Lectionary Reading July 26
Read. Genesis 29:15-28 The custom of seeing daughters as items to be bought and sold goes from being strange to very disturbing. It is important to remember it was a different time with different attitudes. Sadly in some parts of our modern world that attitude still remains and it is a reminder for all of us to examine our relationship habits. Another aspect to this story is that in Uncle Laban, Jacob has found an equally crafty individual. Here we see that the supplanter has been supplanted. Jacob is looking for his life partner(s), at the same time he is on a journey with God. As the great patriarch of the Israelite nations Jacob has to learn that relying on his wits is not an option if he wants to succeed. Jacob has to accept that he must come to the point where he relies totally on God if his true destiny is to be realised. As we read this story today it has much to teach us. How we deal with each other and our attitudes toward each other are important. Respect for one another is a foundational principle of Christianity. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 (NRSV)
Similarly like Jacob we too have to learn that if we want to fulfil the life God has purposed for us then the only way is to rely fully on God on all occasions.
Prayer. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 1 John 1:5-6 (NRSV) Help us dear Lord to walk all our days with you. Keep us close by your side that we may follow and not go astray. Teach us in all things to trust in you alone and so fulfil in every way the plan and purpose you have for us. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Read. Psalm 105:1-11 This piece of scripture begins as a psalm of praise. It is a great psalm of celebration to be used by the whole assembly. One of the difficult aspects of prayer is to pray focussing exclusively on praise. Give it a try sometime. What we find is that after just a few moments our thoughts turn to needs and requests. Nothing wrong with that of course but it does remind us like the psalm for today that true praise springs from knowing and understanding what God has done for us. The whole of Israel’s life was predicated on the exodus and the entry into the Promised Land: Literally a transition from bondage to freedom; from transience to security. The psalm reviews the actions of God on behalf of Israel and continues to look forward to what lies ahead. This recollected history brings the praise that we read in these first few verses. We too have much to praise God for but sadly we leave little time in our lives to fully reflect on all that we have inherited.” giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14 (NRSV)
Prayer. Holy and Righteous Lord, in your mercy you have reached out to us through your Son Jesus Christ, and won for us an inheritance beyond compare. Though we still do not fully see it, through faith we anticipate that time when together with you and all the company of heaven we will humbly lift our hearts and voices to give you unending praise. In this present moment accept our heartfelt thanks and in joyful obedience live as your people, fully blessed by the name which is above all names, Jesus Christ the eternal Lord. Amen
Collect. O Father, fount of wisdom, you have revealed to us in Christ the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Grant us the Spirit’s gift of discernment, that, in the midst of the things of this world, we may learn to appreciate the priceless value of the kingdom, and be willing to renounce everything joyfully for the sake of gaining the gift you offer. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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