It’s always God’s work
by Shane Altmann
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I fast twice a week: I give a tenth of my income (Luke 18:12).
Read Luke 18:9–14
This old classic. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It rolls around every now and then to remind us good Christians that we should be humble and not get too far ahead of ourselves with our piety and righteousness. Be like the tax collector, not the Pharisee.
Check.
Except. Uh oh. When I’m like the tax collector, I’m actually being like the Pharisee, rather self-congratulatory about my humble approach to my reliance on God. ‘I’m glad I’m not like that Pharisee!’
Same, same.
Of our own accord, we are, of course, doomed. And that’s the point. It is always God’s work. Always. We are neither the Pharisee nor the tax collector; we are, at the same time, both.
Martin Luther coined the phrase ‘simul iustus et peccator’, meaning ‘at the same time both saint and sinner’. We are not just one or the other, sometimes this and sometimes that, but always both. Fully human, fully capable of great compassion for, and destruction of, ourselves and others. Lost and helpless. But covered, washed white as snow by the blood of the lamb. His work, his unmerited redeeming grace. I am reminded of the beautiful words of the song ‘I am covered over’: ‘When he looks at me, he sees not what I used to be, but he sees Jesus.’
It’s always God’s work.
Jesus’ words in the contrasting prayers of the parable guide us: ‘God, I …’ versus ‘God, be …’ Jesus reminds us to focus not on ourselves, our piety or our humility, but rather on him.
It is God – his work, his action towards us, only ever and always – that is the source of both our salvation and joy.
God of grace, thank you for reminding us again and again of your ever-present love through your word and by your Spirit. Thank you that even now, you are drawing close to your people, Immanuel, God with us. Amen.
Shane Altmann is the principal of Faith Lutheran College Redlands in Queensland and has served in education for more than 35 years. Married to Monica and father of two children, Harry and Zoe, Shane has learnt that he is largely helpless without the love and support of the people with whom he lives and works. A pilgrim of multiple Caminos de Santiago, a Penrith Panthers tragic and a restorer of old stuff, Shane loves a project and, when he is able, fills his days tinkering with something.
At home with God
by Faye Schmidt
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Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you (Psalm 84:4).
Read Psalm 84:1–7
Many consider Psalm 84 to be a poetic account of the experience of a pilgrim approaching the temple in Jerusalem for a religious festival.
But what makes going here so special or so different from anything else a person might do? The difference is that this is the dwelling place of the Lord Almighty (verse one). The realisation that God desires to dwell among mortals is as powerful for the psalmist and pilgrim as it would later be for John of Patmos (Revelation 21:3).
This Lord Almighty is also the living God (Psalm 84:2). Not only does all life come from this God, but living further characterises the one who is dynamic, at work and active among that which he has created. This God is not static and trapped in endless cycles of death and rebirth like some of the Canaanite deities. Only in Zion does the pilgrim find the one who can truly be called the ‘God of gods’ (verse seven).
So, the palpable excitement found in the psalm is not so much about going to the particular place, but more about who and what may be found there – the very presence of God. It is because of God’s presence that the psalmist may say, ‘Happy are those who live in your house’ (verse four).
But God is also found outside the temple. Verse six mentions travel through the valley of Baca. Baca is understood as a notoriously dry place. Therefore, it becomes striking that pilgrims might find springs there. In fact, the text says that they actually ‘make it a place of springs’.
The difference is the presence of God. Those who experience God’s real presence are brought into a new reality where a dry valley can yield springs and be covered with rain.
There are those special places and times in the life of faith where God’s presence may be found particularly intense. Believers need these anchors amid the seas of life. Regular worship at one’s home church and experiencing the sacraments are both ways of profoundly entering God’s presence and being uplifted and empowered by it. God’s presence may also be found, however, in the dry valleys and journeys of life where one may not expect to find God.
