II. Eventually God will not be denied (vv. 40-44)

Isn't it amazing how stupid, in a spiritual sense, some people can be? At first that sounds like mere human judgment. Yet, read the signs and make careful observations. Our Bibles call upon us to do that. The stupidity comes about because there is a frame of mind that chooses to believe either God doesn't care how we live, or He is not a God of justice. In both cases the Christian Faith from the beginning has said this is false. In our depths we know that God sooner or later has His way.

It is easy some days for us to question God's will, especially in our own lives. We seem to believe that just maybe God is forgetful or amenable to our wills.

While He hears all prayers, that doesn't mean we can sway what He ultimately has in mind. "Not my will but Thy will be done" is as true now as it was when Jesus prayed it centuries ago. Repentance and a strong desire for Him to have His way always helps and even may prevent a catastrophe.

III. Religious power structures can be demonic (vv. 45-46)

Some key leaders in Judaism had things the way they wanted them, so they bolted the door shut that led to revitalized religious practice. It seemed one breath of fresh air was entirely too many. A man like Jesus was beyond toleration. It's like saying "it's either him or us." We need to keep in mind not all Jews wanted to get rid of Him. Actually, not only was our Lord a Jew, but so were most all of the earliest followers. But power was very important to some, and they insisted on keeping it.

You and I know about power, don't we? There seems to be no corruption like the corruption found in some institutions. The finest of religious ideas and feelings are twisted and turned by the few until the Devil has a field day. Clergy who have been in the vineyards over the years know the temptations that come to us. Even exemplar clergy can become evil in a turf war. It is as though Jesus is no longer in their midst. He is standing to the side weeping.

Yes, long-standing rejection is deadly. In time God will not be denied, and demons can infiltrate even the churches. Judgment does come, but why bring it deliberately on ourselves? Pray humbly and sincerely; read the oly Scriptures with open minds, and live the Christian life clinging to Jesus the Christ. Then, if judgment comes, it will not be of our doing.

Our day and time cries out for those who kneel before whatever judgment God brings, to pray that it will lead to repentance and decisively changed lives. Judgment can bring reconciliation and purification. At all costs, we must never forsake our Savior and Lord. (Donald C. Lacy)

Proper 23 (A)

October 13, 2002

A Black Tie Affair

Matthew 22:1-14

Gerald Kennedy remembered when the students at Yale Divinity School were fussing with the faculty about what was appropriate clothing for ministerial students in classrooms. The faculty was on the side of dignified, business attire, and the students were pushing for more informal. The method of debate was proof texting from scriptures. The faculty would post on the bulletin board, "Awake, awake, put on your strength, put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem." and the students would reply with "Therefore, be not anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on." So we have to wonder why the man who said not to be anxious about what you put on would turn around and tell this story.