e-vo for week of October 5

Dearest e-votees-

The appointed gospel lesson for this week from Matthew 22:1-14 is one of those that is a little tough to follow up with “This is the good news of the Lord.” The lesson involves the parable of the wedding banquet where many are invited who spurn the invitation and kill some of the messengers. When the king finds out about this the people are killed and their city is burned. In the second round of invitations many are ushered into the wedding—both good and evil. One of the folks is found at the party without the appropriate clothes and tossed out where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It ends with “many are called but few are chosen.” You should go to church this weekend and see how the preacher works with this rich and challenging text.

For my part in this devotion, however, I will opt for the epistle lesson in Philippians. Paul gives the church at Philippi (and us) the exhortation to rejoice always in the Lord.

May your week be one full of joy and peace and grace.

Peace,
Karl

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1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-9, NRSV

The writing of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi is thought to be near the end of his life. Paul has seen much, lived much, suffered much, endured much—he is soon to be executed. Paul may or may not be happy—that flighty feeling that can dart in like a hummingbird and depart just as quickly. But Paul exudes joy. There is a deep and abiding contentment that oozes throughout Philippians—in spite of his circumstances.

Of course there are all sorts of things that one could choose to focus upon that would certainly chase the happiness away and perhaps even the joy—falsehoods, dishonorable things, unjust things, impure things, displeasing things, condemnable things—and Paul certainly knew of these things. Paul chooses , however, to turn his back to such things and to focus his attention on the exact opposites. And he encourages his beloved sisters and brothers in Christ to do the same. And he encourages us to do the same. If we want to most fully experience the God of peace we will follow after the lifestyles and admonitions of people like Paul.

We are not promised a smooth a trouble-free life as believers. In fact, some would argue we provoke more trouble and persecutions as we press more fully into Christ. Nonetheless there is a peace and a joy and a grace that comes from God that will sustain us. May we be comforted and sustained today and always with those divine blessings.

God, help us turn our eyes to those things which are pleasing to you. Help us care for our brothers and sisters who struggle—use us as agents of peace and grace and you. Draw us more fully into you. Amen.


I can’t read this text without having the song “Philippians 4” from the Spirit Garage (www.spiritgarage.org) Band start playing in my mind. You can hear a sample at www.amazon.com/Philippians-4/dp/B000QZF3YC.