The 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14C), Aug. 8, 2004
Gen. 15:1-6; Psalm 33 or 33:12-15, 18-22; Heb. 11:1-3(4-7)8-16; Luke 12:32-40
One sign of a lector who is well prepared is how the reader handles the emphasis in the last sentence of the Hebrews passage. On the surface it would seem that the city holds the key to the meaning. Preparation that has delved into the drift of the entire passage, however, shows that the question answered here is whether or not God has come through with the sign of assurance. And yes, God has prepared a city for his people.
The question is one for us all. Beneath the assurance spoken of lurks the doubt of whether we can trust God. Is faith blind faith or can we see things, which grant us what the old translators called an earnest of our confidence in God.
We would like there to be a city which we can see and find our way round with Mapquest. That we do not have, and that would not be traveling by faith but sight. God doesn’t give that to us. He puts something better before us.
“I will be your shield and your exceeding great reward” (Gen. 15:1). On this text John Calvin wrote, “Now what else is there that we can desire when we have God himself as our shield and reward?” He’s right. If there were anything else, it would be treasure where moth and rust can corrupt and thieves can break in and steal (Luke 12:33).
Of course, if we were writing the script it would resemble the question asked at the purchase of a lottery ticket: “Do you want payout immediately or in installments over 20 years?” That’s how we would like the question from God: “Do you want to see the city now or some other tangible and visible proof of my care for you?”
He does give us specific answers, in addition to the fact that he has prepared for us a city. He tells us that it is his good pleasure to give to us, his children, the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:32). That has to be as good as his promise to Abraham and Sarah that he would give them a son. And that has to be as good as his word.
That’s what we need. Assurance that God is good on his word. With that we can settle in peace for faith. And how does that come? One of the soundest ways is from hearing the stories of Hebrews 11. If his saints then saw him and trusted his word through all that, surely we can also.
Look It Up
What are the benefits that we experience from the life of the Holy Spirit within us? (Gal. 5:22)
Think About It
What could your addition be to Hebrews 11?
Next Sunday
The 11th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 15C), Aug. 15, 2004
Jer. 23:23-29, Psalm 82; Heb. 12:1-7 (8-10) 11-14; Luke 12:49-56
