The Foolishness of God

The Psalm is arresting. Who may dwell with God? Only the one who walks blamelessly may do so. But who is that person apart from the righteousness of God in Christ? Though God has told us what is good, we cannot do it. We confess that we are in bondage to sin and that we cannot free ourselves. It is God alone who has redeemed us from this house of slavery. This is “the word of the cross” that is the power of God at work in our lives. It is those who acknowledge their sin, who confess that they are “poor in spirit,” who receive all the blessings named in the beatitudes. Those who mourn over their sin, and humbly hunger for a righteousness not their own will be satisfied with the kingdom of Christ.

First Reading - Micah 6:1–8

Hear! The word implies hearkening or obeying, instead of simply listening. The prophet pleads the Lord’s case. He begins with an allusion to the first commandment: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exo. 20:2; Mic. 6:4). This is an ever-present reality; God will not leave his people. He is faithful even when they are faithless (2 Tim. 2:13). As such, despite the regular unfaithfulness of his people, he continued to bless them — and Micah provides reminders of these blessings. Then the prophet asks God, “What have I done to you” that you would treat me so faithlessly? Have I worn you out with religious duties? "No!" comes the answer.

What may a person, wounded in conscience by the prophet’s pleading, do to appease the Lord? Shall she bring sacrifices of animals or even of one’s firstborn child, as Molech required (Deut. 12:31)? Again, "No!" is the answer. All God has ever required since the garden is that his people to walk with him (Gen 3:8). The result of such “walking” with God is that they will also do justice and love mercy. Here we see the Law and Gospel at work in the prophet. He reminds them first of their guilt and then that God only requires them to return to their original loving devotion (Rev. 2:4).

We too, are reminded of God’s devotion to us, whenever we see the font or receive Holy Communion. These are reminders of our unfaithfulness, as well as God’s faithfulness.

Psalm - Psalm 15:1–5

Who may live with God? What a question! It is difficult to imagine that this question would ever occur to most people. Yet David wonders.

Who, indeed! The answer is “no one and everyone.” Only those who walk blamelessly may sojourn with God. That would leave out David. And it would leave out the rest of us, too. No one may dwell with God. So we poor sinners must say with humble yet joyous hearts, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” In his great mercy, God lends us his righteousness so that we might blamelessly dwell with him.

Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:18–31

“The word of the cross” is neglected by so many who claim to believe in Christ. Instead, they opt for a word of glory. Their theology is one of gratification instead of grace. Personal glory, found in human promises of better health and wealth, seem to rule the day in the United States. But those who are being saved know better — or, at least, they should know better.

What is the word of the cross other than that Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed under the weight of our iniquities (Isa. 53:5)? This is the word that saves and brings peace to the troubled heart. This theology alone informs us that God in his Son paid the fine for our sin. In this word — this theology of the cross with its preaching of Christ crucified — all other matters are clearly understood. The believer revels in this word; those who are perishing consider it imbecility.

Gospel - Matthew 5:1–12

These beatitudes are part of the core teaching of Jesus. Nowhere in his essential didactics do we hear a theology of glory. The poor, the mourners, and the meek are a few of those who will receive God’s richest blessings. Are these gifts of the cross what we ask of God — or do we desire affluence and welfare? Beware your theology, since the rich have already received their reward in full (Luke 6:24).