Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Proper 27 (GA)

Mark 9:42-49

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” 


 I hate to turn from the text, but I have heard something interesting in the last couple times of reading this text.  Jesus speaks of those who lead others into sin.  There are many who lead others to lust after their flesh.  There are even many who tempt people to steal and mistreat one another.  There are those who swell vengeful thoughts and hate within others hearts.

 Women dressed only to turn men's heads and tempt their eyes.  Men likewise dressed in limited clothing to attract multiple mates.  Bullies or sports fans leading cheers reviling opponents or the weak.  Businesses leading their dedicated workers to mistreat their neighbors.  Even campaigns only designed to tear down and not build up.

 Jesus tells us, "It would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea."  These people walk about our streets.  They teach our children.  They even sit in our pews.  It would be better for all if they were purged from existence.  They should be cut off like a foot or a hand or an eye.

 But out of loving kindness for you, God has spared your lives.  God has offered up his only Son to die upon a cross for your forgiveness.  God has redeemed you who have tempted or lead others into sin.  You may not even recognize these horrible actions.  But God has removed them from you anyway.  God has made you salt once more.  He has offered you everlasting life.

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