The Gift Of Guidance
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle A
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC, L); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
The light of God's glory has been shed on the chosen people and all the people who live in darkness will be drawn to the light, together with Israel's scattered citizens.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12 (C, E); Ephesians 3:2--3a, 5--6 (RC); Ephesians 3:2--12 (L)
The mystery of the gospel, withheld from former generations, has now been revealed in Christ to all people, including the Gentiles. All believers are members of the Household of Faith and have direct access to God.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12 (C, RC, E, L)
The visitation of the Magi.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 72:1--7, 10--14 (C); Psalm 72 (E); Psalm 72:1--14 (L) - A prayer that God would endow his anointed king with righteousness and caring spirit.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, you have made known the light of your eternal glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Fill us, your children, with the light of your love, so that the darkness of sin might be dispelled in us and in the world around us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Rise, shine and give God the glory. A song that our Children's Chancel Choir sang years ago has the above phrase as part of the chorus. The lyrics seem to suggest that the source of light emanates from within us. This text makes plain that God is the source of light and life. ''Arise, shine, for your light has come'' (v. 1). Darkness may envelope much of the earth, but the glory of God shines upon his people. The question is: What is our position in reference to the light? To illustrate, consider solar panels: in order for the panels to receive the energy from the sun, they have to maintain the proper angle and attitude. Merely being in the sun is not
enough, the solar panels must be positioned properly to absorb the sun's rays. To absorb the energy and light of our Creator, we too must maintain the right attitude and angle. Prayer provides the proper spiritual position to absorb the saving light of Christ's presence because real prayer means that we assume an attitude of humility - ''Thy will be done.'' To look at it from another angle, prayer is the attitude that allows the glory of the Lord to shine through us. So, do we throw out the children's song as being theologically incorrect? No, once we receive the light of Christ, it is our duty and delight to glorify and praise the Lord in our worship and in our witness.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Equal access under the gospel. In our society we have heard a great deal about equal access under the law. The handicapped are deemed to have equal access to public places. Laws framed to maintain privileges for one group over another have been challenged and overturned. Minorities have successfully sued for their rights under the law. When it comes to our relationship with God, there are no rights of equal access or to any access at all. However, the gospel reveals that our God is gracious and grants equal access, not under law, but under grace. In this lesson, Paul makes clear that the Jews were the first to be given such a lofty privilege. Then the light of grace shone upon Saul of Tarsus, and he was commissioned to be Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. It was his passion to reveal the mystery of God's unsearchable grace. Now, the doors to the kingdom are open to all people. The only thing that can keep a person outside in the darkness is unbelief.
Wouldn't it be great if every congregation would examine its community life to discover those barriers to equal access under the gospel? The building could itself be a barrier. Is the facility attractive, available to all? Is the worship space cheery and inviting? What about the congregational climate? When a new person comes to worship is he/she made to feel welcome? Do worshippers feel comfortable in being themselves or must they conform to certain outward standards of style and dress? Most importantly, does every person who passes through the doors have equal access to the gospel or are the worship, educational, service, and social opportunities directed to our kind of people? It is God's plan that all people might approach the throne of God with boldness and confidence through faith in Christ (v. 12).
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Wise men (and women) still seek him. You have probably seen this motto previously but a good saying bears repeating. The Wise Men followed the star on a long and arduous journey to pay tribute to the new king. How different from the reaction of Herod, who wanted to destroy this new upstart, out of jealousy. Wise people are still seekers. When we think we have life or God or anything else all wrapped up, we stop seeking and growing. Jesus encourages us to seek that we might find. Discipleship is an invitation to follow Christ on a journey of faith. It doesn't matter so much where we are in our life of faith as it does where we are going. Unfortunately, some people are going nowhere because they perceive that the journey is completed. Possessed by fear and foolishness, they refuse to follow the star.
Then, there are the people who are following the wrong star. They are seekers, all right, seekers after power, fame and fortune. They are ready at all times to bow the knee to their gods. They, too, are foolish because their journey leads nowhere but the grave.
