Pastor Mark Bussert - 8/6/2023
Without explaining Himself and to the surprise of those He chose, God decided to use the people who eventually became the nation of Israel to save all people. Likewise, He has graciously invited us and all people to join them, solely because we trust His promises. Recognizing that faith, not physical descent, is the factor that includes one in God’s promises,
Paul laments that most of his Jewish friends have rejected God’s Son, Jesus Christ. To those who follow our Lord, the disciples learn in today’s Gospel, God’s grace even invites them to serve as His instruments in caring for the people around them. Today we rejoice in God’s invitation to us, and we ask His blessings as we seek to extend His gracious invitation to those who do not yet know Christ as their Savior.