Second Sunday after Pentecost (year C proper 7)- Luke 8:26-39

The Gospel for Pentecost 2 is the fascinating and somewhat strange story of Jesus healing the demoniac in the pagan region of the Gerasenes, across the sea of Galilee (Luke 8:26-39). One could analyze the details and implications of the healing. But today, I would focus on two points.

First, the evil spirits recognize and acknowledge who Jesus is. This is a warning for those who think that simply admitting that Jesus is the divine redeemer is enough. On the contrary, such an admission is only a little part of true faith. The demons do not have real faith but only make a grudging admission of a fact. Living faith goes beyond the facts and acknowledges Jesus' identity with a positive, trusting, and hopeful attitude.

Secondly, there is the reaction of the surrounding population. They are fearful of this manifestation of divine power and of the cost that freedom from spiritual bondage may involve. They prefer to see a man remain a slave to evil than to lose a few roaming swine. They prefer to remain in spiritual bondage themselves than to open up to the message and mission of Jesus the Christ. Although such a response is ridiculous and self-destructive, it is all too common among human beings. Often people prefer to remain in a familiar bondage to evil than to open themselves to the costs of redemption.

Thus, like many Scripture passages, our gospel from St. Luke contains both warnings and encouragements. Let us avoid confusing admitting who Jesus is with true faith in Him. And let us avoid letting our fears deprive us of His redeeming activities among us. Instead, let us truly turn to Him in faith, and let us be open to His work even when there may be a cost.

Trinity Sunday 2019- John 8

There is much to say about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. There are various Scriptural passages that allude to all three divine Persons. There are the teachings of the three ancient Creeds and statements in the Lutheran confessional documents. Yet, this year, the Lutheran lectionary Gospel focuses on one aspect of Trinitarian doctrine- the divinity of Jesus the Christ.

In John 8:54-58 (ESV), Jesus proclaims-

“If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

These words "I am" are a reference to the divine name revealed in Exodus. By using these words about Himself, both Jesus and His opponents know that He is claiming to share one nature with God the Father. Many modern Christians prefer to overlook or at least downplay this belief. But the Gospel does not allow us to ignore Jesus' divinity. It is a basic and essential aspect of Christ's identity and of His saving work. Only a divine Redeemer can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil and save us from our sins. Only the divine Christ can lay down His life, take it up again, and offer us new and eternal life. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...

Pentecost

As I have said elsewhere, people say many things about the Holy Spirit, some sublime and some ridiculous. I make no claims to be sublime but I do hope to avoid ridiculous statements. The best way to be sound is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17 Jesus says, :"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (ESV)

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gift of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our Helper who strengthens us, and He is our guide in appreciating and applying divine truth.  The Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world. For the Holy Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son reflects their holy nature with us and in us.