This morning, as I continued my reading from Galatians, I got to the verses in Chapter 2 where Paul scolds those who would place obedience to the law above grace as a gift from God. He warns, in those verses, that if we claim salvation by works that we are asserting that Jesus' death means nothing. Rather strong words.
This comes the morning after I sat in bible study, looking at the first three chapters of Micah. While we are quite familiar with Micah 6 (What does the Lord require.....justice... kindness... walk humbly...) we are less familiar with the words of the prophet which lead to this summary. Micah pronounces God's displeasure at the unfaithfulness of the people. Micah speaks the word of God in telling the leaders and prophets and priests that their failure to lift up the word of God will result in the destruction of Israel. Rather strong words; words in which the failure to do as God has commanded is the reason for their doom.
I lift up this series of readings in order to make two points: First - it is way to easy to only read the parts of the bible which are pleasing to us. It is easy to read the parts which challenge our particular belief structure as a reinforcement, without being challenged. Be challenged. Second - while the Lutheran mantra is and always will be "Justification by faith," we cannot ignore or overlook the appropriate actions which flow from such a faith. The justice which Micah did not see in the land is the end toward which all followers of God are to strive.
No simple answers this morning. But much to consider.
No comments:
Post a Comment