Text Study for the Eleventh Sunday in

Pentecost – Year C
The Rev. Joseph Winston
August 7, 2010

Commentary
Genesis 15:1-6
God has called Abram to be a father of a great nation but Abram bluntly reminds
God that Abram is without a child from his primary wife. The L ORD takes Abram
outside at night and shows him the night sky and then God promises that Abram’s
children will as numerous as the stars.
Genesis 15:1 in a vision – This encounter with the L ORD contains its own unique
set of attributes that set it apart from day to day life.
Do not be afraid – This appearance, technically known as a theophany, be-
gins with words designed to calm Abram.
your reward shall be very great – For one specific portion of this man’s
family, they are blessed. Hagar and her child Ismael would think otherwise.
Genesis 15:2 what will you give me – What advantage is it to follow this one over
all other gods if there is not a benefit in this present day and age because
the others will certainly promise gains in this life from following them?
Underneath this question are two other unspoken issues that normally stay
hidden in the back of your mind. What if this god is powerless to keep his
word? More importantly, what happens if this god is nothing more than a
liar?
Genesis 15:3 You have given me no offspring – This is where the rubber meets
the road for Abram. God promised and nothing has happened with Sarah.

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 Genesis 15:4 This man shall not be your heir – God has drawn a line in the sand.
Ishmael will not receive the lion’s share of the inheritance from his father
Abram.

Genesis 15:5 count the stars – To drive the point home, a part of the vision is
Abram looking up and attempting to enumerate the lights in the sky.
So shall your descendants be – The assumption here is that Abram’s chil-
dren will be impossible to count.

Genesis 15:6 the L ORD reckoned it to him as righteousness – Possibly a better

translation of “righteousness” that captures the Hebrew would be to capture
a sense of justice would be something like, “the L ORD thought it was fair.”

Psalm 33:12-22
The psalmist provides the audience with a list of benefits that occur because the
L ORD is over creation. This includes deciding battles, warning the faithful what
is coming, and waiting for the L ORD’s command before moving.

Psalm 33:12 Happy is the nation whose God is the L ORD – The country is
blessed when God chooses them to be His people.

Psalm 33:13 The L ORD looks down from heaven – In the typical three layer
cosmology, the L ORD is above all the problems in the world. From this
vantage point, He rules everyone.

Psalm 33:14 From where he sits enthroned he watches – The world view de-
scribed in verse 13 gives the L ORD the ability to see what is happening
everywhere.

Psalm 33:15 he who fashions the hearts of them all – The L ORD gives humanity
the gift of intelligence.

Psalm 33:16 A king is not saved by his great army – The psalmist’s implied
assumption is that because the L ORD see everything then the L ORD decides
who wins and who looses.

Psalm 33:17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory – While this might be
nothing more than the psalmist’s attempt at discounting the superior tech-
nology at the enemy’s disposal, it also points out that the force with access

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 to the high ground, that is the L ORD, has the ability to turn the battle to His
advantage.

Psalm 33:18 Truly the eye of the L ORD is on those who fear him – The eye of
the L ORD sheds light on whoever it looks at. This is not the way we view
the world with light illuminating the object and then traveling on to the
observer.

Psalm 33:19 to deliver their soul from death – The L ORD brings life to those who
are facing death because the L ORD has the ability to see what is happening.

Psalm 33:20 Our soul waits for the L ORD – There is no reason to make a move in
this life without the L ORD’s approval because the L ORD already sees what
is on the horizon.

Psalm 33:21 Our heart is glad in him – The wisdom God gives reflects pleasure
in the originator of the gift.

Psalm 33:22 Let your steadfast love, O L ORD, be upon us – This section began
with the acknowledgement that the L ORD’s selection is a blessing. This
prayer reminds the L ORD to continue helping Israel.

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

In today’s high tech world, with all of its gadgets and gizmos that range from iPads
to iPhones, you might feel that faith has gone the way of the dodo and no longer
can be found on the face of the earth. Why, in heaven’s name, would I need to
have confidence in something that someone else has done? Or why would anyone
on earth need to have proof in something that they cannot see?
However, the idea that faith is a quaint concept that is out of date is simply
not true. For example, think of what happens when you purchase gas for your
automobile. When I go to gas station and fill up my car, I have faith that I am
putting gasoline into my car and not something else like water. If I and everyone
else had to test the gas along with its octane level, the station would grind to a
complete halt as people sent small samples to the labs and waited for their results.
If you think about it, even this one step of testing the petroleum requires a large
amount of faith. I know nothing about the appropriate types or levels of hydrocar-
bons needed to make up gasoline. All that I want to know is, “Will it work in my
car?” I must completely trust someone else to answer this question for me. Next, I

