Preparing for Worship - August 31, 2025

The Scriptures this week might be described as a call for humility toward others, but above all, toward God. The Old Testament Lesson is from Proverbs 25:2-10. Proverbs are wise but practical sayings for people and their lives. These proverbs originate with King Solomon (see Proverbs 25:1) and his advice for dealing with kings and with other people. Solomon says that God chooses to reveal only what He knows is best for us, as our Lord and God. Kings like Solomon liked to search out things on their own, which sometimes got them in trouble, as we know from the life story of Solomon. He gives an example of this in this passage, using the image of taking away the impurities from silver, so that the silver can be used for making a nice vessel. In the same way, a king needs to avoid wicked people and their influence in order to serve in a righteous way. (Solomon did not always take his own advice on this, sadly.) People around us can influence us, also, for good or for evil. Solomon also says to be humble and respectful in the presence of a king or other leaders. Likewise, if you have a problem with someone, seek to deal with that person privately, without revealing secrets or acting in a public way, as in a court. You might be wrong and be the person ultimately shamed.

The Psalm is also written by a king, King David. He has learned, in his relationship with God, to seek to be humble and not to try to search out the things of God that are too great and marvelous for him. He pictures himself as a little child, compared with God, and just weaned from nursing and not making demands to be fed and cared for. He seeks to be calm and quiet, and just hope and trust in the Lord, who always knows what is best. David encourages His people of Israel to do the same and is calling us, also, to be humble before our Lord. As he says in Psalm 37:7, we are to be still before the Lord and listen to Him and His Word and trust Him and wait patiently for Him.

The Gospel lesson is Luke 14:1-14. Jesus is invited to a dinner at the house of a prominent Pharisee, and others are there, too, watching Him. A man is there with dropsy (Luke, as a physician, knows the right medical term to use) and comes before Jesus. (Many think the man was planted there to see what Jesus would do, as Jesus had done healings previously on the Sabbath, and many Pharisees condemned that as “work” on the day of rest.) Jesus realizes what they are doing and simply asks them if a healing is lawful on the Sabbath. They don’t answer. So, Jesus heals the man and sends him away.
He then asks the religious leaders, “If a son or an ox fell into a well on a Sabbath, would they not immediately pull him out?” Again, no one replies, showing that they would not always follow their own rules in certain circumstances. It was then time for the meal, and Jesus noticed how people scrambled to get the best seats of honor for themselves. He then tells a parable, reflecting the advice of Solomon in our Old Testament lesson. People should take lower places and not be embarrassed by taking too high a place and having to move lower. But Jesus is not simply teaching about proper etiquette. He is teaching about our relationship with God, above all, and to be humble before Him. He will then lift us up, as He chooses. Jesus then speaks to the man who invited Him to the dinner and encourages him not just to invite people who will pay him back in return. The man is called to care also about the poor and needy who could never pay him back. Jesus is teaching a humble, servant love - the way He was going, as He finally went to the cross to rescue us poor and needy people, who could never pay Him back.

The Epistle lesson continues readings from Hebrews 13:1-17. The writer also talks about humble servant love toward others in many situations: hospitality to strangers, remembering those in prison or being mistreated, a husband and wife honoring their marriage commitment to each other, using money wisely, respect for leaders, and on and on. The focus, as always, then turns to our Lord and His promises to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear.” And the faithfulness of Jesus our Savior "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” and the need to be “strengthened by His grace” and not other diverse and strange teachings.” For “Jesus also suffered outside the gate” ( of Jerusalem on the cross) in order to sanctify the people through His own blood.” We are called to bear reproach for Him and His Name in this life, knowing we have an eternal city to come in heaven through Christ, and we are called to seek to do good and share what we have, reflecting Christ’s great sacrifice for us. Finally, we are called to respect our leaders, who have a responsibility for our spiritual welfare, and praise God with joy for His goodness to all in Christ. And may we all continue to listen to the Word of God, together with them, in humility to our Lord.