Huge Sin and Other Considerations
AM Psalm 45 • PM Psalm 47, 48
Exod. 32: 21-34 • 1 Thess. 1: 1-10 • Matt. 5: 11-16
My reflection from the readings today is that no matter the historical time our reasoning and reactions remain similar—often childish, naive and irresponsible. This reasoning leads us into trouble, or sin. We make mistakes (sometimes a “huge sin”). Sometimes the pain equals or exceeds the sin, but our blessing is that even though we commit sins, we find forgiveness. The better course to me is to follow the example from Thessalonians and Matthew to avoid sin by focusing on doing and being good.
In our Exodus reading, Moses returns from his conversation with God in the Wilderness to find a golden image and the people of Israel worshiping it. His question to Aaron is, “What did these people ever do to you that you involved them in this huge sin?” Translated—What were you thinking? I left you in charge and you let this huge sin happen? Why?
Aaron’s reply is, “You know these people and how set on evil they are. They asked to make us gods to follow since Moses is missing. I asked who has gold? They gave me their jewelry. I threw it in the fire and out came a calf.”
Frighteningly, 3000 pay for their sins with their lives as the Levites “strap on their swords and follow God’s orders to Kill brother, friend, neighbor.” Moses later asks God for forgiveness, but is admonished, “When I settle accounts, their sins will certainly be part of the settlement.” Sound reasonable for a “huge sin?” Follow the angel to the place I told you to go.
The letter to the Thessalonians shows a positive situation. They had accepted the Lord’s message, turned their faith to God and turned to God from their idols to serve a living and true God. They are rewarded with a new life in Christ. A polar opposite of the Israelites.
Matthew finishes our comparison with these powerful lines, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” He concludes, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Sin or shine. Your choice.
Written by Walt Eilers
St. Paul's has been Walt Eilers’ spiritual home since 1999. He looks forward to returning to the 7:30 church service and communion. Then, to delivering communion to those who cannot make it to church.