by Pastor Peter Bean
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Read Genesis 23:1–20
If you have been reading the story of Abraham carefully this week, you’ll have noticed that among all the horrible bits is a story of hospitality. In fact, hospitality and inhospitality are woven throughout this narrative. The Greek word for hospitality literally means ‘love of strangers'. So, Abraham welcomes the three strangers in Genesis 18, feeds them and gives them a drink. This is taken up in Hebrews 13, where we are told: ‘Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.’ Think back through this week’s readings. Where are examples of hospitality and inhospitality?
So, we come to Genesis 23. Sarah dies. Abraham seeks to bury her. He goes to the Hittites, the adversaries of the Israelites and their (our) God. And as you read the chapter, you will see hospitality played out, back and forth, until there is an agreement all are happy with.
No bickering over whose land this is, no slandering of each other, no questioning each other’s motives. Rather, acceptance of who they are and their place in the world. Peace in their time!
Can we follow their example? Can we accept God’s statement to us through Paul in Ephesians 2:19? ‘So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household.’ And then apply it to our lives?
God accepts all. You, me, your neighbours, the first inhabitants of Australia, those who come from different lands. In our world of social disharmony that we seem to live in, we do well to remember God’s words: ‘You belong to God’s household.’ Then, living in grace and forgiveness, extend that hospitality to all we encounter, all humanity, remembering each person is made in God’s image and is also extended grace.
God of hospitality, who loves humanity in all its various expressions, let me live in your love. Help me to reflect that grace and forgiveness to everyone I meet. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
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.