Once we were held captives by the power of the evil one. But, by dying on the cross in our stead, Christ disarmed all rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. We now are conquerors of eternal life through Christ.
Given a choice between house chores and listening to the Lord speak-choose the latter! Martha was put in her place while Mary was commended for her choice. One thing truly matters: eternal life!
The Lord Jesus taught a lawyer to love the neighbor as himself. Through a parable he taught him who the neighbor was. We are endowed by our Father in heaven to care for the weak – the less blessed than we are. Some fear doing this, labeling it socialism. As Christians we follow our God – not worldly ideologies.
Since we all were set free from sin and death by Christ and were given the Holy Spirit, let us live accordingly. Let us focus on this new life and proclaim it to the world.
The Holy Spirit comes into our hearts through His Word and adopts us into God’s family. We are all united and kept in God’s family by grace. He nourishes us spiritually and we live a new, free life no longer captive to sin – and its consequence – death.
On the first Sunday of the non-festive half of the church year, we are enriched by the knowledge that we do our work in the world backed-up and empowered by the Triune God! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit meet with us here Sunday after Sunday. We are blessed way beyond understanding. Let us cherish divine services.