getting out the word

the ninth sunday after pentecost

the PRAYER …

Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

the READING …

[Jesus said:] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” luke 12:32-40

the DEVOTION …

I don’t know what it is about commandments. Why we love them like we do. Especially here in the church. Given the choice between promise and commandment, we’ll pick commandment, every time! Maybe it’s because commandments are so easy to understand. Do it or don’t. No discussion. No debate. Or maybe it’s that commandments are something we can control. Something we can accomplish. Or maybe it’s because commandments – or rather, our obedience – gives us something we can count and measure and weigh. Something by which we can compare ourselves to others.

Whatever the reason, commandments are what jump out of this passage. Sell your possessions! Give alms! Make purses! And the fact that it’s Jesus commanding is icing on the cake. But, as usual, we miss the promise. Leap right over it! But before any imperative, Jesus speaks a promise. Something that can only be trusted, only believed in, not obeyed. Nothing we can do for god. But something only god can do for us!

Midland Lutheran Church
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