Lectionary Reading 16 August
Read. Genesis 45:1-15
The whole story of Joseph reminds us that God can use even extreme circumstances in life if we will trust him. However before we think about the theological issues we need to recognise the emotion that would have been present as Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. There would have been heightened emotion for Joseph but that would have paled into insignificance when compared to the guilt of his brothers. That deeply emotional experience only emphasises the providential care of God in every situation. Both Joseph and his brothers all have to endure change which is painful. Joseph has been forced to live through many adversities. It is through these adversities that Joseph has been both sustained as well as shaped by God. No longer is he a self centred favourite. He has become a responsible and caring leader who is prepared to put his thoughts and feelings on hold in order to be reconciled with his brothers. To put aside your own needs and emotions for the good of others is a sign of godly maturity. The presence of Joseph confronts the brothers with the shame of their cruel and selfish actions against a younger brother whom they should have had the maturity to help guide and correct in love. Guilt, regret, forgiveness and celebration are mingled together in a very human story of triumph, but it is a triumph woven by God’s grace. Through the pain of life God has used them all to bring the first steps of salvation to the nation of Israel. The story reminds us that even those who we feel have done us wrong can be forgiven and accepted under the guiding hand of God. It also reminds us that nothing can prevent God’s will coming to fulfilment. Life can be hard but God’s plans will always prevail. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 (NRSV)
Prayer. Most gracious Lord, you are sovereign in every situation. In good times and in hard times your hand is always leading and guiding. Help us in all situations to look always to you and seek always to serve you. Teach us at all times to rely on you, having full confidence in your providential care. Grant that we may always walk with humility before you, and by our actions be forgiving and loving in every circumstance. Enable us by your Spirit to honour your name, doing all we can to serve you well as we rely only on your guidance and strength. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read. Psalm 133. The picture of oil running down onto your collar is perhaps not an image that would fill us with delight. However it was an image that the people of Israel would recognise as symbolic of the great blessing of God. Though being anointed with oil is not a familiar sign for us nevertheless we would quickly recognise how wonderful it is when we are living in harmony with our family and friends. Conversely we recognise how debilitating it is when we are at odds with a family member or a friend. We are made to live together in harmony: the only sure way that we can achieve this harmony is by recognising that God is the ultimate authority in all things. We have to freely admit that Jesus is Lord and allow him to be in charge! When we submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ we can be inwardly at peace and so, resting on him alone we are enabled to be at peace with one another. Life in all its fullness was the promise of Jesus when we rely on him in all things. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (NRSV)
Prayer. Gracious Lord, we live in unsettled times and the future is more than ever a mystery. Everything seems to be changing and nothing seems quite the same. The mystery makes us long to look back, back to things as they used to be. In these present times we realise how little we have relied on your strength for we have felt self sufficient. The insecurities of the moment have confronted us with the reality of our need of your guidance and grace. Forgive us Lord as we realise our failure to truly trust. Renew in us the powerful peace of your presence and indeed, trusting in you alone may we face the future with the confidence that you are always with us and always provide what is needed. This we ask through Jesus Lord and Saviour. Amen
Collect. Let us pray (that all races and creeds may find in Christ the fulfilment of their longings):
Almighty God, who in the incarnation of your eternal Word revealed the source and perfection of all true religion: grant us so fully to manifest Christ in our lives that people of all races and creeds may be drawn to him who is their whole salvation, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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