Readings
Isaiah 1, 1, 10-20
The reading begins with the opening verse of the book which introduces the prophet and then skips to the particular passage to focus on. Isaiah is regarded as a collection of writings rather than the work of one prophet at one time so there are a series of introductions throughout the book and a number of time frames involved.
Maurice Andrew says that verses 10-15 came from a time when Jerusalem enjoyed prosperity and, although it is common to see this reading as a condemnation of sacrificial worship, we need to note that the people’s prayer is also condemned. Therefore, it is more likely that the prophet is condemning the lifestyle of the people that makes their worship hypocritical rather than the particular form of the worship.[1]
Indeed the section goes on to expose the guilt for not having done what Yahweh wants, notably to defend the orphan and plead for the widow.
Luke 12:32-40
The opening verse of our reading concludes the previous section on possessions and anxiety by suggesting that anxiety is counterproductive. Jesus’ advice is that we should seek God’s realm in the firm belief that it is God’s desire to bring it into reality.
This discussion on possessions is then closed off in a positive note by turning from warnings about covetousness and anxiety to a call for liberation through acts of generosity.
Fred Craddock writes that in both Jewish and Gentile early Christianity, concern for the poor was a priority and totally consistent with the value system that Jesus and the disciples lived under. [2]
Sermon
We have recently had a wonderful week in Tekapo and Timaru with my youngest granddaughter and her parents. Now her older sister has visited us. All this family excitement has caused me to reflect on the time several years ago when we spent ten days at their family home in Auckland.