Psalm 145:1-9, Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34, 2 Peter 1:1-21 - Lectionary for 12/4/11 - Commemoration of John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter

Today is the commemoration of John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter Today's readings are Psalm 145:1-9, Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34, and 2 Peter 1:1-21. It is easy, in our determination that people should live a holy life, to bypass the power of the Gospel. We often look to Jesus' atonement for sin as a starting point but then encourage people toward perfection through changing their behavior. Yet our reading in 2 Peter shows this to be a wrong-headed idea. Rather, we are to direct our eyes to Jesus in his power and majesty. Does this mean that we have no concern about behavior? Not at all. We strive toward good conduct, knowing that it is pleasing to God. Yet we realize that whatever our conduct, Jesus remains the savior, the one we need every minute of every day. We realize that our very best conduct is full of selfish motives and calls for forgiveness. We realize that our very best intentions are mixed, ultimately falling short of God's glory. So as we cast our eyes on Jesus we are not only moved toward conduct which is pleasing to God, but we are also moved to repentance for our failure, our sin in thought, word and deed. We see that we need a savior and always will. And when we see that we find that we are clothed in Christ's righteousness, not our own sinfulness. Thanks be to God who has given us a savior, not just a list of rules.