O gracious Father, the joy of a life surrendered to Christ’s service, may the peace of sin forgiven through the power of his cross be granted to me this day. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Mercy
by Faye Schmidt
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When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today (1 Samuel 24:19).
Read 1 Samuel 24:1–22
‘I’ll give her a piece of my mind!’
‘It’s okay, no-one will ever know.’
‘This comment will really get them good.’
Thoughts of revenge, rationalisation or anger sound familiar? When we feel wronged or hurt, it does seem as though retaliating will make us feel better. We believe we are entitled to the last word. But even when wronged, God asks that we respond in a manner that shows we are different, in a way that brings glory to him.
God wants us to resist the urge to retaliate.
Saul was once close to David, but he eventually became jealous of David’s popularity with the people of Israel. Saul saw this popularity as a threat, and his jealousy grew into fear, so much so that he searched desperately for David in order to kill him. Eventually, Saul was delivered into David’s hands. With Saul in a vulnerable position and his men goading him on, David chose to exercise restraint, surrender to God and refrain from retaliating against Saul.
Society’s pressures often lead to compromised morals and the rationalisation that revenge will make us feel better. When we think our ‘enemy’ has been delivered into our hands, and we desperately want to right a wrong, God wants us to resist the urge to retaliate. Even though we were undeserving, God showed us grace and mercy. Doing the same will change our lives and the lives of our ‘enemies’. ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).
O Holy Spirit, so that I may not cause offence or hurt:
keep me chaste in thought;
keep me temperate and truthful in speech;
keep me faithful and diligent in my work;
keep me humble in my estimation of myself;
keep me honourable and generous in my dealings with others;
keep me mindful of my eternal destiny as your child.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Friendship
by Faye Schmidt
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Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord’ (1 Samuel 20:42a).
Read 1 Samuel 20:24–42
The readings this week have introduced us to the jealousy of Saul, the loyalty of Jonathan and the mercy of David. Today, we recognise the friendship between David and Jonathan and how valuable a friendship can be.
In John 15:15, we read, ‘I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.’
Jesus called the disciples – and by extension, those believers who ‘abide’ in him (John 15:9,10) – his ‘friends’, as proven by communication. Jesus openly speaks with us through his word (John 15:7). That Christ instructs and informs us, beyond commands, as well as offering his life for our sake (John 15:13), are powerful proofs that he sees us as his ‘friends’.
This does not erase the idea that believers are ‘servants’ of Christ (Romans 1:1). Jesus is indicating that his intended relationship with believers involves communication and support, rather than simple dictatorship. This also supports the ‘vine and branches’ analogy Jesus used earlier in this passage (John 15:1–8). As God’s love and knowledge flow to Christ, Christ passes them down to us, just as a vine passes life along its branches. We, in turn, are meant to pass the word – and love – to other people (Matthew 28:19; John 13:34,35; John 14:15).
As the hymn states, ‘What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to him in prayer.’
O God my Father, who is often closest to me when I am farthest from you, and who is near at hand even when I feel that you have forgotten me, mercifully grant that I may grow more sure of your reality and power, and may I attain a clearer mind as to the meaning of my life on Earth. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Competing loyalties
by Faye Schmidt
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So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.’ And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself (1 Samuel 20:16,17).
Read 1 Samuel 20:1–23
The problem with loyalty is that everyone has their own definition of it. At some point, we will find ourselves in the painful position where being loyal to one person makes us feel like a betrayer to another.
Chapter 20 of 1 Samuel provides a guideline for when we must make a decision.
Simply put, to be loyal is to honour our commitment even if it is more beneficial for us to break it. An honourable person ‘keeps [their] oath even when it hurts’ (Psalm 15:4).
Unfortunately, many understand loyalty to be an unwavering commitment to someone’s personal agenda. When loyalty is defined in this way, the guidelines vary, and confusion and strife are sure to emerge.
