Sermon, 13th after Trinity, 2024
Too often, we use the Law, those biblical principles of what things are right and wrong, to attempt to justify ourselves. Such is the case of the student of the Mosaic Law that we read about in Luke 10:23-37. Then having incorrectly justified ourselves, we become angry with those who disagree with us or thwart our purposes. Yet St. Paul makes the case in Galatians 3, that our relationship with God, established first in the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis, is entirely on the basis of God’s promise. Our obedience is built upon God’s gift, not upon our keeping of the Law. We do not justify ourselves. God, in Christ Jesus, is our justification.
We have no basis for wrath. Therefore put aside anger, striving for what we think we deserve, and instead put on courage in Christ Our Savior. Let us follow in His footsteps by giving of ourselves out of love for others, doing what we know we ought to do, especially when it is difficult to do it.