This is part of the Worship SeriesA Better RighteousnessSeries Introduction Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 Fourth Sunday: A FAITHFUL PASTOR AND A FAITHFUL CHURCH (Reformation Sunday)With this last service we conclude our journey. In this service we celebrate Reformation Day, the rediscovery of a better righteousness, a righteousness by grace, through faith, apart from law. But like so many anniversaries, this one is marred by the continued brokenness of God's family. That brokenness hurts us deeply, for we painfully realize that the full reformation of God's church is still to come.NOTES ON THE LECTIONARY READINGSOld Testament: Deuteronomy 34"Never since has there arisen a prophet . . . like Moses. He was unequalled" (vv. 10–11). For God knew Moses "face to face" (v. 10). Furthermore, Moses was unrivaled for the "signs and wonders" he performed in the land of Egypt, and for "the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power" to Israel (vv. 11–12). Yet Moses is not commended as an example to be followed or imitated. Though this last chapter is a eulogy to Moses, a prophet second to none, the unvarnished truth is this: Moses is a sinner who receives a glimpse of the land as a special act of grace (v. 4). The preacher will want to keep in mind the subsequent history of Israel, both in terms of Moses, the man, and the law of Moses (for example, in the the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says: "You have heard it said ... but I say to you ...").Psalter: Psalm 90On this Reformation Sunday we note the opening words: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations." Not Moses, not Luther, not even John Calvin, but God! The second section of this Psalter selection is once again a fitting corollary to Deuteronomy 34, as it speaks of the brevity and the fleeting character of human life, creating a sharp contrast between God and human saviors. Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8For the church of Thessalonica—and for us—the apostle paints a touching picture of the faithful pastor ("we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children"). Authority is played down. Gentleness is honored, rather than force and intimidation.At a time when there are many longing sighs for strong (if need be, even dictatorial) leaders, this picture strikes a balance. Behind it lies the truth that God's people have come of age. A celebration of reformation is not a celebration of Luther—though we may thank God for human instruments—but a celebration of universal priesthood, of God's Spirit and Spirit-anointedness rediscovered. We recognize human frailty and human foibles (in Moses and Luther and every child of the king), for God's power is made evident in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:5–10). While we decry and lament an ecclesiastical divorce and earnestly pray for healing, at the same time we celebrate the triumph of faith and righteousness. For the Reformation is about the rediscovery of living righteously by grace, through faith, apart from the law. And so it is a celebration of good works.Gospel: Matthew 22:34–46The question of the "lawyer" appropriately takes us to the summary of the law: the summons to love God above all else and my neighbor as myself. This is gratitude concretized.The Matthew lection also concerns the question of Jesus' claim to being the Messiah. The liturgist/preacher may well wish to take this and relate it back to Exodus 34. In Christ one greater than Moses is with us—Immanuel! Being David's Son, he has authority. As the author of our salvation, he "author-izes" his people by giving them his Spirit.BULLETIN COVER In this last cover of the series we again have the circles of law and faith, but here there is not much intermingling. The more distinct (though not total) division reflects the state of the church on earth.The tent and the clouds symbolize God in the midst of everyone and everything. He is our dwelling place (Ps. 90). The two pillar-like images represent the tables of the law, the Wittenberg doors, monuments that we make of people or denominations or organizations, and division in the church. The sundial image, shaped like a cross, speaks of God, who is in charge of time and who is from everlasting.Part of my inspiration for this cover came from "Contemplations," a poem by the Puritan poet Ann Bradstreet:O time, the fatal wrack of mortal thingsThat draws oblivion's curtains over kings;Their sumptuous monuments, men know them not;Their names without a record are forgot.Their parts, their ports, their pomp's all laid in th' dust;Not wit nor gold, nor buildings 'scape time's rustBut he whose name is graved in the white stoneShall last and shine when all of these are gone.—Ann Bradstreet—Grace Pot SERVICE SUGGESTIONSChoral Introit"How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings" Ralph Vaughan WilliamsCall to WorshipGod is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1 NRSVUEGod's love surrounds us every day;our God is merciful and gracious.Turn your backs upon idols,worship the Holy One of Israel.Blessed are all who stand in awe before God;happy are all who walk in his ways.The love of God has chosen us,the love of God unites us with all his people. God is our judge and our source of life; God is our comfort and our refuge.God's GreetingAmen. We will magnify the name of the Lord.Hymn "We Praise You, O God" PsH 237, RL 62, TH 97Service of Reconciliation[The liturgist is encouraged, noting the theme of the Scriptures for this Sunday, to formulate prayers and appropriate responses that focus on God's abiding presence, often through sinful people, in the life of the church. Acts of confession and rededication to obedient service should include petitions to God for healing where willful ecclesiastical brokenness undermines his intent to heal and restore and sound a message of hope in the world.]Choral Anthem"Loving Hands" RatcliffScriptureDeuteronomy 34; 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8Text 1 Thessalonians 2:7Sermon "A Faithful Pastor and a Faithful Church"Hymn"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" WesleyCommission and BlessingGod sends us out with encouragement and a challenge: Lead lives worthy of God's reign and glory. We desire to live as God intends; we will work and rest in God's care. Live in faithfulness to one another and to God who calls you forth in his service. The Word of God is at work in us;in him we witness and are more than conquerors. Blessed are all who seek their strength in God alone, happy are they who live the gospel. May God be praised in all we do and say; may we be gentle apostles and courageous disciples.The Lord's BlessingHymn"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" Psalm 90/WattsRevised Common LectionaryYear A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 25 (30)
