31 October 2010
Psalm 24, 29: Ecclus 36.1-17; 1 Cor 12.27-13.13; Matt. 18.21-35

In some ways it is difficult for us as Christians to understand the prayers that call for the destruction of enemies as we are commanded to pray for our own enemies. The difference, if there truly is one, between the old and new covenants is that we are not a nation in space and time, we are aliens and strangers without a country of our own. We have enemies and in some places those enemies are truly lethal and mortal enemies, but not in the sense that Israel had enemies. The prayer here is a call for God to reveal Himself by destroying their enemies and our prayer should be that the Lord reveal Himself by saving our enemies, even if that means our own death.

Forgiveness among brothers follows how to deal with sin among brothers (brothers includes women by the way). Jesus has just taught on how to deal with sin in the church and now it is important to sort out what to do when the process works and the other repents. The answer is either 77 times or 70 times 7 depending on the translation, and what it means is that we are to forgive as often as the other needs it and seeks it. It may seem like a ridiculous standard to have someone continually sin against you and then believe they truly repent but we are in need of a God who extends forgiveness on the same basis. Is there anything in your life that is a continual source of temptation you have not won victory over? Does God forgive that sin and restore you to relationship when you confess and with all sincerity intend to repent? We are called to do the same. Extending forgiveness reminds us of our own need of forgiveness.

In the church we are all given gifts by the Holy Spirit and working together, every one using their gifts, we are the body of Christ. If any of us refrain from offering our gifts to the mutual benefit of the body then we are all weakened. Paul’s vision for the church was a close-knit community working together in all things, not simply a congregation that gathers on Sunday morning primarily for singing and listening and sharing communion. He saw the church as that which can change the world by its mission and ministry of making Christ known in word and deed. Is that the way we understand the church today? Our call is to be an alternative community in the midst of the world, as exiles. The church is not so much come and see, worship as evangelism as it is go and tell, the witness of the other 166 hours in the week.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!