Lectionary Reading 21 June
Reading. Genesis 21:8-21. There are many scripture passages when, if we only apply human wisdom are difficult to understand, and this must certainly be one of them. Ishmael and his mother are ejected from the security of the camp and banished into the wilderness. Humanly speaking it seems both harsh and uncaring. However as with all passages we have to both look a little deeper but also aim to understand what the writer is trying to say about the action of the Lord. Ishmael is not the son of the promise that the Lord had made with Abraham: He and his mother are separated from Abraham and by the provision of the Lord are cared for as a separate clan. Ishmael and Isaac will not grow up together. Ishmael was the son that Abraham and Sarah had contrived to produce in order to help the Lord fulfil the promise made to Abraham, that his offspring would be plentiful. This attempt to pre-empt the fulfilment of the promise has lead to this seemingly vindictive act. The true nature of the Lord is still demonstrated and his compassion and providential care both for Ishmael and Hagar is recorded. Ishmael is not the son of promise but is still a child of God and more importantly a son of Abraham and as such the Lord will care for him. Chapter twenty Five of Genesis brings Ishmael and Isaac back together again as they lay Abraham to rest at Mamre. The reading for today we reminds us of several things. The Lord needs no help in order to fulfil the promises that are made. Both Abraham and Sarah were called to trust that the promise of a son would come to pass. Trying to help God out without his clear direction does not promote the plans or purpose of the Lord and as this story shows can lead to hard decisions having to be made. Despite what we might think of the story, the compassion and care of the Lord for all those concerned is evident. In all circumstances we can rely on our God to act with love and justice.
Prayer. Gracious Lord, our word reminds us that you rescue the humble and teach them what is right, now as we read your word and lift our hands and hearts in prayer, guide us as we call out to you. Give to us the wisdom and insight we need in order to understand what you are teaching us as we read. Help us to draw strength to live according to your will. May we walk in obedience to you and not presume on your forgiving grace. In all places help us to live as your children and so bring honour and glory to you. Help us to understand the love that will guide all humanity into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace allow us to play our part in lifting high the name which is above all other names. Amen
Reading. Psalm 86:1-17. This psalm of David’s becomes a prayer from the heart as he reaches out to the Lord for comfort and strength. While he is hard pressed by enemies still it is the attributes of the Lord that come surging into his mind. Here is a God who listens to the cry of someone who is in need and is not only listener but also one who answers. David recognises this God is unique for “there is none like you”. Let us draw our attention to verse 11. “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name”. Psalm 86:11 (NRSV) An undivided heart or a heart in unity with itself is a key principle in scripture. We live in a world of compromise, never the less there is one area of life in which we must not compromise and that is our loyalty and obedience to the Lord. To allow no compromise in that area affects every other area of our lives. It is a far reaching prayer and a solid reminder that when we say we are the Lord’s it is his will and way which is to direct every action.
Prayer. Gracious God your unfailing love comes to each one of your children and each new day brings an abundance of blessings. Teach us to walk before you with integrity of heart: Grant to us minds fixed on you as we go through each day. May our whole life in every part be in keeping with your will. Help us to do this not to seek a reward but to show our delight and love in being your children. To you Lord be all praise, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
Collect. Grant us, Lord, not be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those things that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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