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must believe that the pumps actually give me one-gallon of gas. Can you imagine
the spectacle (and the danger) of everyone pumping their own gas into one-gallon
containers and before pouring it into their tanks making sure the pumps indicated
that exactly one-gallon of gas was delivered? Then repeating this step over and
over again until the tank was finally filled. I would rather believe that the state had
done its job correctly and the pumps really give me one gallon of gas. Finally, the
one action in the transaction that requires the most faith of all is when I agree to
pay the bill electronically. The credit card company’s profits depend on their faith
in me. They believe that I have not stolen the card from someone else and that I
actually have the ability to pay for the tank of gas that now sits in my possession
inside of my car. I in turn must trust them to only charge me for the items that I
actually purchased.
From the gas station illustration, it is clear that the question is not if we have
faith but what we have faith in. Do we place our ultimate trust in gas station, the
department of weights and measures, and the credit card company or do we put
our faith in something else?
Today’s lesson from Hebrews tells us of Abraham, a man of God who placed
his faith in God’s Word. Abraham’s call from God starts out with a command to
go. Go into a land that I will send you and leave behind all of your family (Genesis
12:1). Abraham listen to this Word and he left. He trusted in God even though he
could not see every aspect of the promise God made to him.
On a superficial level, this action by Abraham is very similar to our trust in the
gas station and its operation. We believe that the store is selling us pure unadul-
terated gasoline and Abraham trusted that he was really hearing the real Word of
God’s. Next, we have faith that we receive a full gallon of gas and Abraham be-
lieved that he would be given everything that was promised. Finally, while we trust
the credit card company with our money, Abraham trusted God with his future.
On a deeper level, the life of faith that Abraham lived is radically different
from our trip to the gas station. In most cases, our purchases at gasoline stations
are not matters of life and death. We drive to the store, pump our gas, and leave.
Our interaction is nothing more than a business transaction since we exchange
money for fuel. Abraham’s life of faith is completely opposite. Take for exam-
ple Abraham’s involvement with God. Not only did he take his entire household,
slaves and all, into a land that the Lord would show him but Abraham also brought
along his cousin Lot and their slaves. These actions show us that Abraham risked
everything because he believed God’s Word.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for – The author pro-

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 vides his audience with a definition of faith so that he can prove the patri-
archs had faith also.
the conviction of things not seen – This assertion by the author is also a
reality of life in the church along with the Lutheran understanding that the
true Church is hidden.1
Hebrews 11:2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval – This assertion
is needed so that no one can question God’s actions in the past. This is es-
pecially true if one might believe that God has in some way, shape, or form,
changed the requirements. If this were true, then faith is built on something
that is unstable and cannot be trusted.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand – The author wants to show a way that his
current audience uses faith in everyday life.
. . . This section provides examples of the faith of Abel, Enoch, and Noah. More
importantly is makes the assertion that only those people who have faith
please God.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham – This section lists ways that Abraham followed
without seeing the end in sight. But it leaves out those face to face discus-
sions Abraham had with the L ORD on the subject of the promises.
Hebrews 11:9 as in a foreign land, living in tents – This idea that Abraham was
nothing more than a man living with the L ORD’s promise is far from the
truth. Abraham’s wealth attracted the attention of the ruler of Egypt.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations – There is
very little, if any, support for this assertion in Genesis.
Hebrews 11:11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was
too old – and Sarah herself was barren – because he considered him faithful
who had promised. – This is the translation that the NRSV uses for πίστει
καὶ αὐτὴ Σάρρα στεῖρα δύναμιν εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος ἔλαβεν καὶ παρὰ
καιρὸν ἡλικίας ἐπεὶ πιστὸν ἡγήσατο τὸν ἐπαγγειλάμενον. Frankly, I do not
see how this comes from something that reads, “By faith, barren Sara herself
received power of conception with sperm when the right time matured since
faith followed his announcement.”
1
Gordon W. Lathrop and Timothy J. Wengert, Christian Assembly: Marks of the Church in a
Pluralistic Age, (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004), p. 90-91.

