October 4, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for October 4th: Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46; Theme: World Communion Day; Song: One Bread One Body UMH 620 Exodus: The book of Exodus is an invitation to community. An invitation to a new community. It is an unknown journey into the future, with an opportunity to find God walking along side of you. Exodus 20 is the 10 commandments. One of the most important documents of our faith. It is important for us to connect this with the lessons from the chapters before. The Isrealites learned that God was with them by complaining about what they didn’t have. God provides, but first God says follow my directions. They complain again and God provides but says this is a test to see if you are listening. Once again God provides, and says these are my rules of community. The Ten commandments are rules to treat others in your community. The Ten Commandments are also a covenant – an agreement between us and God. We promise to obey these rules, God promises to provide in all situations. It is the basis of the church, but it is also the basis of our municipalities. Israelites means the Sons of Israel. It means it is a promise to be loyal to God. When we pledge that loyalty we give up loyalty to other things. But God also says that when God is first, all other things fall into place in our life. Matthew: The book of Isaiah refers to the vine and the vinegrower. It is clear that the vine is the community and the vine grower is God. Jesus knows that everyone would know this analogy. It was not uncommon for people to rent land from the owner to grow their grapes and olives. Jesus story is about horrible tenants and a frustrated manager of the lands. The tenants want to do what they want. – they become nonproductive for themselves and for the landowner. It is a reminder that we do not own anything in this world – it all belongs to God. We are the tenants, and sometime we really do get out of control and think we are most important and the things that we have belong to us. Jesus reminds us that one day, God will reclaim all that belongs to God including ourselves. Questions: Which of the 10 commandments is most important to you? Do you think these rules only apply to the faithful, or to the whole community? How do you feel about your possessions? Do they belong to God or you? What are you giving to God?