Above: The Divergence of Two Paths
Image Source = Daniel Case
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Waterbar.jpg)
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
–The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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The Assigned Readings:
Joshua 1:1-18
Psalm 15 (Morning)
Psalms 48 and 4 (Evening)
Acts 8:1-25
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Some Related Posts:
Acts 8:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/nineteenth-day-of-easter/
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Saul of Tarsus, fresh from witnessing the execution of St. Stephen, undertook a persecution of branches of the nascent Church. The future Apostle seemed to be mired in his own sin. He was–for the time being–until God called him. And Simon Magus knew how to work wonders yet lacked the Holy Spirit. His attempt to buy it, not repent, has given us the word “simony,” the buying and selling of church offices. He remained mired in his sin despite the opportunity to start a new, better life because of his choice. The counterpoint to Simon Magus and Saul of Tarsus (pre-conversion) was St. Philip the Evangelist, one of the early deacons. He did as the Holy Spirit directed him.
Back in Joshua 1, God commissioned Joshua, son of Nun, to lead the Israelites after Moses died. This commissioning entailed reminding him to obey God’s commandments as revealed to Moses.
Although we human beings will always have sin within us, we need not be bound by it, for the means of liberation is always close to us. Since one day nearly two thousand days ago, just outside the old walls of Jerusalem, that means has been Jesus. We cannot purchase this liberation. No, it is free yet not cheap. And it requires us to surrender that which would conflict with the costly demands of free grace. There are no short cuts in Jesus.
Ironically, I have heard works-based piety affirmed in substance yet denied in name in some Protestant congregations. I have heard people tell children to be good so that they will go to Heaven after they die. Nevertheless, these same adults have claimed to affirm grace over works in salvation. They have sent mixed messages, perhaps out of theological laziness or ignorance. They have denied the reality of the costliness of grace and the relative difficulty of following Jesus.
Two paths lie before us. One is the road of repentance and of the grace. The other trail leads to destruction and grief. The latter is easier yet the former is superior. The choice of which path to follow remains with each of us. Although one is on one path, one retains the free will to switch to the other end–for better or for worse.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 17, 2012 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF BENNETT J. SIMS, EPISCOPAL BISHOP OF ATLANTA
THE FEAST OF THE MARTYRS OF COMPIEGNE
THE FEAST OF SAINT NERSES LAMPRONATS, ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF TARSUS
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM WHITE, PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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Adapted from this post:
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/devotion-for-june-26-lcms-daily-lectionary/
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
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