King Saul’s misperception of loyalty created a horrible situation for his son Jonathan. Jonathan, the heir to Saul’s throne, swore an oath of protection to his friend David. Unfortunately, Saul felt threatened by David and was enraged that Jonathan would not help him find and kill David. Jonathan was faced with navigating the painful process of competing loyalties.
Jonathan deeply loved both his father and David, but he knew his primary loyalty was to God. He couldn’t assist his father in a personal vendetta motivated by insecurity and pride. David did nothing deserving of death. The choice was clear.
When we feel trapped by competing loyalties, the only way to make the right choice is to remember that our primary loyalty is to God, and that our hearts are to be ‘fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands’ (1 Kings 8:61).
And what is God’s command? ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’ (John 13:34).
Heavenly Father, who has been the hope and joy of many generations, and who has given us the power to seek you throughout all ages, I pray that you grant me a clearer vision of your truth, a greater faith in your power and a more confident assurance of your love. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
How God comes to you through others.
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So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped (1 Samuel 19:12).
Read 1 Samuel 19:1–18
Our text tells the story of a man with a serious lifestyle problem. Saul was jealous and unable to control his emotions – to the point of intending to kill David … more than once. The more David served and brought benefit to the king, the more the king despised him. Sometimes, the consequences of our actions aren’t logical. We do what we think is right, only to suffer because of it. David needed help.
First, the king’s son, Jonathan, intervened with his father and tried to reason with the murderous king. For a moment, in 1 Samuel 19:6, Saul relented, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.’
Soon, another war called David to fight for his king. David performed so well in battle that Saul returned to his jealousy and tried to kill David (1 Samuel 19:10). So, David’s wife, Michal, intervened, and David escaped.
David was doing the right thing, but he was getting nowhere with the king. He needed help. God stepped in through Jonathan, then Michal and then through his own Spirit. Likewise, God steps in for us in the form of family, friends and others who care about us.
When you need help, who do you go to? Is there someone within your family like Michal, or do you have a friend like Jonathan?
One thing is certain – we all need help in times of need, and we should never forget that there is one who gave his life so that he would be our advocate before God.
Heavenly Father, I commend to your holy keeping: all who are far from home and family; all who are homeless and hungry; all who suffer pain; all
who are kept awake by anxiety or suspense. Give them all such a sense of your presence with them as may turn their loneliness into comfort
and their trouble into peace. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Do you measure up?
by Faye Schmidt
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Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands (1 Samuel 18:7).
Read 1 Samuel 18:5–16
At first glance, jealousy may not seem like a major sin in our daily lives. We may get a little jealous of people from time to time, but that’s not dangerous, right?
In today’s text, Saul shows us that jealousy is actually one step short of murder.
Saul reacted in extreme jealousy against David. David was so successful in any mission Saul sent him on that the people started singing: ‘Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands’ (1 Samuel 18:7). That’s enough to make anyone angry and jealous. Saul was the king, yet his people were praising David instead of him.
Saul’s jealousy stemmed from fear and insecurity. Saul was afraid because David was closer to God than he was, and he was worried David would take over as king of the Israelites. Saul fed his own insecurities and let his jealousy grow, and in doing so, he gave Satan a foothold in his life. Saul’s jealousy grew so deep that he actually attempted to kill David on more than one occasion (1 Samuel 18:10,11).
We all experience jealousy. However, as we see with Saul, it is extremely dangerous to let jealousy fester and grow in our lives.
When we are confident in who God made us to be, we stop comparing ourselves with others and focus on what God is doing in our own lives. Instead of letting Satan use jealousy against us the way Saul did, let’s submit our anger and envy to the Lord and watch him take the burden from us.
You are special. You are unique. No-one else has your DNA. Through the saving grace of God in Jesus, who died to overcome the consequences of judgement for sins like jealousy, you can be confident that he loves and accepts you as you are.
