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Pentecost 2

13 June 2004

Written by the Rev Dr Philippa Horrex of Wanganui

Theme: Sin and forgiveness

1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 15-21a
The story of Naboth and Ahab is a simple one – it is about greed and evil doing. We have a grown man who behaves like a spoiled child when he doesn’t get his own way; an evil woman who misuses the power of politics and economics to arrange a murder; and an ordinary citizen who makes a principled stand against the system. Enter Elijah who reproaches Ahab and prophesies his death along with that of Jezebel and any heirs to the throne.

Psalm 5: 1-8
In this psalm a contrast is drawn between evildoers and the righteous. God hates all those who are evil and deceitful, who boast and lie or are murderous.  (It doesn’t look too good for Ahab and Jezebel does it?)  On the other hand, those who turn to God and are guided by God’s righteousness, worship in awe. 

Galatians 2:15-21
In the context of a difference of opinion between Paul and Peter over how one becomes a Christian, Paul makes it clear that salvation depends on faith in Christ, not on the Law of Moses. To insist on external observances of the Law negates Christ’s death on the cross, and repudiates God’s grace. Those who come to Christ may be recognised as sinners but that does not make Christ an “accessory to sin.” (The Message//Remix, Eugene Peterson, p. 2112)   Rather the spirit of Christ gives the believer the grace and strength to conform his or her life to that of Christ.

Luke 7:36-8:3
Luke’s account of the woman anointing Jesus’ feet with her tears and ointment is an example of the very justification and sanctification by faith that Paul was describing. Here we have a woman known to be a sinner (although we are never told what her sin was, tradition has labelled her a prostitute) who breaks all the rules because she believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of her sins. Because she is forgiven much, she loves much, and is prepared to show her gratefulness, even if it brings her into further disrepute with the teachers of the law.

Sermon possibilities:

  • The behaviour of Ahab and Jezebel can be found resonating in much of today’s international politics but also on the level of individuals – “You have what I want and I am going to take it at whatever cost.” An exploration of how we react when we do not get what we want would challenge many. 
  • Retell the woman’s story from Luke as an imaginative narrative by putting yourself in her place. I have never forgotten a sermon on this passage that I heard over twenty years ago, such was the impact of hearing it told from the woman’s perspective.
  • Look at Simon the Pharisee in the Gospel story. He was so wrapped up in the observance of the Law that he could not see his own sinfulness.  How could he repent unless he saw his own sin? The Galatians passage can be introduced here as a standard to measure Simon’s viewpoint.
  • Ask who do we identify the most closely with – the woman, or Simon and the other guests in the Gospel story?
  • Where does one go when told by Christ, “Go in peace”?


Prayer
Loving and merciful God, we come before you confessing our sins.
Hear our cries for forgiveness.
We confess that there are times when we behave like Ahab –
pouting and sullen when we don’t get our own way.
Forgive us for our selfish and childish behaviour.
(Silence)
We acknowledge there are times when we hurt others
in order to get our own way.
Forgive us the hurt we inflict on others.
(Silence)
We confess there are times when we judge others on their past behaviour,
overlooking the possibility that they have changed.
Forgive us for judging others.
(Silence)
We confess there are times when we hide behind
rules and regulations to avoid examining our own motives.
Forgive us for being dishonest with ourselves.
(Silence)
Through the grace of God in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
our sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.