October 29, 2021 — Romans 16:1 – 27

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Romans 16:1-16

The name Junia that is listed in verse 7 has some controversy attached to it. In the earliest manuscripts that we have, the name is listed as Junia, a feminine name. Many later manuscripts have changed the name to Junias, a male name. It seems that some later scribes changed the name from female to male, since the name is described as an apostle. When biblical scholars seek to figure out discrepancies in the manuscripts, they usually say the earlier manuscripts are more authoritative. This makes Junia most likely the proper translation, and also makes her the only woman listed as an Apostle in the New Testament.

Women obviously played a large role in the early church. Leadership roles ascribed to women include deacon, fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, saints, and prominent among the Apostles. When I was in Ocean City on vacation a few years ago, my wife and I were determined to attend the Lutheran Church near 100^th Street. The pastor that morning was a guest pastor from a nearby college. She in fact was Beth Platz, the first woman ordained in the Lutheran Church – she attended Gettysburg Seminary by the way, the only Seminary that would accept her. It only took the better part of 2000 years to get women back as leaders, worship leaders in the Lutheran church. And yet, there still are churches and denominations who will not allow women to have leadership roles. That fact makes this Lutheran pastor sad — for I have many colleagues, especially women pastors who are wonderful and faithful ministers of word and sacrament, and ministers of word and service — both rostered leadership roles in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It makes me even more proud to be a Lutheran.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, you value all people: men and women, old and young, rich and poor, black and white, immigrant and native alike. All people have the capacity to be leaders in the church – and should also have the opportunity. Give all leaders and aspiring leaders your love and strength to follow their callings. Amen.

Pastor Dave

October 28, 2021 — Romans 15:7 – 33

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”;

and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;

and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:7-13

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Welcoming others is not only our responsibility each and every day (and especially on Sundays), but just another way in which we give glory to G-d. Let that last phrase settle on you for a second, and then read it again. When we welcome others, especially the strangers in our midst, we give glory to G-d. This is the Gospel message — we are not supposed to hate our neighbor, we are to love them as ourselves.

At the beginning of his book What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey tells a story about a prostitute who was asked if she ever approached a church for help for her and her daughter when seeking money and food. The prostitute answered, “Church! Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling terrible about myself. They’d just make me feel worse.” When we welcome others, without judgment, without pre-conditions, without hesitation, we give glory to G-d.

We are really good at making people feel uneasy — unwelcome — unwanted — by our stares, our glances and our watchful eyes. Perhaps we need to see their humanity, their gifts, and their value by seeing Christ in all people. When we look in each other’s faces, especially the stranger, we are called to see Christ incarnated in them — after all, that is why Jesus died — so that when G-d looks at us, G-d does not see our sin — instead G-d sees the very essence of Christ.

Let us Pray,

Lord Jesus, you love all people. You show no partiality – you love all people. Help us to live into that love and to share that love with everyone we meet, everyone we see, and everyone — everywhere.  Amen.

Pastor Dave