Lectionary Reading 2 August
Read: Genesis 32:22-31 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Genesis 32:24 (NRSV) At least once in everyone’s life there comes a moment when you are left alone, alone to reflect on where you stand in your own estimation. They say when a person is drowning the whole of their life flashes before them in review. Jacob has come to such a moment and for once he is alone to wrestle with himself and with God.
As we have noted before the meaning of Jacob was not wholly complimentary. True to his name, life for Jacob was one struggle after another. Here in this passage we recognise a most significant struggle. He has been confronted in a dramatic way with the possible consequences of his past dealings with his brother. So the struggle could be between himself and his past, between God himself, it might even be with the way he cheated his brother out of his blessing. True to form Jacob has sent the family on ahead but having done so the significance of the moment comes to him and he is aware of who he is. Remaining behind he begins to struggle. Whatever has precipitated the struggle two things are highlighted: Firstly Jacob is becoming increasingly aware of the needs and security of others. Secondly through his struggle he is now more prepared to face his own inadequacies and depend more on God. The transition is important and marks a significant change. Emerging from the struggle, Jacob the “heel grabber,” the man relying on his wits becomes Israel the “prince of God” and the true patriarch of his family and his people.
Prayer. Lord you are sovereign in our world and you alone hold the keys to healing and wholeness, grant us through your good grace the peace of mind and the courage of heart that we will need in order to serve you well through this particular day. We do not ask to see the distant outcome, but Lord, help us to trust you for the way ahead today. May we allow you to take our hand. Guide us so that we do not stray. By staying close to you may we know throughout this day, the comfort of your presence. May your love overflow into our lives and so we may love those whom we meet as we have never loved before. May our witness to your love draw others to you alone. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Read: Psalm 17:1-7, 15 This is a psalm of refuge, a cry from someone who has been falsely accused and who is making an appeal before God in the sanctuary of the temple. In England there are churches which in history were set aside as places of refuge, so that people could find safety and a place to rest before self imposed exile, or alternatively make a decision to face the justice of the courts. The ending verse of this passage is the plea that victim and enemy might stand face to face before God and the adversary be called to account. The understanding is that God who judges rightly will rule in the psalmist’s favour. Would we dare to look God in the eye over all our dealings? The psalmist assumes that his cause and his actions will be vindicated by God. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O saviour of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7 (NRSV)
I wonder if each of us could be that confident. We can be thankful that we appear before the throne of God’s judgement not trusting in our own righteous actions but covered by the innocent righteousness of Jesus. His righteousness is what we rely on. Through Jesus we can confidently join with the psalmist: As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. Psalm 17:15 (NRSV)
Prayer. Lord, we thank you for every good thing that you have given to us. We thank you for our family and friends, those special people which bless our lives. May your graciousness motivate us to a more dedicated way of Christian living. Let our lives be committed to an adequate sharing of this world’s resources. Let our gratitude for our material prosperity be reflected in our active concern to feed the hungry and enrich the poor. May we seek always for justice and for mercy for all people. May we be true ambassadors for Jesus Christ, living only by his ideals, striving only to uphold his honour and truth. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Collect. Grant, Lord, that we may see in you the fulfilment of our need; and may turn from all false satisfactions to feed on that true and living bread which you have given us in your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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