O God, who in love created me and in love still preserves me, who loved me by sending your Son to suffer and die that I may live with you, give me patience in my hope, and make me more constant in my love for others. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Persistence in prayer
by Faye Schmidt
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And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? (Luke 18:7a)
Read Luke 18:1–8
Luke 18:1–8 is a parable that the Lord uses to encourage his disciples to pray persistently. Prayer is a circular action – faith drives our prayer, and prayer gives steadfastness to our faith.
The parable tells of a judge who initially refuses the request of the poor widow; however, he eventually grants her justice only to stop her incessant demands.
If a corrupt, uncaring judge will grant justice out of weariness, a righteous and loving God in heaven will much more eagerly grant justice to his children who persistently ask him day and night.
Some aids can assist us in a persistent prayer life – a journal or prayer list can support consistency and focus. By keeping a record and praying until the Lord resolves the issue, one cannot help but notice God’s faithfulness in answering our prayers. Also, a record facilitates persistence. As we all understand, the Lord answers some petitions quickly. Others can take months or even years. Remember, we think of time from our own perspective. We pray to God not only with a petition but also with a timetable. God must answer my petition my way, according to my schedule.
The disciples pleaded with Jesus in Luke 11:1–4: ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’
What a comfort! Even the disciples needed help with prayer! Our Father in Heaven wants us to speak to him, and his Son pleads on our behalf so that, as his children, we may be in a relationship with him.
Give me grace, O God, to pray now with purity and sincerity for all around me. Let me remember now my friends with love and my enemies with forgiveness, entrusting them all to your protection, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board and the General Church Board, currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She is passionate about new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
Completely under God’s care
by Charles Bertelsmeier
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The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7,8).
Read Psalm 121
Over the past week, we have considered how God is actively involved in our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not, and how various people responded to God’s involvement.
Firstly, we had 10 lepers healed, but only one wanted to accept the new opportunities the healing offered. Then we had King Saul, blessed with the Holy Spirit living in him to guide him; however, he gave in to peer pressure, ignoring the Spirit’s guidance.
After King Saul lost the guidance of the Holy Spirit due to his disobedience, his refusal to repent further damaged his relationship with God, causing him to drift even farther from the Lord, despite God’s continued efforts to lead him to repentance.
We saw how the jealousy of David’s eldest brother blinded him from seeing God working powerfully in David’s life. And yesterday, we saw how God’s powerful involvement in the life of David completely demoralised the Philistines and finally put some backbone into the fearful Israelites.
Today’s reading is about the confidence the psalmist has that he is entirely under God’s watchful care. The God he trusts in is not some vague spiritual force that inspires people to do great things if they have faith in him. Rather, he is a powerful God who can create a vast cosmos out of nothing (‘My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth’ – verse 2).
Our astrophysicist God created all this to provide a home for his very special creation – human beings – for them to live in a special relationship with him. God’s focus is his relationship with us, proven by his Son taking on our humanity to restore our broken relationship with him. So, our Heavenly family, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is involved in every minute of our lives, to help us see that we cannot live life fully under our own efforts, but in submission to God’s will and purpose for us.
Yes, life will have its challenges. But God has promised to be with us in those challenges. And his purpose in everything that happens to us, everything he is calling us to experience, is for our growth in our relationship with him and for our everlasting good with him in eternity.
He does want us to talk to him about what we are experiencing and struggling with. There are a whole 150 psalms in the Bible that record people struggling with understanding their relationship with God, and then giving praise and thanks when they see the light that God provides.
Heavenly Father, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the ways you care for us, drawing us closer every day into our intimate relationship with you. Thank you for being very close to us as you take us through difficult times. Please help us never stop trusting your love for us. Amen.
Charles is a retired engineer who has worked on communications projects for the air force, army and navy. He lives in a retirement village in the outer north-western suburbs of Sydney with his wife, Diane. Together, they have four children and eight grandchildren, all of whom they love spending time with. Charles keeps busy caring for their pot plants and a community vegetable garden, researching his family history and volunteering in the community and at LifeWay Lutheran Church.