Themes in the lections for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost:

Genesis 21: 8-21:  This passage includes the second [“Elohist”] scriptural account of the origin of the Ishmaelites [The first, the Yahwist account, is found in Genesis 16: 1-14.]  In contrast to the “Yahwist” account, in this week’s reading Abraham is concerned about what will happen to Hagar and Ishmael.  Abraham accepts their expulsion only after God directs him to do so and Abraham provides food and water for the journey.  This story explains the existence and status of the Ishmaelites as the result of God’s protection and promise.  In addition, the story foreshadows the Exodus experience of Israel with the mistreatment of a slave, expulsion, wilderness experience, and God’s provision of life sustaining water.

Romans 6:1-11: In the epistle reading, Paul responds to critics who argue that his doctrine of justification by faith opens the door to sin.  If grace is given in proportion to sin, why not sin more?  Paul contends that justification by faith seeks the elimination of sin, not its promotion.  He then argues that justification leads to sanctification, a process of ethical transformation [a dieing to sin] begun, but not yet completed.  The believer commences a new life in Christ, “living to God” in the present and “living with God” in glory.

Matthew 10: 24-39:  Sunday’s Gospel reading is a continuation of the “Mission discourse”, the second of five major teaching passages in Matthew’s Gospel.  Jesus tells His disciples not to expect better treatment than their teacher, Jesus.  Three times Jesus tells the disciples “Do not be afraid,” “have no fear of them [those who persecute].”  Jesus’ instruction is based on several grounds.  Principally, he understands that truth will finally be revealed and all will be made right because God is in control.  Second, we are more than just bodies that can be destroyed.  There is a realm of human existence that opponents can not touch, but God can.  God is the faithful creator who cares for each creature.  We are called to trust in God as creator and redeemer.The disciples, and we, are called to testify to the truth revealed in Jesus.  They, and we, are called to bear public witness, in word, and in deed.  However, we are not called to take up the sword to defend the Prince of Peace. The reference to the sword is as an eschatological symbol, not a political/military symbol.  In Matthew’s day, and sometimes in ours, believers had to choose between their faith and their family.  Matthew presents love for Jesus as primary and will redefine family as those who do God’s will.  The call to follow Jesus included a call to take up the cross, to share in Jesus’ cross.  In Matthew’s day taking up the cross carried with it humiliation, persecution, and at times, death.  But it also was a recognition of the limits of Rome’s power that could not keep the crucified Jesus dead.  “Do not be afraid.”  Proclaim the Good News, live the new life in Christ.

God’s peace,

Bill+