Our Father...who gives good gifts
Free Version; Seventh Sunday After Pentecost- Hosea 1:2-10; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13
Find this week’s readings here.
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This Sunday, as with every Sunday, we are confronted with the good news of Jesus: God’s heart and God’s action for the world. We are also challenged by the reality of counterfeits, false narratives which do not have good intentions and do not desire our flourishing.
Our Old Testament reading (Hosea 1:2-10), the prophet is told to marry a promiscuous woman and to have children with her. The prophet is clearly told that this is to be a sign of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with God. The names of the children declare judgement on Israel. The first bears the name of the site of Israel’s future downfall; the second child’s name means “not loved.” The third child’s name means “not my people.” This marriage and family illustrate the fruit of not living in line with God’s design for his people and for the world.
Preachers may be thankful that the reading does not end in verse 9. In a dramatic turn of events, God does not give up on Israel after all. They are restored as God’s people. Their names are now “children of the living God.” We are reminded of the dangers of living ways that are adulterous, mixing true faith in God with other allegiances. Simultaneously, we are reminded that, when we are unfaithful, God is faithful.
Our epistle reading (Colossians 2:6-15) reminds the church of the story which has been passed down, in which we are to be rooted and grow, and for which we are thankful.
Yet, there are many distractions. Just as the Colossians were tempted by those claiming they needed to adopt the Jewish customs in order to really be part of the family of God as well as by emperor worship and by the pagan gods of their upbringing, so we today are tempted by the lure of totalizing political ideologies, consumerism and materialism, and other things which we attempt to neatly fit beside our faith. We look to be people who live “Jesus Plus _____.”
Yet, none of these things has our best interest in mind. None of them have forgiven us. Jesus has disarmed all of these false powers and we have a new baptismal identity.
Just as Paul says that living into our story and staying away from hollow and deceptive philosophies requires intentionality, so does prayer. In our gospel reading (Luke 11:1-13), the disciples ask Jesus how they should pray. They understand that prayer is something that is learned and it forms us in a particular way. Jesus invites them into the intimate relationship that he has with his Father, saying that they should pray “our Father.” The focus of “The Lord’s Prayer” is asking for God’s kingdom to be fully realized and to align our wants with his kingdom.
Jesus says that God is not like the sleepy neighbor who makes excuses. He is a different kind of friend. Yet, even the sleepy neighbor will help someone who wants to help a stranger in need. How much more will our loving God respond to our prayers!
The heavenly Father is also not like a wicked dad who would give his kid a snake when they ask for a fish or a scorpion instead of an egg. No, even evil dads want good gifts for their children. How much more will the heavenly father give the Holy Spirit, his very presence, when we ask him!
So much of the Lord’s prayer is simply enacted trust that all will be well in the kingdom, will, and presence of God: His name is hallowed, daily needs are met, sins are forgiven, and we are rescued from harm.