My Ways are Higher than Your Ways – 20 March 2022

Luke 13:1–13

Some Galileans who had traveled to Jerusalem to worship at the temple had been killed by the Roman authorities, consistent with Josephus’ witness to Pilate’s brutal administration of Roman power.

Jesus . . . rejects the popular misconception that God administers justice in the world, rewarding good people and punishing bad people. Jesus’ call to repentance amounts to a warning not to be content with measuring oneself against others who seem more “wicked.” Instead, every person must recognize that this is the time to repent, that is, turn to God and live one’s true vocation as God’s person.

Jesus offers a second example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time: the collapse of the tower was a tragedy but rejects the conclusion that those who died must have been deserving of divine judgment. Rather, given the uncertainty of life, today is the time to seek God’s grace. Jesus illustrates his point with a story about a fig tree that fails to produce fruit. The parable suggests that no one may presume on God’s grace. Instead, the wise person will turn to God with a sense of urgency, seeking to live the sort of life that God desires. –– Aaron Couch

Isaiah 55:1–9

To a community that has lived in exile for more than a generation, and is perhaps in danger of becoming completely adjusted to that life, the prophet of the exile declares a surprising and potentially disturbing promise. God is not finished with Judah yet. Even though the Davidic monarchy failed to uphold the covenant, and even though there is no longer a descendent of David ruling in Jerusalem, God still intends for that covenant with David to play a role in the unfolding of God’s saving work for the whole world.

This covenant is . . . inclusive of the whole people of Judah. God intends that all the nations of the world will be drawn into a saving relationship with God through the people of Judah under the flag of David. This role is integral to Judah’s relationship with the LORD, and it signifies Judah’s true identity and vocation. It is a gift God gives freely. –– Aaron Couch

1 Corinthians 10:1–13

Paul retells some of the stories of Israel’s struggles in the wilderness, using them to illumine Christian experience. As Paul recasts them, stories from Exodus and Numbers become allegories of the church’s life. Israel passed through the Red Sea and received food and drink provided by God. These correspond to the church’s sacramental practices of baptism and eucharist.

Yet for Israel, participation in the “sacraments of the wilderness” did not guarantee God’s favor or automatically produce lives pleasing to God. Instead, Israel experienced God’s judgment for their idolatry and immorality. As Paul recounts them, these stories become for the church a starkly clear morality tale, calling for restraint rather than self-indulgence. For Israel in the wilderness, it was their desires and cravings that caused so much trouble. It is no different for the church. Paul emphasizes that individual freedom must never take precedence over concern for the well-being of the neighbor. –– Aaron Couch

Aaron Couch is a co-pastor of First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.

Homily Service 43, no. 2 (2009): 28–36.