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Proper 17
September 2, 2007
This week’s reading begins again with the prophet Jeremiah. He is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel. God wonders outloud to the people, “How could you be delievered out of Eygpt and into a wonderful land and then forget about me?” And yet, that is exactly what they did. They exchanged the real God for false idols.
The psalmist considers a similar thought: ” 10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. 11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around.” Even though I won’t be preaching from these passages, we are exploring a similar theme tomorrow during worship. We in America have traded the worship of a true God for the idol of the American Dream. In chasing The American Dream we forget all about God.
The New Testament writer of Hebrews takes it from there. “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers.” This is something the Hebrews would have understood from their culture. The writer then writes something that is counter-cultural to the American Dream.
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Jesus reminds us in Luke of something similar. In addition, Jesus reminds us that our behavior ought to be humble. Don’t always look to be honored. Don’t invite just your friends or those who can repay you to dinner. Share with those who aren’t able to repay and you will be rewarded.