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Hebrews 11:12 Therefore from one person – The Greek uses ἐγεννήθησαν that
properly means man but its base is γεννάω that means to be born. A better
translation would be, “Therefore, from this one man’s birth.”
Hebrews 11:13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises –
The author wants to preclude the idea that God in some way lied. Instead,
these promises come somehow at a later day. This raises the issue of God’s
power. Why does the benefits come at a later time? Can God not deliver the
“goods” right now?
Hebrews 11:14 they are seeking a homeland – The movement from this world to
the next does not mean that nothing should be done in the hear and now. The
Old Testament lesson from Genesis 18 proves this point. After announcing
to Abraham and Sara that they will have a child named Isaac, God turns His
attention onto Sodom and Gomorrah. God tells Abraham that God is per-
sonally checking out the situation. Abraham then asks if God will destroy
all of the inhabitants of these two great cities if fifty righteous people can
be found. God agrees to Abraham’s terms. If fifty righteous can be found
then nothing will happen. After thinking about it for a while, Abraham asks
if the cities will be preserved if only forty-five good people live there. God
once again agrees to Abraham’s conditions. Abraham continues this conver-
sion with God reducing the number each time. “What about forty?” “How
about thirty?” “Would You agree to thirty?” “Is twenty acceptable?” Finally,
Abraham asks for the cities to be spared if ten righteous can be found.
This is our work in the world. We, like Abraham, need to argue with God
to keep the destruction of the world with all of its evil from happening this
very day. Give them, we pray to God, one more chance, one more day of
grace. In this time, we ask God, bless us with the gift of the Holy Spirit so
that we can tell them of Your love for the world so that they too may have
the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life.
Hebrews 11:15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind,
they would have had opportunity to return. – The argument here is that
those with faith press forward and never look back. This does not give hope
to those who cannot make the journey.
Hebrews 11:16 they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one – If this only
referred to the final destination, the people of faith never would have worked
for justice.

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Luke 12:32-40
Two completely different parts make up this one section. The first is an address
to the apostles that describes what they must do because their actions influences
their behavior. The second describes a scene that is improbable. A wedding party
returns home. When finding the slaves awake and ready for action, the lord of
house serves the slaves. The reason for why followers watch is to receive a dinner
party from Jesus Himself.

Luke 12:32 little flock – This is a term of affection and it applies to the apostles.2
The question that followers of Jesus must ask is which portion, if any, of
this section directly applies to them.
give you the kingdom – This group of twelve is also given the authority to
rule in the kingdom (Luke 22:29-30).

Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. – The basic question is of trust.
With resources at your disposal, you have fewer opportunities to rely on
God. Giving everything away does not exempt you from helping others.
This understanding is seen in Paul’s collection for the poor in Jerusalem.
Even those who had little, contributed to the group in Jerusalem.
If this discourse is directed toward the twelve apostles, it then tells us two
important facts. This group had access to riches and they had not given them
up. It also implies they are reluctant to help those in need.

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – This is
a well known investment strategy. Your mind with be occupied with what
you love.

Luke 12:35 Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit – Apparently, the
translator for the NRSV though the literal text was too archaic and changed
it from “So let your loins be girded and your lamps burning (ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν
αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι καὶ οἱ λύχνοι καιόμενοι ).” Additionally, the par-
allelism found in verse 37 is lost with the NRSV’s approach. The first half
of the verse comes from Exodus 12:11 and it shows being ready for action.

Luke 12:36 be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the
wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he
2
Luke Timothy Johnson; Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., editor, The Gospel of Luke, Volume 3,
Sacra Pagina, (The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1991), p. 200.

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 comes and knocks – There will be joy in the wedding party, but the slaves
do not know what condition the group will arrive in. They might be sober
or drunk. They could be happy or sad. This is why it is so imperative that
they immediately spring to action.

Luke 12:37 he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will
come and serve them – These actions by the master are completely out of
character. That is why he is the master. He orders the slaves to serve him
and not the other way around.

Luke 12:38 If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn – The
translation gives the appearance that the time is known. The Greek reads,
“If he come in the second or the third watch. (κἂν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ κἂν ἐν τῇ
τρίτῃ φυλακῇ ).” This is clear. The ambiguity about the time comes from
the number of watches per night.3

Luke 12:39 what hour the thief was coming – The underlying assumption is that
you can do something to prepare for this event.

Luke 12:40 Son of Man is coming – This is the turning point in Luke and from
now on, the phrase “Son of Man” is one who judges.4

References
Johnson, Luke Timothy; Harrington, S.J., Daniel J., editor, The Gospel of Luke,
Volume 3, Sacra Pagina, (The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN: The
Liturgical Press, 1991).

Lathrop, Gordon W. and Wengert, Timothy J., Christian Assembly: Marks of the
Church in a Pluralistic Age, (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004).

3
Johnson, Luke, p. 203.
4
Ibid., p. 204.