The readings for Pentecost 21 are taken from Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; and Matthew 22:15-22.  Their theme revolves around power and authority, genuine and pretended. Pretended powers hate the real thing and resent being exposed. God’s Word through Isaiah shocked those who pretended to be God’s people by revealing that Cyrus, king of Persia, … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 21

The readings for Pentecost 20 are taken from Isaiah 25:6-9; Philippians 4:4-13; and Matthew 22:1-14.  God provides super-abundantly, in every way, beyond our imagination.  Isaiah describes a feast parallel to Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet and Paul includes relief from worries and refence to all things wonderful in God’s creation. Isaiah describes a feast … Continue reading Sunday Summary–Pentecost 20

The readings for Pentecost 19 are taken from Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4-14; and Matthew 21:33-46.  The Son of God gave Isaiah the parable of the vineyard, and the incarnate Son of God, Jesus, built on that parable 700+ years later. Paul’s letter draws the import of those parables. Isaiah tells how God planted a vineyard … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 19

The readings for Pentecost 18 are taken from Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Philippians 2:1-18; and Matthew 21:23-32. Not fair? Unjust? The corruption of Adam in us blames God for guilt and the consequences of contradicting His design/will for us. Ezekiel warns how the thinking/sayings of the Israelite men show how they don’t care what damage their … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 18

The readings for Pentecost 17 are taken from Isaiah 55:6-9; Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30; and Matthew 20:1-16.  This week, again, the Gospel rules—a contrast between God’s way and ways of corrupt human nature. Isaiah’s invitation to seek the Lord and call on His name is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who energizes our souls to do … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 17

The readings for Pentecost 16 are taken from Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12; and Matthew 18:21-35. Let this summary be governed by the Gospel lesson. The extending of grace to others is not a sideline or some neglected, distasteful obligation for Christians.  It is THE reason God provides for our lives in this world. We are … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 16

The readings for Pentecost 15 are taken from Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 13:1-10; and Matthew 18:1-20. Ezekiel records how God made him a watchman and sternly warned Ezekiel to warn the people. God held him responsible for warning the people and that removed any excuse the people might make for continuing in their wicked ways. Paul was … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 15

The readings for Pentecost 14 are taken from Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; and Matthew 16:21-28. Jeremiah laments his solitude and the opposition of the people. He is perplexed.  If he is serving the Lord faithfully, why is he suffering so? Yet the enemy will not prevail, and God will be with Jeremiah to strengthen him and … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 14

The readings for Pentecost 13 are taken from Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 11:33—12:8; and Matthew 16:13-20. Today’s lessons follow last week—God continues to make clear that His people, the true children of Abraham, are those souls regenerated by His Word and Spirit (all human nature is corrupt the same and thus foreign to God). God’s people, then … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 13

The readings for Pentecost 12 are taken from Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Romans 11:1-2, 13-15, 28-32; and Matthew 15:21-28. Isaiah, Romans, and Matthew’s readings have a singular lesson for us: Who are the people of God? Human nature, materialistic and corrupted by Adam, wants to make claims on God on a material basis: “If I am a … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 12