Walking in the Lord

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 ESV) When we think of the laws and statutes of God we often think of them only as prohibitions. But, in fact, there is a very positive, proactive character hidden within that has called many into a greater appreciation of not only the does and don’ts of God’s law but also His profound love and mercy shown to us in Jesus. Today at International Lutheran Church, we hear again of the Good Samaritan and ponder the young man’s question: “Just who is my neighbor?”

I am sure many of you are familiar with life’s lessons of reaping what you sow, and the power of making your hard work “pay off.” Many of us will find ways to invest some of our hard-earned pennies so that in the future they can help us meet the needs expected in the future – whether those be seen or unforeseen as in saving for retirement or just preparing for the unexpected car bill. Often the Scriptures recognize the spiritual parallel to this thinking but perhaps it might surprise us as to how God does His calculations. Both the Old Testament and the Gospel lessons focus on the importance of “knowing” the rules by which God judges our actions and the actions of all. The young man in Luke’s gospel asks a critical question in this regard about how one is to “inherit” or gain eternal life. We can at least see that he already recognizes that his eternal preparation must include something or have something to do with more than just our own effort, as inheritance typically has to do with the effort of another that is gifted to us at their death. Whether he believed that salvation was 100% a gift or rather something that required some effort on his own part is not entirely obvious. It is our inherent myopia that leaves us focused on what we do or what is required of us, but also the reality of our daily lives. Good actions are often rewarded and bad ones are disdained. Thus Jesus’ parable of the remarkable Samaritan, often referred to as “good,” especially because he was perhaps unexpectedly caring for what was likely his “enemy.” Yet, his actions are symbolic of not just “doing the right thing.” They are characteristic of God’s own actions toward us in sending His One and Only Son to redeem us lost and condemned sinners. You see, the positive actions emulated in the Law of God, is not just a testimony to His wisdom and strength, but also a testimony to the extent that He goes to care for us. Luke’s gospel especially emphasizes this aspect of the gospel – God’s extraordinary, out of the way action to care for not just the “unknown” but those who don’t deserve anything good. These are the riches that have been stored up for us in our Savior’s life and death and resurrection that are gifted to us in His death. We see this both in Baptism as we are buried with Him in His death (Romans 6) and in His Holy Supper that continues to proclaim that death as a substitutionary death (on behalf of another) until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11).

As we enter the second half our visits to the many faithful donors and supporters of ILC and of our family, we are still excited to share with them just how this message continues to shape and direct our life as a congregation – how God’s mercy and love continues to be lived out in your life and mine and is even shared with those who have never heard of His goodness for them. What an honor to serve with you as we all together care for our neighbor even as we give “thanks to the Father, who has qualified you us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12).

Pastor Carl