"The master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly" (Luke 16:1-9). The steward's shrewdness is praiseworthy for two reasons. First, he knew the master would be merciful. He trusted that the master would honor the debts he forgave in the master's name. In the same way, though we have squandered our heavenly Father's possessions in selfishness and sin, Jesus is the Steward who has canceled our debt, knowing that His forgiveness will be honored by the Father because of the holy cross. Secondly, the steward was shrewd in using oil and wheat to provide for his earthly welfare. So also do these earthly elements aid us when pressed into heavenly use in the anointing of baptism and the wheat of the Lord's Supper. Those who have the Sacraments will have an eternal home when the earthly fails. These are our escape in temptation (1 Cor. 10:6-13). For the Lord is our strength and a shield to all who trust in Him (2 Sam 22:26-34).

Sunday Aug 07, 2022

Trinity 08_2022

Sunday Aug 07, 2022

The Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Old Test: Jer. 23:16-29
Epistle: Rom. 8:12-17
Gospel: Matt. 7:15-23

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matt 7:15-23). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. False prophets speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer 23:16-29) They deny the judgment of the Lord, speaking peace to the unrepentant, when in truth there is condemnation and wrath. "You will know them by their fruits." The "fruits" of a true prophet are not outward righteousness or success but faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of the Father in heaven, that pastors take heed to the flock, the Father's adopted ones (Rom 8:12-17), warning them against the wolves and their lies, and shepherding the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:27-38). For indeed, the cross is that good tree bearing good fruit, namely the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.