To the Exiled: Keys to God’s Reign: 23 August, 2020
The kingdom of God is not about weaponry or armies, but about truth and love. Caesar’s empire and Herod’s kingdom accomplished their will through decrees enforced through force. . . God in Jesus Christ would establish God’s reign and rule not with spear and sword but through truthful love and loving truth—the kind that only God can deliver into the hearts and minds of people.
For all the places that are called kingdoms and for all the places that we think we rule as our little “kingdoms,” Jesus asks that intrusive question . . . “But who do you say that I am?” –– Neal D. Presa
Matthew 16:13-20
Though Peter does not realize the implications of his words, he confesses Jesus as Messiah and as Son of the Living God (not included in Mark’s Gospel). Upon this “fickle follower,” Jesus promises to build his church. Peter eventually gets hold of the vision of God’s future, which leads him to live as becoming the name that Jesus gave him: “the Rock.” The “keys” he is given likely refer to Isaiah 22:15– 22, where Eliakim is given the “key to the House of David.”
The importance of our beliefs varies in direct relationship to the potential consequences of what we believe. What coffee mug we select in the morning is not of consequence normally. But if we are sitting down to table with a six-year-old who made a picture mug for us, a gift the child invested with love, the choice of mug is significant and the consequence is joy. When it comes to our belief in Jesus as savior, what we believe does things to us and causes us to do things. In Peter’s case, he declared his belief, and eventually was so formed by it, that he preached throughout the Mediterranean world, dying a martyr’s death. –– Sara Webb Phillips
Isaiah 51:1-6
Speeking to those in exile, Isaiah offers words of comfort and hope. He reminds the righteous from whence they came, he exhorts them to remember God’s faithfulness. God will restore Zion. Yet deliverance will come through God’s power, and it will come to all (including the gentiles).
The people have but to look at the wonders of creation, and whatever may change, trust that God’s plan will continue to unfold. This word gives comfort and hope even today as we hear an inclusion of the natural world along with salvation for God’s people. The waste places will be restored. Perhaps God is working through the ecological movement as a sign of grace. –– Sara Webb Phillips
Romans 12:1-8
There is a shift in Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning with chapter 12. The first eleven chapters have a dogmatic focus, and chapters 12—16 have an ethical one. However, each is woven together. The “new life in Christ” spoken of in these verses highlights “living sacrifice,” transformation by “renewing of minds,” and the variety of gifts.
Paul emphasizes that diversity of gifts is normal and necessary for the vitality of the church. Each gift is important. Thus, the whole body is to discover, value, and use the gifts to glorify God. –– Sara Webb Phillips
Neal D. Presa, pastor of the Village Community Presbyterian Church, Rancho Santa Fe, California, and adjunct professor of worship at Fuller Theological Seminary, was the Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Sara Webb Phillips is a United Methodist minister serving Grace UMC in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a former co-editor of the journal Liturgy published quarterly by The Liturgical Conference.
Homily Service 41, no. 3 (2008): 167-177.