Lectionary Reading 2 August Part 2
Read: Romans 9:1-5 In today’s reading, Paul is struggling with the issue of the inclusion of the Gentiles within the people of God. As heirs to all the promises of God his fellow Jews are now failing to see the significance of Jesus the Messiah, the very one who will bring to them the fulfilment of the covenant and the promise of restoration. Paul wonders how failure to recognise Jesus as the Christ, (Messiah), affects God’s covenant with Israel. It seems likely that his loyalty to his ancestry as a Jew is being called into question: if not by others then certainly by himself. Paul spends so much time caring for the Gentiles that some of his Jewish Christian colleagues are suspicious of him. Being a Jew and then a Christian and following the call of God to minister to the Gentiles is causing him some unforeseen problems. As we can see from the beginning of this chapter he has deep anguish as events continue to unfold. The call of Christ upon us can often force us to make decisions in very important areas of our lives. Some decisions are easy, others are not. Though Paul struggles on a human level always in the end his confidence is in the Lord and so he continues to press on. We too may have to make difficult decisions from time to time, but like Paul we keep purposefully trusting Jesus as we live out each day. “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it”. 1 Corinthians 9:23-24 (NRSV)
Prayer. Lord, you alone are holy and righteous and once more as we begin this week in prayer we would wish to submit to you afresh. Grant us the wisdom and the courage to trust in you alone. Grant that we may not rely on human wisdom nor on human strength but rest completely in your will. You Lord Jesus know how strong are the pressures of life to conform to the patterns of this world, yet we would long to be your faithful and fruitful servants. So Lord grant us good success in your name through this week, that our work and our plans may all be in harmony with your will and purpose. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, the one true servant of God. Amen.
Read: Matthew 14:13-21 The amazing feeding story is recognised as being of vital importance to the early church for it is mentioned in each of the gospels and in more than one setting. The feeding links two important elements of biblical tradition. Firstly it recalls the feeding of the Israelites with manna as they cross the wilderness from slavery into the Promised Land. It also points to a new order when God will provide in a miraculous way to feed his people in the great heavenly banquet. But it also affirms afresh the provision that is to be found in Jesus. Even in the wilderness he is able to provide food for all our needs. It also marks the compassion that he displayed to the gathered multitude. All receive the bread of life not simply a select few. Matthew’s setting of this feeding miracle is important to note for Jesus has slipped away to a quiet place to mourn the execution of John the Baptist. As always Jesus’ attention is focussed on ministry in God’s name. It is no accident that Matthew recalls this setting for it emphasises the dedication that Jesus has to the mission to which God has called him.
Prayer. Father God, forgive the timid nature of our discipleship. Forgive us that so little of your love has reached others through our service in your name. We confess that we have easily disregarded wrongs and hurts that did not directly affect us. We have remembered our own hurts while ignoring the hurts we have caused to others. We confess that we have been hasty in our judgements, thoughtless in our condemnation, and reluctant in our forgiveness. We have allowed the title of “Christian” to rest too easily on us for unlike our Lord, we have not borne one another’s burdens. Grant us new wisdom, insight and courage that we may serve you as you deserve. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Collect. Jesus, you poured yourself out in compassion for the crowd, and call your disciples to give; may we offer what we have to you with thanksgiving, that those who hunger in body and in spirit may be fed in your name. Amen.
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