Lectionary Reading 19 July Part 2
Bible Reading. Romans 8:12-25. What a privilege it is to be called children of God. This passage follows on from the statement that there is no condemnation for those who trust in Jesus Christ,. In this passage we read that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together to call us into the family. It is God’s plan that we are called into relationship with the whole God-head. It is by Jesus’ death that we are made ready to be an intimate part of the family. It is through the Spirit that the reality of who we are before God can be realised. As a child of God we have the great privilege of calling God our Father. God has planned to work collectively to gather us into the family and assuring us that we not only belong but are safe in that privileged position. What a blessing is ours through the overwhelming love of God. This passage is talking to you personally. Whoever you are, wherever you are, God’s love through Jesus Christ surrounds you and God’s Holy Spirit brings to you everlasting life.
Prayer, Lord God, the author and perfecter of life itself, look graciously upon us as we pray today. May our thoughts and deeds be guided by the inward inspiration of your Holy Spirit. Forgive us when we try to hide who we really are from you. You know us as we are and yet love us, help us to be truly open towards you, that we may find refreshment in your presence. May we affirm in all we do that we belong to you. Grant to us the power to live our lives courageously for you. We thank you for the care and protection you give to us day by day. Amen
Bible Reading. Matthew 13:24-32, 36-43 Jesus’ parable describes the reality of the kingdom. Matthew’s gospel emphasises that Jesus is the Messiah, present among us. With the Messiah comes the kingdom of heaven. Both John the Baptist and Jesus proclaim “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. In Jewish prophecy the Messiah not only established the kingdom but also brought restoration to the nation. Jesus’ parable reminds his hearers that God’s full season will transpire before that restoration is complete. In the meantime good would be competing with evil: It was not that the servants were unable to differentiate between the good and the bad seed: The problem was the two plants were so intertwined at their roots that to destroy one was to destroy the other.
Both the good seed alongside the weeds would remain until the harvest. Only at the proper harvest time would there be a separation of the wheat from the weeds. As with the parable of the sower the emphasis is on hearing with understanding. The parable presents both a warning as well as an encouragement. For the evil in the kingdom judgement is coming, in due season there will come a time when anything contrary to the fruitful plan of God will be torn out and burned. The violent description emphasises that God’s judgement will be final and total. On the other hand when the harvest is completed the fruitful plants who have worked in harmony with God’s plan will be gathered into the barn in celebration. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. Psalm 126:6 Although the kingdom has come through Jesus there is still a way to go before all things come under His hand. Until that time we must work and grow but always with the assurance that the victory celebration will come, God’s harvest will be safely gathered into the barn.
Prayer. Holy God, Great Creator, we look forward to the harvest when all will be gathered in and the sorrow and sighing will be at an end. We look forward to that time of rejoicing, trusting always in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord and you will receive the kingdom from his hand. How great that rejoicing will be and how glorious will be that time. We bow before you in humble expectation. Amen
Collect. Help us, loving God, to wait with patience for your perfect will to be known on earth; may we refuse to judge others, but leave judgement in your hands; for the sake of Christ. Amen.
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