Overcome Evil with Good

Sunday August 30, 2020

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

In the quiet refuge of this sanctuary, it may be easy to forget that we live in a world that has been marred by sin, cursed by death, and filled with wickedness. Although we confront it every day, this very present evil will not overcome us. God’s desire is for us to be saved and delivered by His Son, Jesus, so that we are enabled to love, to live, and to overcome evil with good. In our worship service today, we receive the same Jesus who once overcame evil by carrying His cross to suffer for our salvation. Trouncing over all the evil we will ever face, our risen Savior lives to love, to bless, and to deliver us as His people.

READINGS

Old Testament:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

Jeremiah 15:15–21
The Lord gives His precious, saving words

Psalm 26

Romans 12:9–21
With genuine love, overcome evil with good

Matthew 16:21–28
Jesus calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, for the rescuing work of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who overcame evil by the goodness of His death and resurrection. Abiding in His goodness and love, we take up our cross and follow our Savior, receiving from Him the blessing of forgiveness.