Lectionary Reading 14 June Pt2
Collect. Jesus, source of wisdom, your teachings reveal the hidden God. Ground us firmly in faith that we may hear your words, and put them into practice; we ask this in your name. Amen.
Reading. Romans 5:1-6 In Martin Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, Luther describes this chapter as “The fruits of Faith” In the fifth chapter the apostle proceeds to discuss the fruits and the works of faith, such as peace, joy, love of God and of all our fellow-men; moreover, assurance, boldness, cheerfulness, courage, and hope amidst tribulation and sufferings. For all these things follow where there is genuine faith, because of the superabundant treasure which God has bequeathed to us in Christ, when He caused Him to die for us before we could pray Him to do this, nay, while we were still enemies. (page 14) As we read the familiar words from Romans we recognise the wonderful theme of salvation with its accompanying joy, peace with God through Christ and an abundance of hope that we will share God’s glory. To live in peace and joy, in harmony with others has a wonderful appeal. Then Paul goes on that we will rejoice in enduring suffering in order to produce the hope that sustains us. This reminds us that from the human perspective things will not always play out quite as we might expect. How then can we accommodate our experience in life with the wonderful description that Paul writes about? Peace comes at God’s instigation. It has nothing to do with who or what we are: the peace that is offered is all on God’s side, it is available by the action of God through Jesus Christ. That means the peace is always available, it is not here today and gone tomorrow. Furthermore it is not determined by the circumstances we experience. God’s peace is available to every Christian and that is a given. Because of this we press on, trusting that God who is in control of all things will guide us through the circumstances we face to an end which is filled with hope. The Lord God offers the same kindness and mercy to each person. All are loved even before they have any connection with God, indeed this passage reminds us that most of us start out in life as enemies of God. That is to say our aims and ambitions are contrary to what God wants for us and from us. Even so God still loves each one of us. Through his love and peace our lives are redirected and life takes on a whole new meaning. Though we may sometimes miss step, because of God’s gracious love and peace we can always begin again. That we do have peace with God is a statement which should still fill us with amazement and wonder.
Prayer. Lord I thank you that your love for us is without end, may our love in return be without pretence, a whole hearted desire through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ to be in close relationship with you,. Guide our pathway through this week and through this day so that in all we do we may be your children. Forgive us for we can be so calculating in our relationships with people. We trust only those we think are worthy of trust and we find it so much easier to love those who are like us. Forgive us when we do not treat every person equally. Guide us all into the harmony that you have won for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Matthew 9:35-10:8 “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; We live in a society where the response to God seems to grow less with each passing year. Truly the harvest is plentiful, there are many people who do not know God nor worship him. If there was ever a time to rethink that situation that time has now arrived. It is interesting to note that immediately after signalling that there is a harvest to be gathered that Jesus calls into special service the twelve apostles. The meaning of the word apostle (apostellō) is to be sent out, or the one sent out. So Jesus is recognising the need and equipping his disciples to begin to address the need. The passage is also emphasising the need to pray that the Father will prepare harvesters to meet the need. Praying for labourers would achieve several things. We are privileged to bring our needs to God; then as we pray for labourers we become more aware of the need; and through our prayers we and others are more sensitive to hear God’s call to labour and more able to receive his equipping for this necessary service. Not only was there a harvest but there was also a lack of shepherds and so we are also charged to pray that those without a shepherd would be gathered into the fold. Today in the sending out of the disciples, Matthew reminds us that true Christian shepherding has a goal in mind. There is a very clear message that Christ’s servants are to be of vital assistance. The command shows us that help is to be offered to those most in need. The sick, the outcasts and those who have no status are the very ones that Christ’s followers are called to serve. It also strongly reminds us that the call and the equipping come from God alone. All are called to pray but it is Jesus who chooses and Jesus who sends out.
Prayer. Forgive me Lord that because I can feel lost and alone I often focus on my needs and forget the great privileges that come from you, and the real opportunities your presence affords. Help me to lift my eyes and see the need around me, for those who are truly in need, those who know nothing of your love and those whose cry is so painful it can only be expressed inwardly. By your powerful love, let me be a servant of comfort and peace, drawing always on your mercy and love; in the name of Jesus the compassionate saviour. Amen
ericjkirkham.com 