Epiphany 6a - conclusion

Deuteronomy 30:1-15; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

There are many things I appreciate about Calvary's co-pastor Kyle, his gifts as a preacher and teacher and leader of the church but yesterday he out did himself by sending me a text announcing that T-Mobile is offering free smart phones for two days. So I’m getting a 4G phone today that with a two year contract and a mail in rebate qualifies as almost free! The lessons for Pentecost 6a present choices which translated in religious terms calls for a decision. As soon as we Lutherans hear the D word we get all defensive and get our grace on big time. But truth to be told we who fully embrace God’s grace as accomplished without our assistance struggle with the Biblical imperative to “decide this day whom you will serve.” I think it is because we have a sneaking suspicion that we have to mail in the rebate to get the reward or our failure to decide as response negates God’s decision for us in the first place. But then grace would not be free would it? So how do we balance the equation? I think we do by saying the second choice, to live the truth of God choosing first, is about us and not about God. God’s choice is God’s business and it is irrevocable. So the choice presented in Deuteronomy means to live as those chosen by God is the blessing and not living so is in fact a curse. In the same way the psalmist seeking the Lord in lament and plea decides that blessing follows walking in the Lord’s way. Paul calls the Corinthians to repent of their jealousy and quarreling and follow the example of Paul and Apollos who for the sake of God’s field work together for a common purpose. And even Jesus’ hard words to handle presuppose the cross which is why the call to live more fully into our identity as God’s own, despite all our failings is a gift and not a curse. I call it the Lutheran two-step or Law and Gospel working together so that we would not doubt even if we make the wrong choice the rebate is in the mail.