At Stake: Church Unity: 6 September, 2020
Matthew 18:15-20
Matthew presents Jesus as authorizing the Christian community to resolve disputes concerning … religious law (what constitutes adultery [5:27–30] or when is divorce permitted [5:31–32]). Jesus promises that, as risen LORD, he will be present among even two or three who gather in his name, authorizing them to determine how covenant statutes apply (are bound) or don’t apply (are loosed) to … what constitutes sin.
What is at stake is nothing less than the unity of the church. In light of the preceding verses, which describe a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep on the mountain in order to seek one lost stray, the process must be understood, not as the steps necessary for exclusion, but as steps that may lead to reconciliation. Like the shepherd seeking and finding the sheep, the Christian community must make every effort to uphold unity among its members. Because the process is realistic about the presence and power of sin at work in the lives of believers, it recognizes the need to overcome division and restore estranged brothers and sisters to their place in the family of God. At least as important as the steps in the process, however, is a spirit of love, openness, respect, and humility on the part of all involved. –– Aaron J. Couch
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Ezekiel’s ministry as a prophet may be divided into two periods, each with its defining themes. The first part of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 1–32) is characterized by messages of judgment, and may be dated to the period of Ezekiel’s ministry preceding the fall of Jerusalem (593–87 B.C.). The second part of the book (chapters 33–48) is characterized by messages of hope, and may be dated to the period of Ezekiel’s ministry after the fall of Jerusalem (587–71 B.C.). Chapter 33 marks the beginning of the second half of Ezekiel’s ministry. It begins with the image of the prophet as a sentinel, established by God to warn those in danger. . . .
The prophet begins the message of hope by addressing the guilt of the people. Although their guilt drains the life from them, God . . . creates the potential for a new future for the people by inviting them to turn away from their wickedness and live. The prophet speaks for God, declaring that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God’s deep desire is for the people to turn to God and live. –– Aaron J. Couch
Romans 13:8-14
Paul appeals to Christians to live lives defined by love. Such a life accomplishes everything the law requires. Contrary to the sentimentalized and sexualized definitions of love operating in Western culture, Paul is summoning believers to a way of acting that seeks the neighbor’s good. In our setting, though, where global media makes every disaster immediately visible, the call to such a life of love can seem overwhelming. It is important to note that while the neighbor could be anyone, it is not everyone. Neighbors are those whose paths one crosses, whose need may be addressed in some direct and compassionate way. –– Aaron J. Couch
Aaron Couch is a co-pastor of First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.
Homily Service 41, no. 4 (2008): 3-13.