The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Book of Joshua tells the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Joshua became the leader after Moses died, led them across the Jordan into the Promised Land, and embarked on ridding the land of the pagan tribes. Now at the end of the book, the Twelve Tribes have gathered to hear Joshua’s address about the history of Israel dating to the time of God’s covenant with Abraham. There is no equivocation on Joshua’s part about choosing to live for God. The Israelites cannot possibly serve God while still giving obeisance to (non-existent) gods that are worthless. There is only one way to salvation, and Jesus will later dictate the same command, “I am the way and the truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6) This reading contains the famous verse, “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

In the first half of Ephesians, Paul describes what God has done to restore fellowship with him through Christ. In the second half, Paul exhorts us to respond to God with a spirit of thanksgiving and desire to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (4:1) We are engaged in spiritual warfare with the godless world that seeks to do us harm. Paul uses superb rhetorical repetition, against enemies…ruler…authorities…cosmic powers…spiritual forces, for which we are to be girded for spiritual battle: armor…belt…breastplate…shoes…shield…helmet…sword. We are to always persevere in prayer for ourselves and others, and Paul concludes by asking for people to pray for him, an “ambassador in chains.” Let us never forget the great trials that Paul bore as he proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, the One who appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Heed Paul’s words because he was anointed by God to proclaim the Gospel over these 2000 years.

- David Littrell