12th Sunday after Trinity

12th after Trinity

Readings: Deuteronomy 30v15-end; Psalm 1; Philemon v1-21; Luke 14v25-33.

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word: In the readings today we hear the call to be careful about the choices we make in life.

In Deuteronomy God offers his people two options. Either we can stay focussed on God which means following his instructions. If we take this option we are choosing a road that leads to God’s blessing, life and abundance. The other option is to turn to false Gods, the idols such as money, cars, belongings and sins that lead us astray and away from God. This is an option that we are warned leads to God’s withdrawal from us and puts us on a road to adversity and death. Making a choice between these two options is a choice that all people have to make. A choice that each day is set before us and that we are free to make. A choice that has consequences, bringing us either blessings or curses.

In the psalm we are reminded and encouraged to choose the road that leads to God. For we are told that everyone who studies, delights in and keeps the ways of God will be blessed. For everyone who chooses this option will prosper, just like trees planted by water. The psalm also warns that everyone who ignores God’s ways and chooses the way of sin will perish.

The teaching about following God’s way is explained by Jesus in Luke. For Jesus teaches those who are there that if they are going to follow him they must: set aside everything that gets in the way; and pick up and carry the cross that is set before them. This is a warning to all who want to live a blessed life because this is a calling that will cost us. However, no matter what the cost, the alternative is too dreadful to consider because as we are warned in Deuteronomy and the psalm, if we are unwilling to stick with God – we will perish.

Following Jesus and the cost we may be called to pay, is covered in the letter from Paul to Philemon. In this letter we hear that Philemon is being praised for supporting his local Christian community and sharing the good news of Jesus. However, Paul is saying that even more is required of him. For, Paul wants Philemon to forgive and receive back as a brother, the slave Onesimus, who had run away to be with Paul. The cost of doing this for Philemon was great. First in forgiving, Philemon was being asked not to punish his runaway slave. Second in receiving Onesimus back as a brother, Philemon was being asked to treat his slave differently in future. A big ask by Paul and something that would cost Philemon by making him re-think his life and relationship with others, including those who were slaves.

Paul’s letter to Philemon about his slave is a reminder to all of us that even when we choose to live God’s way by living good lives and doing God’s work, we may still need to think and re-think all sorts of things, then pay the cost by changing how we live our lives to bring them in line with the ways of God.

Let us Pray: Almighty and most merciful God, you show your power to us by taking away our sins and granting us pardon and peace. Preserve us from all wrong thinking and wrong doing, help us to stay firm on the foundation of the gospel, guide us so we live our lives in line with your commandments, for you have welcomed us to join in the work of gathering your sacred treasure. Amen

Thanks for joining us today.