Proper 16: Epistle, Romans 11:33-12:8

Romans 11:33-12:8

As we closed the epistle lesson last week there was a moment that was a bit anticlimactic. You see as we closed just before where we begin today, we found ourselves at a point where St. Paul is just about ready to burst with praise, with true doxology. And that begins our reading today but should be attached to that which came before: “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33a). For eleven full chapters Paul has been unpacking the salvation message in terms of legal expertise that cross all cultures, all languages, indeed barriers that would usually separate heaven from earth. But the gospel is the great barrier-breaker. When clearly set forth and explained, it leads to praise and exaltation of the source, our Lord Jesus Christ.

That’s where Paul launches this benediction. God’s wisdom, heavenly wisdom does not sit dormant, nor does it find a place without inspiring both worship and work. And Paul leads us down that very road. No one can fathom what Christ has accomplished. No scholar. No professor. No erudite clergy can compile and express the catalog of grace shown us in the gospel. And Paul, breaking forth with praise of God’s wisdom follows with his exhortation that we offer ourselves as living sacrifices in a display or right or reasonable worship. The ESV translates it as “spiritual worship.” Paul’s point is, “what else can one do?” Worship must follow tasting and seeing God’s wisdom.

But we don’t stop there, Paul goes on to open the deep truths of God’s gifting of his people for work. Work that will bless the people of God and that will add to the people of God. Gifts like teaching, exhortation, service and leadership, among others. Those things the Holy Spirit births in God’ people often come from the communion God’s people have with him. And dare I say, it is one of the jewels from the crown of Sunday worship in the Divine Service? We are not to despise preaching and his Word and we are exhorted by Dr. Luther to receive our Lord in the Sacrament of the Altar as often as it is offered. 

Wisdom, Worship and Work. A three-legged stool that will falter if all three legs are not present. Take some time this week to review the first eleven chapters of Romans and perhaps the Spirit who inspired the blessed Apostle will lead you to the same reverent consideration of the depth of God’s wisdom. A wisdom that leads us on to more and more joy through worship and work; gifts of that same wisdom.