Reading: 15 March Lent 3
Read: Exodus 17:1-7 Paul has an interesting interpretation of the rock which produced the water that the people needed. (1 Corinthians 10:3-5) That aside, the emphasis of the story is that the people so easily forgot the purpose that had set them out on their journey into the wilderness; they were on their way to freedom as the Lord had promised. With the wonder of hindsight we can marvel that the people so quickly forgot all that God had done for them yet when we reflect on their fear and doubt we perhaps can see ourselves. How easy it is to doubt the Lord when things don’t seem to be going well. How quickly we forget the plan and purpose of God for us, for our family, our friends and our world. Trusting in God means exactly that, we need to trust. Yes sometimes life will get hard, sometimes we might easily see great danger ahead but the story from Exodus reminds us that when we are on the journey that God has laid out for us then despite the hardships God will provide.other nations and now in this passage looks forward to the promise of a return. An all encompassing return will happen and Israel will clearly see that it is the Lord God who has reversed the exile and brought the whole nation back together. Every section of the community are to be included, young and old, high or low, no one is to be neglected. At the centre of the nation the Lord God will be a shepherd caring for the welfare of the people, and they will experience a bountiful life-style. For Jeremiah’s people this promised return was but a shimmering image still in the distance yet it was enough to give to the people a sustaining hope and a chance to hold onto a growing trust in the Lord God.
Prayer. Gracious Lord we thank you for we know that your love for us is everlasting and that nothing can shake us from your providential care. Help us to trust in you even when times are hard and the way seems filled with struggle. Give to us the assurance of your presence and in all things help us to rely in your provision for us as we journey. As you provided water for your people in the wilderness so provide us with all we need to fulfil your plan and purpose: We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
Read: Psalm 95 This Psalm clearly links back to the first reading from this set. On the one hand is the abundant ability of God to provide all that is needed in any and all situations, verse 4 reminds us that all of creations resources are at the Lord’s command. On the other hand is the propensity of the people to turn away and doubt. Doubt is a natural part of being human but this psalm is hinting at more than just natural doubt, it has the sense of wanting to quarrel about the situation: There is a sense of deliberately choosing to not believe. The psalmists’ answer is to praise God and recognise how good and great God is. The consequence of not doing that is a life-time of wandering in the wilderness! (c/f Psalm 106:1)
Prayer Thank you Lord for all the blessings you pour upon our lives every day. As the scriptures say, “New every morning is your love”. So on this day I give you all thanks and praise. I know that everything that I face throughout each day I do not face alone for you are always with me, your promises are sure. Thus for today Lord I place my trust in you not wishing to look ahead but to rely on you for this day and I do so with the confidence that as you were with me yesterday so you will be with me today. I do not pray for myself alone but for all those who have placed their trust in you. O faithful God we give you all thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul in this passage emphasises the notion that believers are chosen, following Jesus very words when He said, “You did not choose me I chose you, and appointed you to go… John 15:16, Later in this epistle he will remind us that faith itself is indeed a gift of God It is not something you can manufacture by will or determination. Believers are chosen by God. Following on from that let us look at the statement of Paul’s about “the mystery of God will”. On thing we need to grasp is that a mystery is not a puzzle that needs to be unravelled. A mystery even when it is revealed still remains a mystery. In this case the mystery is that God has a plan to gather to himself all things through Jesus Christ. This is clearly revealed, what is not revealed is why! Why has God decided to gather all things to himself through Jesus Christ. We do not know, we only know that he has. •
Prayer:Lord, increase our faith as we trust more and more in you. Grant us to know in daily life something more of the faith that pleases you; the faith that can remove mountains; the faith that overcomes the world. May we see and believe that all things are possible when according to your will. Grant that we be so at ease in your presence that we will spend every moment, whether waking or sleeping, seeking your close council, your approval for all we think or do. So may we trust in your wisdom and mercy that we may at all times be calm and unafraid. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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