Twentieth
Sunday after Pentecost October
14, 2012
Lessons for Proper 23
Amos 5:6–7, 10–15 ~ The people of Amos’ day used power to deprive the poor rather than promote justice.
Psalm 90:12–17 (antiphon: v. 1)
Hebrews 3:12–19 ~ Through confidence in Christ we encourage one another and share in
His eternal rest.
Mark 10:17–22 ~ Eternal
life is an inheritance given to family members; it is not deserved or bought.
GATHERING THE TEXTS: It is a Matter of Inheritance.
“What must I do to inherit
eternal life?” The man asked Jesus, as if inheritance
depends on performance. Even in the
Prophet Amos’
day, riches were thought to be an indication of God’s favor. The wealthy used that misconception as an
excuse to oppress the poor. It also
explains the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ words: “How hard it is for the rich
to enter the kingdom of God!” Inheritance
is a matter of sharing in Christ and encouraging one another to draw near to
God with confidence in Him. By His grace
God extends His household to us through Jesus Christ because “with God all things are
possible.”
PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Dear Father in heaven, You have made me and claimed
me. You have given me all that I
have. Help me remember that the greatest
gift is a place in your family. Help me
use all my possessions in ways that are appropriate for a child of Your
kingdom. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: The greatest inheritance is given us through the
Father’s
will and consists of eternal treasures.
The riches of this world that God gives us are best used to promote
justice and bring the poor into God’s kingdom of grace.
OFFERING PRAYER: Lord, in Your mercy let us
seek
to right the
wrongs that crush the meek.
Now bless these gifts
to gracious ends
that we may win
eternal friends. Amen.
CONVICTION AND COMFORT: As in Amos’ day, so today, not only in
the legal system but also in daily life, we turn power to our advantage and
make the goal winning rather than seeking justice. We think we can use the same tactics to win
blessings from God instead of bringing blessings to the poor and oppressed in
God’s
kingdom. But God gives the blessing of
His eternal rest as an inheritance to
those who are His children because they believe in the One He has sent to
finish the work we are unable to do
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