Lectionary Reading 9 August Part 2
Read Romans 10:5-15 “How beautiful are the feet of those that preach”. In our very formal understanding of the church we have a very limited view of preaching. Limited in that we often think it is the domain only of the professional preacher. So people say, ‘I am not a preacher’! We may not have the call or opportunity to deliver sermons, yet we are all called to preach. The word here means a herald or one who announces good news. If a child or grandchild arrives into our family we would not say, ‘I am not qualified to announce such good news as that’. It would be unthinkable. The event so impacts on our life that we want to, indeed we must tell anyone who will listen. What is this good news that Paul refers too, why, it is the news that Jesus the one who saves is always close at hand; close at hand because he lives and reigns. No need to search for him for he is always present. As our reading says. “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” Romans 10:11 (NRSV) It is with that in mind that Paul reminds his hearers that all are to be heralds announcing good news. Do not those who bring good news have wonderful feet, and a wonderful message to announce!
Prayer. Father we confess to you that we have been half hearted in our acceptance of your gospel of grace; we hear that our sins are forgiven and yet we turn back to them again and again. We hear that no one can snatch us out of your hand yet we often feel alone and afraid. In Christ we are more than conquerors but we only half believe it.
Forgive us that our lives are so poor when we should be proclaiming your praises. Make us so glad about what you have done for us that we cannot help but declare your everlasting goodness and grace. Lord grant that we may live in honour of Jesus Christ our Lord, who by his sacrifice has saved us from sin and death, both now and into eternity. Amen. {Adapted from a prayer by Caryl Micklem}
Read Matthew 14:22-33 This passage reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of all creation. The final sentence gives us the clue, ‘Truly you are the son of God’. Though all recognised him as such only Peter was prepared to get out of the boat and face the rolling waves trusting only in Jesus. Sometimes our faith challenges us to do more that speak about who Jesus is, it calls us to action. That action can often be a risky business, and yet is it? Was Peter at greater risk outside the boat with Jesus to hold him, or was the greater risk inside the boat without Jesus. It’s a nonsense question really for the Son of God is everywhere at once, yet in or out of the boat makes a significant difference as to how we see ourselves. At least part of Matthew’s story is to announce the challenge to “not be afraid”. Within the turmoil of the storm appears the equally disturbing presence of Jesus. He is not standing over the storm but standing within it. Picturing this scene from a disciple’s point of view it is hard to determine which would have been more terrifying, the storm or the presence of Jesus! Then Matthew draws Peter out of the boat and into the waves for Jesus to take Peter’s hand and so leaves the question hanging, are we ready to get out of the boat to face the storm with the support of Jesus. Matthew is saying ‘if Jesus is lord of all creation, then trust him’. Of course Matthew doesn’t leave us with an alternative!
Prayer Grant Lord, that we may see in you the fulfilment of our needs and turn from all false satisfactions to feed on that true and living bread which you have given us in your Son Jesus Christ; Give us new strength in our faith and grant that we might recognise you and your presence in all the events and happenings of life, so that we might face all trials with serenity and receive all successes as from your hand. May our whole life be lived in unity with your will and purpose for us. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.{Uniting in Worship}
Collect. Son of God, deliverer through storm, you come to us who are of so little faith when waves are high, and wind is heavy. Help us to recognise you, and obey your call at all times, now and for ever. Amen.
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