Living the Lectionary 18th Sunday After Pentecost

Season: Pentecost Week of October 16h Render Unto God

About the Season: The season of Pentecost is a season of being given the gifts of God for the purpose of living out His mission on earth as His Body. Its color, green, implies the growth of the Church both personally and as a Body through the work of the Holy Spirit. About this Sunday: This Sundays readings invite us to consider what of our lives actually belong to us. Jesus paints a dramatic picture wherein the parts of our lives belong either to Caesar and the government

or to God and the Church. The readings beg us to answer if our lives belong to Christ, if belonging to Christ is a desired or undesired thing. Reflecting on the Readings: Isaiah 45:1-7 God Owns Persia Isaiah speaks a startling message to the members of the house of Judah that God will not use them, but another group of His created the nation of Persia. Do you believe that God owns even our countrys enemies and can work through them? Psalm 96 Ascribe to the Lord The Psalmist urges us to ascribe to the Lord things like honor and power. We often hear ascribe as a false action, ascribing something to someone that is not really theirs. Do you ascribe things to God that you really believe are His despite your ascribing? I Thessalonians 1:1-10 Where Credit is Due - Paul renders thanks to God for what He has done in Thessalonica. He does not render thanks to the Thessalonians. Have you taken the credit for something God has been doing in you? Matthew 22:15-22 Render Unto God We often hear render unto Caesar, especially around tax time, but do we forget to render unto God? Law and Gospel: Law: We are created beings, who like all creations, are owned by their Creator. Even our autonomy is not ours, but was created for us as a gift. We misuse this autonomy and our lives are thrust into death and wickedness through it.

Gospel: Our Creator sent His Son to become a creation like us and to render His life unto the cross of Caesar so that we might be made truly free to render our lives to our Creator. Living the Lectionary Ideas: Learn: Often times this passage is used to talk about the separation of church and state. Study that phrase, separation of church and state, and see what it has meant historically. Do: Examine your personal or family budget. Look at the value that you are placing on Gods work in your budget where can you see God in your spending (and where could others see it)? Live: Adopt the habit of thankfulness. Gain this attitude by being sure to give thanks for at least 10 things at the end of every day.