Scripture Reading(s)
Sirach 15:15-20
15:15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
15:16 He has placed before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
15:17 Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.
15:18 For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything;
15:19 his eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every human action.
15:20 He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, and he has not given anyone permission to sin.
Reflections
For those who are not familiar with the Revised Common Lectionary or with early church history, Sirach is considered a wisdom book. It is part of the biblical canon for Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and the Anglican church. It is usually considered a “deuterocanonical” book by the rest of Christianity. This means that Christians read it for it’s value as a teaching device but would not consider it “scripture”. But no matter where one stands on the canon of scripture, all Christians agree that anything that agrees with the scripture is something that is of at least partial value.
This week’s RCL reading includes a proverbial passage from Sirach, extolling the virtues of following God’s commands. It should be reminiscent of Deuteronomy 30; with blessing and cursing. However, Sirach’s wisdom contains a verse (20) that is almost unfound in all of scripture. It’s a simple warning stating that God has not given anyone permission to be wicked or to sin. This is an important feature that Christians aught respect. Many time we make excuses for now following God’s commands. We act un-christlike as long as we can find a way to justify it. Yet, God has given no one permission to do so. Obedience to the Lord is not commanded just when it’s easy but all the time. Let us not get caught by the Lord making excuses about which of His commands we are going to be obedient to.