Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Theme of the Day: Increased Faith Increases Duty
As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations. So, if someone is offered a promotion, they might ask, “Is this worth it?” It is similar in God’s kingdom. As our faith grows, there are obvious benefits: the comfort of knowing you are a redeemed and loved child of God, the peace of knowing your eternity is secure. However, increased faith also increases duty. There are ever more opportunities for service. This week, Jesus has sharp words for those who want the benefits of being Christian but would shirk those responsibilities. However, to lead us to take up those responsibilities, our Savior doesn’t threaten or cajole. He helps us see that while increased faith increases duty, increased duty increases delight. The believer knows he serves the One who came to serve us first. Just as Christ’s service brought him great joy, so does our service to others.
Luke 17:1-10
1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12
Psalm 62A
918 – Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
748 – Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly
660 – Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face
661 – Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
767 – Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, in your bountiful goodness, keep us safe from every evil of body and soul. Make us ready, with cheerful hearts, to do whatever pleases you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Alleluia.