Wise Up: Religion

Old Testament Lesson: Amos 5:21-24

God shows that relationship with Him is more important than going through religious motions that look pious but have no heart.

Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 10:23-25

Although God’s Word warns us of the dangers of going through empty motions in worship, God’s Word also encourages us to remain faithful in gathering around Word and Sacrament.

Gospel (Theme Verse): Mark 2:27

Proverbs can be dangerous if taken the wrong way. Here, Jesus is combatting super-legalism with a proverb. But take this proverb the wrong way, and you also find yourself far from God’s will for your life.

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Focus:

Proverbs touch on all aspects of our life. The wisdom for today is focused on our attitude toward worship. When external piety like going to church becomes an empty shell or external show, God actually hates it. At the same time, God invites and even commands us to be faithful in worship, centered in ongoing, daily dependence on Him.