October 30, 2011: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43 1; Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12
Micah 3:5-12: “Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets
who lead my people astray,
who cry ‘Peace’
when they have something to eat,
but declare war against those
who put nothing into their mouths.
6 Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision,
and darkness to you, without revelation.
The sun shall go down upon the prophets,
and the day shall be black over them;
7 the seers shall be disgraced,
and the diviners put to shame;
they shall all cover their lips,
for there is no answer from God.
8 But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression
and to Israel his sin.”
Matthew 23:1-12: “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Proper 26 (31), Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Comment:
“…they do not practice what they teach.” Is it possible that the breakdown between precept and practice, between the lesson and the application is a self-serving mindset versus a mindset of self-sacrifice? ‘Scribes’ and ‘Pharisees’, ‘teachers’ and ‘prophets’ and ‘leaders’ are entrusted with the eternal destiny of a soul. The consequences of deception on their part Micah lists are in v. 6-7.
Ordinary Times reveal Extraordinary Blessings,
Rev. J
© October 27, 2011