Lectionary Reading 14 June

Lectionary Reading 14 June

Sentence:  Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.  Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:12,22 (NRSV)

Reading. Genesis 18:1-15. Many of my friends speak of the delight of having grand children; it seems there is much joy without the same responsibility of parenting a child. Then again grandchildren also bring the joy of heritage, knowing that the family line will live on for another generation! Abraham had been promised that his family line would increase, with members too many to number. The reality for Abraham was that Sarah and he were now long past the time for child rearing or child bearing. The promise of an on-going heritage was more remote than ever. When three strangers approached Abraham’s camp site he showed them elaborate hospitality. Abraham had been approached by the Lord before so he responds to the sense of God’s presence with deepest respect. After they have shared the offered hospitality Abraham hears the message that by this time next year a son will be born to Sarah. It is this news that causes Sarah to laugh, though when pressed she denies laughing. Sarah’s laughter is excusable for from her perspective the idea of bearing a son was physically impossible. However the scripture notes that while it is humanly impossible the Lord removes the obstacles through his promise: “Is anything too hard for the Lord” v14. Through God’s covenant promise Abraham was to receive a legitimate heir and here in this passage we read of the promise being fulfilled: More than that, we read the clear emphasis that this promise from God will come without any hint of human endeavour. God will provide a dynasty through Abraham based solely on his action, they will therefore be the people of God.. Abraham was destined to be the “father of many nations” through God’s promise and in this passage we see the promise begin to take shape. The formation of the people of God does not come about by human endeavour but only through God’s action. God keeps the promises made to his people and nothing can or will stand in his way. Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death. Psalm 68:20 (NRSV)

Prayer. Gracious Lord as we read about your blessing of Abraham and Sarah we think again of your hand at work in our world bringing us into your family. Grant that we will be so aware of the blessing that is ours through your grace that with willing hearts we will honour your name in all we say and do. May we look always to you for guidance and direction, seeking your wisdom in all of life’s opportunities and dangers; and using your gifts and strength alone fulfil the purpose for which we were created. To you be all thanks and praise. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Reading Psalm 116:1-2,12-19 This psalm begins with the great statement that the God we worship is the God who hears. It is because God hears that we call out to God our whole life long. This hearing forms part of our life experience of God and the psalmist has in mind that God not only hears but God also acts, and acts in the here and now. We often read that God is one who is far from us but for the psalmist the reality that he saw was that God, our God is always close at hand, close enough to hear. By hearing God will not remain unmoved but will always act for the good of his people. Such is the wonderful attention that is paid to God’s people that the psalmist asks the question of himself and of others, “what then will be our response?”

The psalmist draws our attention to the cup of salvation. As we cry out to the Lord and we are assured that God hears: it is then that we remember that God offers to us the cup of salvation or deliverance from which to drink. Cups made of precious metal were used in sacrificial worship in the temple. In festivals held in homes cups were also raised in celebration and thanksgiving and perhaps it is this memory that the psalmist is bringing to mind: lifting the cup in praise and gratitude to the God who hears.

No matter in what extremity we may find ourselves, as we call out to the Lord the response is always one of salvation or deliverance. Salvation always carries with it the sense of rescue and healing, but also of wholeness and of being complete. So often when in difficulty we call out with a particular end in mind but God’s answer, (probably different from our own will) is always perfect for us and brings the deliverance that we need.  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 (NRSV)   The psalmist recognises full well that God can and does deliver. It is the Lord on whom we can always rely to bring us the essence of life.

Prayer. Almighty Lord, you are from everlasting to everlasting. There is none like you. To you alone we lift up our hands and our hearts knowing with thanksgiving that you are always ready to hear our voices. Forgive us when we look for our own way forward and forget that it is you who leads us. Help us to be ready to wait on your guidance and grace to lead us along the paths that are best for us. So then gracious Lord may our whole life both together and apart be lived in full obedience, and may you receive the honour and glory. Amen

Collect. Lord God of the nations, you have revealed your will to all people and promised us your saving help. May we hear and do what you command, that the darkness may be overcome by the power of your light; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.