Not theologically correct. When you really delve into the lovely story of the visitation of the Magi, which has inspired numerous artistic renditions, the implications become somewhat disturbing. These Magi were a priestly class from Media and Persia, functionaries of the Zoroastrian religion. Their belief system was not theologically correct; for starters, they believed in two gods - one good and the other, evil. Furthermore, they were magicians, a practice which is bitterly denounced in the Old Testament. The word Magi is the plural of Magus, from which we derive the word magic and magician. In their priestly role, they practiced the ancient art of astrology, believing that the stars controlled human affairs. Christianity has always looked
at astrology with disdain, because it removes the necessity of a personal God and free will. This account raises some interesting points. Does the Lord accept the worship of those who are not members of the Jewish/Christian faith? Does God guide people who follow erroneous belief systems? If not, why do we have this story in Matthew's gospel? Perhaps this is leading us to a great truth: God is much larger than any religion or theological system. Could it also point to the fact that God is sovereign and uses whomever he wills to accomplish heaven's purpose? This pagan priestly group was looking for a sign indicating the birth of the Messiah and were rewarded. On the other hand, the priests in Jerusalem were not actively looking and were not prepared to accept the sign of God's Son. Certainly, more questions have been raised than answered but that seems to be the result when you gaze into the heavens pulsing with mysterious light.
What sign were you born under? Millions of otherwise rational people put some degree of stock in astrology. You certainly have been asked, ''What sign were you born under?'' Is there anyone who doesn't know his or her sign? Millions search daily for their sign in the newspaper's astrology column in hopes that it might shed some light on their future. What sign were you born under? The same sign that I was born under: the sign of the cross. It is said that when Emperor Constantine was about to engage in battle with a rival, the outcome of which would determine who would rule the might of Rome, he gazed into the heavens and saw the sign of the cross with the message: ''In this sign conquer.'' He ordered the legion standard bearer to raise the sign of the cross over the troops as they marched into battle and they were victorious. Consequently, Constantine made Christianity the official state religion. The story may be apocryphal but the principle remains: In this sign we were baptized, in this sign we are redeemed, in this sign we will die and, most importantly, in this sign we will conquer. Our destiny is not to be found in the sign of a star but in the sign of the cross on which God opened his hands to embrace the whole world. Perhaps you've seen the poster with this message: ''I asked God, 'How much do you love me?' He said, 'This is how much I love you.' Then, he opened his arms and died.'' Thank God for such a favorable sign.
They opened their treasure chests. When the Magi found the Christ child, they paid him proper kingly homage as they kneeled before him. Then they opened their treasure chests and laid gold, frankincense and myrrh at the feet of their king. If we have truly witnessed the Epiphany of Jesus Christ in our lives, would it not follow that we would freely lay before him our treasure as an expression of our homage? Jesus taught, ''For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'' Is our treasure locked tight or laid at the foot of our Lord and King?
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC, L); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
The light of God's glory has been shed on the chosen people and all the people who live in darkness will be drawn to the light, together with Israel's scattered citizens.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12 (C, E); Ephesians 3:2--3a, 5--6 (RC); Ephesians 3:2--12 (L)
The mystery of the gospel, withheld from former generations, has now been revealed in Christ to all people, including the Gentiles. All believers are members of the Household of Faith and have direct access to God.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12 (C, RC, E, L)
The visitation of the Magi.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 72:1--7, 10--14 (C); Psalm 72 (E); Psalm 72:1--14 (L) - A prayer that God would endow his anointed king with righteousness and caring spirit.
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, you have made known the light of your eternal glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Fill us, your children, with the light of your love, so that the darkness of sin might be dispelled in us and in the world around us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Rise, shine and give God the glory. A song that our Children's Chancel Choir sang years ago has the above phrase as part of the chorus. The lyrics seem to suggest that the source of light emanates from within us. This text makes plain that God is the source of light and life. ''Arise, shine, for your light has come'' (v. 1). Darkness may envelope much of the earth, but the glory of God shines upon his people. The question is: What is our position in reference to the light? To illustrate, consider solar panels: in order for the panels to receive the energy from the sun, they have to maintain the proper angle and attitude. Merely being in the sun is not
enough, the solar panels must be positioned properly to absorb the sun's rays. To absorb the energy and light of our Creator, we too must maintain the right attitude and angle. Prayer provides the proper spiritual position to absorb the saving light of Christ's presence because real prayer means that we assume an attitude of humility - ''Thy will be done.'' To look at it from another angle, prayer is the attitude that allows the glory of the Lord to shine through us. So, do we throw out the children's song as being theologically incorrect? No, once we receive the light of Christ, it is our duty and delight to glorify and praise the Lord in our worship and in our witness.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Equal access under the gospel. In our society we have heard a great deal about equal access under the law. The handicapped are deemed to have equal access to public places. Laws framed to maintain privileges for one group over another have been challenged and overturned. Minorities have successfully sued for their rights under the law. When it comes to our relationship with God, there are no rights of equal access or to any access at all. However, the gospel reveals that our God is gracious and grants equal access, not under law, but under grace. In this lesson, Paul makes clear that the Jews were the first to be given such a lofty privilege. Then the light of grace shone upon Saul of Tarsus, and he was commissioned to be Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. It was his passion to reveal the mystery of God's unsearchable grace. Now, the doors to the kingdom are open to all people. The only thing that can keep a person outside in the darkness is unbelief.
