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Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and keep focusing on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf.

Galatians 3:7-14

Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

L uke 11:15-26  But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; (16) while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. (20) But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (21) When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; (22) but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. (23) He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. (24) "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' (25) And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. (26) Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

Meditation

I ’d like to explore the image that St. Paul employs in our first reading today: justification by faith. I find it has been taken about as far as it can be taken. I find it wanting.

Justification by faith viewed only within the framework of the courtroom with its judge, jury, prosecuting attorney, and defense attorney, produces the picture that a person is (always) on trial before God. All human beings are tried for our offenses and, under the threat of eternal punishment, are “saved” by the blood of Christ (in the Evangelical understanding) that covers our guilt. God then declares people who believe in Christ to be freed from punishment.

Here’s the way the image works: The person-on-trial is found guilty, then covered by the blood of Christ. Problem is that he/she is still left with the disgrace of guilt, even while being covered. What’s underneath the blood except defilement? Well, shame for one…

So, the image limps for me.

Here’s a thought: The English word, “justify” certainly has forensic implications. It also relates to carpentry and to type-setting. A carpenter uses a plumb line (a cord weighted at one end to determine vertical and right angles) to establish right angles or determines depth. That’s the basic picture here.

A vertical line can be described as ‘justified’ when the line is straight. The line is “right.” It is “upright.” It does not lean one way or list another. The line is “just.”

Applied to the Christian, it suggests that graces ‘justifies’ us by helping us stand up straight and walk in balance. Grace makes us “just,” or “upright” when it heals our limp, straightens our back, or heals our back humped over from carrying burdens. We walk in righteousness with God when we help free others from their burdens as well.

This image of “justification” gives a better picture of the workings of the grace of God, I believe. This exercise has helped me to think through the images that serve as the foundations of our theological statements. Perhaps it has been helpful to you. 

Supplementary Reading

When Weeds Spring Up

Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away’ - Matthew 13:24

J esus is telling a parable in Matthew 13 about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. This represents that he was doing the right thing, honoring God with his life, and being good to others. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things. But the weeds sprang up among his wheat.

Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and keep focusing on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf.

Today, don’t let the weeds take root. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your father God can do for you. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep hoping because your harvest is on the way!

Father God, thank You for the truth of Your Word which sets me free. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Give me Your peace as I focus on the harvest that You have for my future. In Jesus' Name. Amen. – Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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