaiah.  (vv. 14-16)
• Thus begins the work of Jesus.  The message is clear.  Scripture has now been fulfilled.  Jesus is the light that has dawned.  Jesus is here to preach not only to the people of Judea, but to those nasty foreigners to the north, too.  The light is for “the nations”.  The light is for the whole world.

THE TAKEAWAY

Matthew was quick to recognize that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy.  Jesus is the Light of the World!  We are Jesus’ servants in this time and place.  We, too, must shine the Gospel Light.  Jesus came for everyone, just as God told his people through Isaiah. 

ISAIAH 49:1-7

THE BACKGROUND

In the central portion of the book of Isaiah are found four “Servant Songs”.  Last week’s first lesson was the first of the four.  This week’s first lesson is the second of these songs.  The third and fourth are found in Is. 50:4-9 and 52:13-53:1-12, if you are interested in looking them up.  In between the first and second song, a lot happens.  In chapter 45, God announces that he has appointed the Persian king Cyrus as the liberator of His People.  In chapter 47, Babylon is defeated and humiliated.  In 48:20, captive Israel is told to flee Babylon, and go home.  The songs describe a person who will lead them on the way of rebuilding.  The big question is who this servant might be.  I will provide three answers in the takeaway, all of which are valid.

THE DETAIL

• The Servant calls for our attention.  The Servant claims that he was called to be God’s servant, even before he was born. (v. 1)
• The Lord gave him the skills needed to do the job.  God names him “Israel”, or His chosen people.  (vv. 2-4)
• But The Servant is frustrated.  Things do not go smoothly.  He is frustrated.  (v. 4)
• God gives The Servant a pep talk, reminding him that God chose him for this task even before he was even born.  (v. 5)
• Then, God ups the ante.  The Servant is not to save only Israel, but the whole world!  (Remember the meaning of “the nations” from last week?)  (v. 6)
• God concludes the pep talk by telling The Servant that kings and princes will bow before him, because God has chosen him. (v. 7)
   

THE TAKEAWAY

So, who was this Servant? We never get his name.  Maybe that was intentional.  I see three possible answers.

1. To the liberated people of Israel, this Servant represented the one who would lead them home and guide them in the rebuilding of their homeland.  I believe that no one was named to this role because the role needed to be filled by many people.  It could be a standard by which all leaders would be compared.  This standard could be applied to anybody who did the Lord’s work.
2. To Christians, going all the way back to the very early days, these Servant Songs were applied to the life of Jesus. Jesus, being God’s son on earth, would most certainly aim to live up to these standards set by His Father.  It was his nature and mission to present us all with a perfect model of these attributes. 
3. These standards can also apply to us today.  We are God’s Servants in this time and place. These are God’s expectations of our behavior, as we serve Him where we live.  We are called by Him to do this work.  When we do so, we shall be “honored in the sight of the Lord, and God will become our strength”.  (Verse 5, slightly paraphrased.)

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9

THE BACKGROUND

This is the introduction section of Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth.  It is chock full of God actions.  Keep in mind that God’s grace is “God’s love, freely given”.  The word “called” appears repeatedly.  The calling in all cases is done by God.

THE DETAIL

• This letter follows the classic form of Paul’s letters.  Paul and Sosthenes are the authors of this letter.  Paul reminds them that God has called him to be an apostle of Christ.  (v. 1)
• They are sending this letter to the church in Corinth, who are also called to be saints* by God. This is a remarkable statement. The church in Corinth was not comprised of fulfilled Jews.  They were outsiders—Gentiles.  Paul, who is a fulfilled Jew, states that God calls everyone.  God’s love is for the whole world.  (v. 2a)
• This letter is also intended for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord”, namely you and me.     (v. 2b) 
• Next comes the customary greeting from God through Paul.  (v. 3)
• Paul also thanks God for bestowing His grace on this church.  (v. 4)
• God’s grace has been lavished on them and us) in many ways—through speech, knowledge and “spiritual gifts”.  (vv. 5-7)
• He assures us that Jesus will strengthen us to the end, and that [because of Jesus dying on the cross] we will be held blameless on Judgement Day.  We are finally reminded that we have all been called into fellowship with Jesus, so God will be faithful to us.  (vv. 8-9)

* When Paus uses the word “saints”, he is referring to all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. The practice of canonizing saints did not begin until several centuries later. 

THE TAKEAWAY

This passage is rich in God-actions!  As we will see in the weeks ahead, the church in Corinth was far from perfect.  Yet, God lavishly blesses them with His love. This is good for us to understand, since we, too, are not perfect.  But God blesses us, warts and all!  We must always remind ourselves that we are all called to be God’s saints.  As saints, we are in fellowship with Jesus, and God will be faithful to us. Thanks be to God!

JOHN 1:29-43

THE BACKGROUND

The gospel of John begins with a very short introduction to John the Baptist’s mission.  The scene shifts quickly to John being questioned by the religious authorities.  John makes it clear that he is merely the one announcing the coming of someone greater than he.  Then, Jesus comes on the scene.  It should be noted that John also had disciples—people who followed him to learn his teachings.

THE DETAIL

• When John sees Jesus approaching, he tells his disciples “Here is the Lamb of God…”! (v. 29)
• John gives them his testimony, including the telling of Jesus’ baptism.  (vv. 30-34)
• The next day, Jesus walked by John and two of John’s disciples.  John again calls Jesus the Lamb of God.  (vv. 35-36)
• Those two disciples of John left John, and followed Jesus.  (v. 37)
• Jesus asked them what they wanted.  Oddly, they answer by asking where he was staying.  Jesus invites them to tag along, and see for themselves.  (vv. 38-39)
• One of the two was named Andrew.  Andrew went & got his brother Simon, saying “We have found the Messiah!”. When Andrew presented his brother Simon to Jesus, Jesus gave Simon a new name, straightaway.  He called him Rock.  (Aramaic: Cephas;  Greek: Petra, or Peter)  I like to say that Jesus called him “Rocky”.  Am I wrong???  (vv. 40-42)

THE TAKEAWAY

It’s good to know why Jesus wanted to rename Simon.   In Holy Scripture where people or animals are named or renamed, it indicates a bond; it is the start of a new relationship. When Adam names the creatures in the Garden of Eden, it indicates that they are under his care.  We do this, too.  We always name a pet as soon as we bring it home, even if it had a different name before.  Sometimes, we give nicknames to our friends, children or grandchildren.  These indicate that there is a special relationship between them and us.  This is what Jesus is doing with Simon.

Jesus gets many titles in this passage.

• John the Baptist calls him the Lamb of God, as in the lamb sacrificed for the Passover act. The blood of the lamb saves the lives of the believers who have the blood smeared across their doorways.
• John the Baptist also clearly calls Jesus the Son of God (v. 34)
• The two disciples of John the Baptist address him as “Rabbi”.  Yes Jesus came to teach us many things.
• Finally, Andrew calls Jesus the Messiah.  God’s anointed one.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Jesus is, of course, all these titles and more.  What do you call him?