6 May 2010
Psalm 71; Lev. 19:26-37; 2 Thess. 1:1-12; Matt. 6:25-34

The first three verses are all related in that they are related to the ritualistic practices of others. The prohibitions are clearly related not to the practices themselves but to their intention, like Paul speaking of eating meat sacrificed to idols. These would have been religious practices of other nations and they are prohibited on that ground. We would say the same about certain symbols in our own day that are associated with other religions. We are not to turn to wizards or mediums as we have direct access to the Lord in prayer, seeking knowledge from any other source is similar to the first sin in the garden. The law regarding treatment of aliens is remarkable in that they are to be treated as citizens, elsewhere the Lord tells them that there is one law for all in the Land, Israelites and aliens alike. Almost nowhere else was this true at the time. The people are commanded to love aliens and citizens alike, thus the question “Who is my neighbor?” which precedes the parable of the Good Samaritan is not a valid one.

This Gospel passage has to be one of the most appreciated but least lived out passages in the Bible. Jesus is calling us to radical trust in all aspects of our lives, particularly economically. His call is to simplicity and trust in a way that He also lived and did His best to teach the disciples. When He sent them out on mission He told them to take nothing with them as they went, to trust that the Father would supply all they would need. When He gave them the Great Commission He did not promise that the Father would give them money with which to do the work, He promised His Spirit would be with them and us always, even to the end of the age. Do we trust the Lord for the resources we need in our lives? Are we committed to His purpose with all our hearts? The promises here are for those who seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness with all their hearts, single-mindedness like Jesus and Paul.

Paul is a bit grumpy about those who are persecuting the church in Thessalonica, “it is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” He is angry that they are being persecuted and suffering but says that this is all for their benefit eternally. His words are meant to keep them focused on the end, to take their eyes of the present suffering in the secure hope of the coming again in glory of Jesus. We need to hear those words in both good times and difficult times, keep the end in mind always.

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.