Wouldn't it be great if every congregation would examine its community life to discover those barriers to equal access under the gospel? The building could itself be a barrier. Is the facility attractive, available to all? Is the worship space cheery and inviting? What about the congregational climate? When a new person comes to worship is he/she made to feel welcome? Do worshippers feel comfortable in being themselves or must they conform to certain outward standards of style and dress? Most importantly, does every person who passes through the doors have equal access to the gospel or are the worship, educational, service, and social opportunities directed to our kind of people? It is God's plan that all people might approach the throne of God with boldness and confidence through faith in Christ (v. 12).
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Wise men (and women) still seek him. You have probably seen this motto previously but a good saying bears repeating. The Wise Men followed the star on a long and arduous journey to pay tribute to the new king. How different from the reaction of Herod, who wanted to destroy this new upstart, out of jealousy. Wise people are still seekers. When we think we have life or God or anything else all wrapped up, we stop seeking and growing. Jesus encourages us to seek that we might find. Discipleship is an invitation to follow Christ on a journey of faith. It doesn't matter so much where we are in our life of faith as it does where we are going. Unfortunately, some people are going nowhere because they perceive that the journey is completed. Possessed by fear and foolishness, they refuse to follow the star.
Then, there are the people who are following the wrong star. They are seekers, all right, seekers after power, fame and fortune. They are ready at all times to bow the knee to their gods. They, too, are foolish because their journey leads nowhere but the grave.
Not theologically correct. When you really delve into the lovely story of the visitation of the Magi, which has inspired numerous artistic renditions, the implications become somewhat disturbing. These Magi were a priestly class from Media and Persia, functionaries of the Zoroastrian religion. Their belief system was not theologically correct; for starters, they believed in two gods - one good and the other, evil. Furthermore, they were magicians, a practice which is bitterly denounced in the Old Testament. The word Magi is the plural of Magus, from which we derive the word magic and magician. In their priestly role, they practiced the ancient art of astrology, believing that the stars controlled human affairs. Christianity has always looked
at astrology with disdain, because it removes the necessity of a personal God and free will. This account raises some interesting points. Does the Lord accept the worship of those who are not members of the Jewish/Christian faith? Does God guide people who follow erroneous belief systems? If not, why do we have this story in Matthew's gospel? Perhaps this is leading us to a great truth: God is much larger than any religion or theological system. Could it also point to the fact that God is sovereign and uses whomever he wills to accomplish heaven's purpose? This pagan priestly group was looking for a sign indicating the birth of the Messiah and were rewarded. On the other hand, the priests in Jerusalem were not actively looking and were not prepared to accept the sign of God's Son. Certainly, more questions have been raised than answered but that seems to be the result when you gaze into the heavens pulsing with mysterious light.
What sign were you born under? Millions of otherwise rational people put some degree of stock in astrology. You certainly have been asked, ''What sign were you born under?'' Is there anyone who doesn't know his or her sign? Millions search daily for their sign in the newspaper's astrology column in hopes that it might shed some light on their future. What sign were you born under? The same sign that I was born under: the sign of the cross. It is said that when Emperor Constantine was about to engage in battle with a rival, the outcome of which would determine who would rule the might of Rome, he gazed into the heavens and saw the sign of the cross with the message: ''In this sign conquer.'' He ordered the legion standard bearer to raise the sign of the cross over the troops as they marched into battle and they were victorious. Consequently, Constantine made Christianity the official state religion. The story may be apocryphal but the principle remains: In this sign we were baptized, in this sign we are redeemed, in this sign we will die and, most importantly, in this sign we will conquer. Our destiny is not to be found in the sign of a star but in the sign of the cross on which God opened his hands to embrace the whole world. Perhaps you've seen the poster with this message: ''I asked God, 'How much do you love me?' He said, 'This is how much I love you.' Then, he opened his arms and died.'' Thank God for such a favorable sign.
They opened their treasure chests. When the Magi found the Christ child, they paid him proper kingly homage as they kneeled before him. Then they opened their treasure chests and laid gold, frankincense and myrrh at the feet of their king. If we have truly witnessed the Epiphany of Jesus Christ in our lives, would it not follow that we would freely lay before him our treasure as an expression of our homage? Jesus taught, ''For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'' Is our treasure locked tight or laid at the foot of our Lord and King?
