Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9
Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. (Ephesians 6:5)
Luther once wrote: “We have already heard that in the Christian life are two essential principles, two principles upon which Christian teachers may lay emphasis. First, faith in the fact that through Christ's blood we are released from sin and have forgiveness; second, being forgiven, our natures are to be changed and we are to walk in newness of life. In baptism, when we first believe, we obtain not only remission of sins whereby we are of grace made children of God, but also the power to purge out, to mortify, the remaining sins.”
And yet, in our dealings with others in our daily life, we often act as if we are not changed or most certainly don't walk in newness of life. Luther adds, “But how is indifference to this life to be accomplished? Peter goes on to say: 'Be subject to every ordinance of man . . . whether to the king . . . or unto governors'; again, 'Servants, be in subjection to your masters . . . .' How is it consistent with royal citizenship in a celestial country to be a pilgrim on earth? How can we live here with wives and children, houses and lands, and being citizens under a temporal government, and yet not be at home? There is a distinction here which, as before said, was at first difficult for the beloved apostles themselves to understand. But to Christians, especially those of today, it should be clear. Christ and the apostles do not, in this teaching, design the rejection of external government and human authority--what Peter here terms ordinances of men. No, they permit these to remain as they are; moreover, they enjoin us to submit to and make use of them.“
We are redeemed children of God. We are God's own. Our life is lived according to the faith we have in Jesus. By being a trustworthy worker, or a good employer, we are serving our neighbor just as God desires of us. Christ commands (Matthew 5:16): "Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." And in Jesus, all your works, clothed with Him, are good!
Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone And rests in Him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known, With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify; Works serve our neighbor and supply, The proof that faith is living. (LSB 555:9)