March 14, 2010

Unbelievable Forgiveness

Joshua 5:9-12
The Israelites had wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. As they enter the Promised Land they have cause for a great celebration. There on the plains of Jericho the Israelites celebrated the Passover. They received manna for the last time, for later that year they ate the produce of the land of Canaan.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Our text from 2 Corinthians is about the doctrine of sanctification in the life of faith.
“A saint is one who has been sanctified. And to be sanctified is to become holy. Through Christ, we have been given the gift of new life. Sanctification is the beginning of that new life in Christ.”     (The Rev. Emily K. Biset)

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
This section begins with Jesus being heard by tax collectors and “sinners.” The Pharisees are not amused. Jesus tells a parable of the Prodigal Son. The youngest son asks for and then proceeds to squander his inheritance in wild living. When the money gives out and he is fed less than the pigs, he swallows his pride and returns home. But before he can even apologize, his father extravagantly welcomes him home. A party is thrown. The son has returned! But the older, more sensible brother is not happy. He (the elder brother) has been responsible and worked like a slave and the father never gave HIM such a celebration! But that is because he was never lost.

Sermon Notes:
As we move through the Season of Lent, we are receiving important stories, lessons and parables. For this Sunday it is the Prodigal Son. There is no doubt that the son is ready to own up to his foolishness and the very real possibility that he will be rejected or at best put to work by his father like all the hired hands. The son has his apology ready, but the father forgives him before that apology is offered. No doubt the son was startled as are we. I will speak of the Prodigal Son this Sunday, it’s a great parable.

Peace, Rev. Bob Tussing