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Providence, Source, and Grace sound throughout this Sunday's lessons.  In the first lesson, God’s faithfulness becomes the ground of testing; in the second lesson, a seasoned missioner can sum up his life in three words that add up to Christismysource.  In the Gospel reading, we get a shocked, surprising view of what grace might look like from those who think they own it.  Enjoy!

 

Exodus 17:1-7—Is the LORD With Us or Not?

Seems no sooner does Moses and the covenant-people get past the “what’s-that?” and quail controversy when their palates grow dry.  Water now is the critical need and a very real, physical need at that.  When no water is found at Rephidim the Israelites whine and blame Moses for inept leadership: “Why did you bring us out of Egypt?  To kill us and our children . . . with thirst?”  They’re picking up stones to summarily fire the present CEO when Moses speaks with God.  God’s instructions are clear: “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (v. 6).  And come it did, but not without reprimand.  Moses’ sign in front of the rock said it all:  “This place is called, Testing and Complaining.  No one dared to suggest that Moses change this rather unflattering name, for it reflects the basic test question of any covenant-people: Is the LORD with us or not? 

   

Philippians 2:1-13—Attitude is Everything . . .

Paul has previously summed up his existence by saying that Christ is his Source and context for living.  If to live is Christ, our own demands, preferences, rights, power, personalities, etc. drop out of the short list of most important things in life.  But what does such a life-in-Christ look like?  I think chapter two has Paul building upon this premise.  Paul says that such a life will be unselfish, lack the competitive edge, reflect humility, and seek to serve rather than to be pandered after.    He first describes why his recipients can live a life worthy of the gospel and then he shifts to Jesus’ experience as their example par excellence.  This attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had . . .

Matthew 21:23-32—Actions Speak Louder than Words

In this gospel lesson, Jesus responds to a question about the origin of his authority and the ministry of John the Baptist.  Jesus, confronted with the question of authority, answers the question with a question.  While the religious leaders are stumped about how to respond, Jesus launches into a story about a father who sends a son to the vineyard.  “No,” he says, but he eventually goes to the vineyard.  Those same words create a reversal when addressed to a second son, “Yes,” he says, but never goes.  Jesus cuts to the chase and suggests that while they did not repent at the proclamation of John the Baptist, prostitutes and tax collectors who did repent, will end up going into the Kingdom of heaven ahead of them.  Ouch!