Lectionary Reading 28 June
Reading Genesis 22:1-18 There have been some horrible descriptions of this ancient biblical story but before emotion runs away with reality, let’s get the facts straight. Abraham is well over a hundred years old and Isaac is a youth strong enough to carry a donkey’s load of firewood on the way up the mountain. If it was purely a test of strength Isaac would surpass Abraham with ease. So although this is beyond our normal life experience perhaps we can think of the story from a different angle. Abraham has been promised a dynasty more numerous that the stars in the sky (Genesis 15) yet Sarah had only produced a son in her old age. Isaac was literally a son of promise and yet in this passage we read that God calls Abraham to literally give his son back to God as a sacrifice. So with all its drama it is an ultimate test of loyalty and trust. It is a test not only of Abraham but of Isaac also for had Isaac not trusted his father he could have easily overpowered him. Running through the story is the theme that God will provide the sacrifice and after Abraham has demonstrated his obedience the sacrifice is indeed provided. Isaac also demonstrated his obedience and trust in his father Abraham and so mutual trust before God is shown. It is then that the covenant with God is reaffirmed. This covenant formed the basis for God’s dealings with his people Israel. Abraham and Isaac had to trust God for all that lay ahead. It was God’s action that would fulfil the promises that had been made. As a patriarchal story embedded in history it continues to powerfully remind all of God’s people that the demand for loyalty and trust is both absolute and radical. From the beginning the command to have “no other gods but me” was central to the relationship God had with his people. It is a command that has not been altered.
Prayer. From generation to generation, you Lord have been faithful to all those who trust you. In all creation there is none like you, for you are a faithful God who fully provides for all of your children. Help us more and more to place our whole reliance on you. Grant that we always look to you for guidance and grace, trusting in your way alone. Each new day brings an abundance of your blessing into our lives; we look to you for health and strength and the wisdom to trust in you in each fresh experience that life presents. May your presence give us the courage to trust you for each new step along the way. To you be all glory and praise now and forever as we rejoice in the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading Psalm 13. Years ago there was a song based on psalm 13. All I can remember of that song is a mere echo, I know it is there in memory but I can’t quite grasp either the tune or the lyrics. It is just hauntingly in the back ground. This psalm has something of that quality about it. The psalmists knew that God was Lord of all and that Israel were the chosen people. Somehow things were going wrong; life was not delivering what the psalmist expected. The victory that God promised was tantalisingly just out of reach and the psalm echoes a mournful lament. Still the psalmist does not lose heart, despite all the disappointments and the failures the one clear thing is that God is faithful and always offers steadfast love: despite everything God can still be trusted. In the final stanza the psalmist determines to continue to trust that the Lord will deliver all that has been promised, despite all that has been experienced the psalmist can still face the future with confident hope. This psalm was written over three thousand years ago yet the sentiment remains true; even though life may provide multiple setbacks, failures and disappointments it is still the Lord who can be relied on to see each of us through to a life of blessing. With the psalmist we too need to turn to the Lord, trusting with confident hope.
Prayer. Most gracious God, a very present help in times of trouble, and the source of strength in every trial: Forgive us that we often turn away from your direction and trust in our own false gods. Grant to us the wisdom of your Holy Spirit, that guided by that light we may learn to place our trust fully in you. Help us to look to the future with hope, knowing your plan and purpose for all of your people is truly glorious. Lift our spirits and strengthen our resolve to love what you love and to do justice in all situations. Relying only on your power, help us to work for a society where all find mercy and justice; where all live together joined by the bonds of love, a society ordered by your way alone. For this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. O God, the strength of those who hope in you: be present and hear our prayers; and because of the weakness of our mortal nature we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, so that, in keeping your commandments, we may please you in will and deed; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Uniting in Worship)
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