Lectionary Reading 5 July
Read. Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67. As we read this passage we can realise how far removed we are from the culture of the ancient world. Although I have friends whose marriages were successfully arranged by their families, in western culture this forming of a marriage relationship would be unusual. As we read the story perhaps it is not the marriage arrangement that is upper most in the writers mind. The major emphasis in the story is that Isaac should not marry a partner from a foreign tribe. Only a true descendant of Abraham’s family line will make a suitable wife for Abraham’s son and heir. The story emphasises that it is the Lord’s angel who will direct both the servant and the outcome of the quest for a wife. In this way the nucleus of God’s covenant family will be true descendants of Abraham. As the story unfolds it is apparent that everything falls into place as Abraham wished but also as the Lord directed. In its setting this is the beginning of the family which God promised to Abraham through the covenant made to Abraham in Genesis chapter 15. Thus the story tells us that God is being faithful to the promise that was made to grant to Abraham a dynasty that would serve God and as well would be a blessing to all the nations on the earth. This is the beginning of that great quest. As such it is a reminder to everyone that God is always true to the promises that are made which deal with humanity.
Prayer. Almighty God, all things are in your hands and nothing that you have planned will fail. Help us to put our whole trust in you, so that following in your way we may see at work the wonders that you perform. Guide our steps along life’s journey so that we may accomplish your plan and purpose for us, working in us all that will honour your name and give you praise and glory. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Read Psalm 45:10-17
This psalm is posed as a soliloquy describing a wedding with its finery and its romanticism. Woven into the description are the obligations and the future opportunities that will flow from this union. The bride is beautifully presented and the finery with which she is adorned it fully described. In her glory she is led to the king with much ceremony and there is a sense of anticipation as to what this union will achieve. This union will mean a complete new beginning for the bride as she leaves her family and familiar friends and is exclusively faithful to the king who is to become her lord. Perhaps for us the language is a little extreme but then we have to remember that this is a psalm and not simply a description of a royal society wedding. Here the bride is Israel and her exclusive lord is to be the God of covenant and promise. The psalmist has linked the beauty of the nation with the wonderful future that this wedding union will produce. Future generations will honour and respect the nation and surrounding tribes will be obligated and so will bring their gifts. It is an exciting and fulfilling future that the psalmist describes, a future filled with promise. The one key response that is required is that Israel will remain faithful to the king who is her lord.
Prayer. Gracious Lord, you created us to live in families and love and cherish each member, help us to be true to our loved ones, in all ways honouring them. We pray for families around the world, that they may be places of security and love. May children be nurtured and guided to maturity, ready to take their place as members of their communities. Grant that parents may respect and honour each other and in all situations be a true reflection of the love you have for each person. You Lord are the Father of us all, and to you we give all thanks and praise. We thank you for the companions along the way who have loved and supported us: may we look always to you for health and strength and for daily bread, finding in you the very essence of life both now and forever. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of your children we do also for him. Give us the will to serve others as he was servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us’ but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
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