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

The readings for Pentecost 11 are taken from Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; and Matthew 14:22-33. Job’s ego was ever so restless in arguing his own cause and righteousness against his “friends” and against God. Notice how God shuts that ego down so that He can raise up Job’s regenerate soul and restore to Job more life … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 11

The readings for Pentecost 10 are taken from Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-13; and Matthew 14:13-21.  The intersection of the three lessons today contrasts the collapsed worldview of corrupt human nature with the infinite and generous worldview of God’s creation. Isaiah extends a unique invitation based in the green arc kingdom of God’s creation. Isaiah’s words crash into … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 10

The readings for Pentecost 9 are taken from Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Romans 8:28-39; and Matthew 13:44-52. Deuteronomy records Moses reminding the Israelites of God’s reason for bringing them out of bondage and now to the Promised Land. God chose them according to His love, which is steadfast, and why and how He keeps His new testament with us. … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 9

The readings for Pentecost 8 are taken from Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:18-27; and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The parable in the Gospel lesson reveals the intersection of the three lessons and answers a question that bothers a lot of people a lot of the time: Why doesn’t God do something about evil people? The short answer … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 8