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18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The three lessons for this week offer two stories and a prayer to consider singly or in relationship to each other. In the first story—one of the darkest chapters in the Bible—Israel hits the nadir of existence; in the second story, the plot is familiar, but the ethical, political, and ecclesial impact of Jesus’ words still haunt us. And we catch Paul again in the act of praying—out of which we learn lessons and gain hope for our own communities of faith. Enjoy!

Exodus 33:12-23—A Near Parting of the Way

Moses and Israel come to a parting of the way with Yahweh in today’s lesson. God says to Moses in essence, "you and Israel go on. I’ll send an angel to escort you to the land I promised your forebears, but I will no longer journey with you." So Moses goes to work not unlike a strike mediator imploring God to go with them, though he asks for even more from God once God’s presence is assured. Moses seeks a manifestation of God’s glory. Yet God remains hidden though palpably present.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10—Investing into God's Kingdom pays off for Paul

We begin a new Pauline epistle with the usual greeting and opening prayer. The prayer for the Thessalonians begins with thanksgiving to God for their faith, hope, and love. The Thessalonians have proven a good spiritual investment for Paul—they have followed his life and ministry pattern and have themselves progressed in faith such that they have become an example to other Christian communities.  What a pay-off for Paul's missions work.

Matthew 22:15-22—Christ and Politics; Stewardship

This is one of those entrapment conversations that actually raise much larger issues to be considered. In this case, two groups from across the religious aisle team up to embarrass or expose Jesus. [ . . . . flattery and accolades to presumably lower Jesus’ defenses . . . ]. Then, "is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor or not?" Perhaps asked in another way, it might be posed, "do you really champion of God’s people or does your loyalty lie with the Emperor? Jesus’ response is startling and silences his adversaries. Yet the answer is open-ended, inviting Christians of Matthew’s day down to our day, to struggle with Christianity’s relationship to politics.  "Give to God what belongs to God" is also a strong statement on stewardship in this present world.  Inasmuch as we must pay our taxes (or else!), we must give to God what is God's--whatever that may be must be determined on an individual basis.