Cantate - Devotion in Exile

Lection for Cantate
Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27     Luke 11:37-54

Jesus had just gotten done dressing down the Pharisees because they were more concerned about outward appearances than they were with the state of their hearts in relationship to their neighbor or to God. “Woe to you Pharisees!”

One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, “Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too.”

Did Jesus reply, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I did not mean to hurt your feelings! It was not my intention to insult you.”

No! That is not what He did. In fact, what He did was double down! But He convicted them of there sinfulness, saying, “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers… (vs. 46) Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.” (vs. 52)

“Woe… to you.” If you do not repent of this, you are in danger of God’s wrath! In fact, it is already at the door!

Pharisees and Lawyers (not as we think of a lawyer, but one who is studied in the Law of God, the Torah) we those who were respected of the people, seen as teachers and guides to holiness. There was only one problem, they themselves were not! They knew the letter of God’s Law, they could cite chapter and verse, and even outwardly appeared to keep it.

It was their heart that was a problem. They did not love God – they loved to be seen as appearing Godly. They did not love their neighbor – the loved to be seen as not sinning against their neighbor.

Yes, the Word of God is to be taught in truth and purity. It is true that we are to abide by God’s Word and will. That Word and will of God can be summarized in this manner: love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.

But love of God ought also to be seen in those who are teaching it. Love of neighbor ought to be exemplified in those who are extolling others to love. Actions of obedience to God’s word and will are also not done to be seen and extolled by others, if so, “you have your reward in full.”

Christ loved even the unlovable, and He loved them to death – His own death upon the cross. There is forgiveness purchased our unloving nature. That forgiveness is dispensed when Christ speaks a Word of forgiveness (though His servants), and when He gives His Word of forgiveness in the meal of His own flesh and blood.

As Christ’s forgiveness is dispensed, along with that comes His love and strength so that those who hear, eat, and drink, are also fed and nourished in Christ to be that same.

Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus our Lord! Amen.

Collect for Jubilate:         Almighty God, You have shown those who are in error the light of Your truth to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness, grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.