The Generosity of God

The sermon this Sunday is based on the first reading from Jonah and the Parable of the Laborers from Matthew. The texts turn our expectations of what is fair upside down.

In Jonah, God’s forgiveness for all people is illustrated. Jonah was understandably angry at the people of Ninevah, who destroyed portions of Israel and exiled people to a foreign land. However, God forgives them and informs Jonah that He is concerned not just with the people of Israel but with all people, and their animals as well.

In the gospel text, the parable of the landowners challenges the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserved. A landowner hired two sets of laborers. Those who were hired later in the day were paid the same wage as those who were hired in the morning and worked more hours. Was the landowner being unfair? No, instead, this is an illustration of generosity. The landowner wanted everyone to receive what they needed to feed their families, despite differences in the amount of labor they provided.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Larghetto and Oboe Adagio”, Alessandro Marcello

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “O Worship the King”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:11

Second Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Bells of Hope: “Alleluia”, Traditional

Children’s Time

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon: “The Generosity of God”, Pastor Dan Severson

Sermon Hymn: “Lord of All Hopefulness”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

The Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “Prayer”, Beethoven, 1807

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “All My Hope on God is Founded”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Processional March”, C. Armstrong Gibbs