I often wondered – during the years I was serving as a pastor – why God would bring the particular group of people together at the church where I had been called.  I have often wondered why Jesus chose the particular people that He selected to be the first twelve disciples.

According to Matthew 10: 2-4, the twelve included Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot.  Why would Jesus have chosen to be among His first followers and those to whom He would entrust the work of the Kingdom two people who could not have been more poles apart politically?  Matthew, the former tax collector and employee of the Roman empire, and Simon the Zealot, a member of a revolutionary movement. 

The Zealots were passionate about obeying the Torah, especially its commandments against idolatry.  As the Romans continued to impose their pagan ways upon the Jewish people, the Zealots sometimes turned to violence.

One of the offshoots of the Zealots was a group of assassins called the Sicarii, or daggermen.  They would mingle in crowds, slip up behind a victim, and then stab him with their sicari, or short curved knife.  One interpretation I have read is that Judas Iscariot had been a member of the Sicarii.  Talk about disastrous consequences if you do not practice social distancing.  Through their acts of terrorism the Sicarii sought to disrupt the Roman government. 

In Luke 22: 38, just before they left the Upper Room for the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples tell Jesus, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”  It is not hard to imagine that one of the swords belonged to Simon the Zealot or Judas Iscariot, who kept it hidden.  We all know what Peter did with his.  He pulled it out and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. 

And yet what is amazing is that you never read of politically charged and divisive conversation among the disciples.  They lived during some very tense and difficult times.  We also live during some very tense and difficult times.  Matthew on one side, and potentially both Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot on the other side, would have come from totally opposite sides politically.  And yet you never read of politically charged discussions.  The only real dissension that I can think of among the disciples was the debate over who was the greatest, brought on by the request from James and John (or their mother, dependent upon which Gospel account you are reading) for the top seats in the Kingdom.

If the first century disciples could find their unity in Jesus and avoid explosive, divisive political rhetoric, then we – the twenty-first century followers of Jesus – should be able to do the same.

The days between now and the election in early November are going to be very difficult.  There will be many times when it will be very easy to get involved in very heated, even angry exchange, such as on Facebook.  I would urge all of us to take a deep breath, express ourselves in a responsible way, give each other the benefit of the doubt, not let comments from others “push our buttons,” and look to Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

May the Lord bless you,
Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE 

Prayers of the Church, 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21 – September 27, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Most holy Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform the Church throughout the world to the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation and teaching to his own. Conform its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church into the image and likeness of Christ – into his very body; so that the light of his love shines into the world, and many turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant strength, perseverance, and charity to our brethren who experience bitter persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Soften the hearts of their tormentors, so that repentance and true faith in you may grow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and self-giving love shape and direct our words, worship, service, and fellowship. Give us such willing hearts that we gladly speak and act in obedience to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors; relieve their fears; and grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them your will for guiding those for whom they are responsible. Make all of us honest, wise, and kind. Help us to care for our neighbor; to work for opportunity and harmony in our neighborhood and nation; and to live at peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds; strengthen their bodies; purify their hearts; shape their actions; and prosper all they do that is in accord with your will. Bring them home safely and soon; and shield their loved ones with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict and endanger them, into the light of your blessed presence; and into the joy of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who have been gathered into your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is raw and deep. Give courage and compassion, wisdom and energy, faithfulness and hope, to each of us as we walk our pilgrim’s pathway through this life. And bring us safely into your spacious house, where you have made ample room for everyone whom you have redeemed through the obedient and loving sacrifice of your Son; and where we will delight in praising your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

“For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality – at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; as it is written, “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack” (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)

In Christ, all are equal.  The world thinks in terms of what people have, or the abilities they have.  The Lord created you for His purpose.  He knows what He is creating in you.  Walk then in the assurance that in Him is life and liberty.  Shed the worldly thinking that you may be built up according to His goodness and mercy.  In Him is all that is needed.  He desires His love to shine through you.

Lord, I try to figure these things out.  Like a small child who does not have the ability to think these things all the way through, help me see that ultimately it is about trusting You.  You alone are the way, truth and life.  You alone know what is needed, for You see the end from the beginning.  Move my heart to a faith that trusts in You above all things.  Lead me in the way of salvation.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior.  I need to be saved.  Save me from the hindrance of thoughts that get in the way of truth.  There are many things I do not know.  I subjectively ponder, but truth is what You have done, are doing, and will do.  Lead me to trust in the salvation You are unfolding in and through my life.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that You have already given me all I need.  Amen.