The readings for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost are from Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14, 15-22, and Mark 12.28-37.
Old Testament history is a contrast of two kinds of relationships—one based on law and one based on grace. Our corrupt human ego refuses to admit that it cannot do what is right according to the law. Israel’s failure to keep the easier laws is described in Exodus; Deuteronomy is a powerful and constant reminder that we cannot keep the moral law either. We cannot and do not love God above all things, nor our neighbor as ourselves (not to mention our enemies).
All three lessons today impress two things. One, life, love, and goodness depend on always doing what is right, as described in the law. And the moral law is simple: love God above all things and love others as yourself. Two, our lives depend on God’s grace, described throughout the OT and NT. Just as Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, restored life to people in every way during His ministry, so His Word and sacraments restore life to us.
There are only two religions – you save you or God saves you. David’s son, conceived in the virgin Mary is at the same time God’s Son, conceived in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit—the same Holy Spirit that is ever present with the Word and sacraments to regenerate our souls and empower us to love God and others, even as we are loved. The love of God toward us and through us is always doing more and before we hear what the law describes.