Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Aug. 7, 2016
Jesus gently assures his little flock of followers not to fear, for God’s kingdom is coming.
The opening verses of the great Prophet Isaiah echo the prophecies that we’ve heard in recent weeks from Amos and Hosea: God is angry because the people have failed to keep the covenant that they made with Moses at Mount Sinai. Once safe in the Promised Land, they failed to walk in God’s way as they had promised to do. Now, speaking through Isaiah, God makes clear what they must do to restore themselves in God’s love: “cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.”
First Reading (Track Two): Genesis 15:1-6
In recent weeks we’ve heard about Abraham, the patriarch of the chosen people: God promising that Abraham and Sarah would have a son; Abraham bargaining with God over Sodom and Gomorrah’s fate. Now we turn back to an earlier time. We meet Abram, not yet named Abraham, who is surely frustrated that he and his wife, Sarai, are still waiting for the heir that God has repeatedly promised them. Abram hopes for God’s reassurance, and God responds, reiterating the promise that their descendants will be as numerous as the stars.
In a way, this Psalm expands on the prophecy we heard in Isaiah. God is not tired and angry about the people’s offerings of thanksgiving and sacrifice, but God expects us to keep our covenant of faith. God calls us to be thankful, to practice righteousness and justice in our lives. God’s expectations of the people are clear and firm: Those who forget God literally risk being torn apart, but those who keep God’s way and remember Israel’s covenant will know salvation.
Psalm (Track Two): Psalm 33:12-22
Think of how grateful Abram must have been after he heard God’s reassurance that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars. In similar feelings of gratitude the Psalmist sings of relief, joy and thankfulness for God’s love and care. As the prophets consistently shout, the nations and people whom God chooses will be happy; God’s eye remains on those who wait for the Lord. Those who trust in the Lord’s name will know God’s loving-kindness.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
As we begin a four-week lectionary visit with Hebrews, let’s hold it in historical context. It was probably written late in the first century, directed toward new Christians who were considering a return to Judaism in the face of severe persecution. To that end, Hebrews will lay out an extended argument that Christianity is the better way. In today’s verses, the author speaks well of the faith of Abraham, pointing out that the patriarchs were faithful even before God’s promises were revealed through Christ. Watch this theme in coming weeks, appreciating the letter’s faith while taking care not to read it as modern anti-Judaism.
Gospel: Luke 12:32-40
On first hearing, this passage and parable may feel troubling. Jesus gently assures his little flock of followers not to fear, for God’s kingdom is coming; but the instructions that follow seem daunting. Sell what you have, make sturdy purses, and, like a master’s slaves staying awake to guard against thieves, be ready when Jesus calls, day or night. The kingdom may come when we least expect it, but it will bring us “unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”