Lectionary Reading 23 August
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psm 124 : 8
Read Exodus 1:8-2:10. A new king arose who did not know Joseph. In this reading we move on from the Joseph saga to the Moses saga and to a whole new chapter in the life of the nation of Israel. Under Joseph’s guidance the Israelites had been rescued; they had not simply survived but had flourished. Now with the passing of time they had become a threat within the nation of Egypt. As we can see from verse 14 the oppression by the Egyptians made life “bitter” for the Israelites. Like any people who are oppressed they struggled to survive. As the mothers and midwives try to save the male children we read of the survival of Moses: His Hebrew name of Mosheh means drawn up or rescued. It is not without some irony that the very one who rescues Moses is Pharaoh’s daughter and so Moses after being suckled by his mother is brought up in the court of Pharaoh. The transition from leader Joseph to leader Moses has been established. It is an exciting story well loved by Sunday School teachers for there is so much of interest in this transition. However above all the writer wants us to understand that overseeing all of this is the great promise of God to bring his people into the security and safety of the Promised Land. At the centre of this is the call of Moses to be God’s chosen servant. Once more the nation of Israel is facing disaster and once more, true to his promise God’s hand is ready to protect and guide the people safely out of trouble. God does this not simply for the sake of the people but in order to be true to his word of promise. As such while this is an important story for the Israelites it is also a story of great assurance for all of God’s people through every age. God is always faithful and true to his promise to bless and save. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 (NRSV)
Prayer. Almighty God, we thank and praise you that your promises are everlasting and your mercy towards us endures forever. The whole creation shouts out your praise for you have done all things well and to you belongs all glory and honour. There is none like you O Lord, boundless in love and rich in mercy. Accept our thanks and praise for all that you have done to rescue us from the stain of sin and despite all our faults you have set us free through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God for ever and ever. Amen
Read Psalm 124. This psalm used in worship, was meant to be repeated after the leader and with some enthusiasm. It describes the joy of personal and national deliverance. The opening phrase sets up the scene; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side —let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us, Psalm 124:1-2 (NRSV)
As you read the psalm the theme of exuberance at what God has done comes clearly through. Many psalms begin with lament or maybe with a question because of sorrows or reversals in life. This psalm grasps the understanding that God is on our side and God has acted on our behalf. Not only has God acted he has also delivered. In the story of Moses that we read the people of Israel had a long history facing troubled times, but every time God had delivered them, despite the fact that their troubles were often of their own making. When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me;. Hosea 11:1-2 (NRSV)
When folk find a disaster has been averted they commonly describe it as “Being lucky”. The Psalmist is under no illusions; he recognises quite clearly that luck plays no part in his life experience. No, deliverance has only one origin and that is the Lord God Almighty. With praise on his lips he can rejoice, filled with the confidence that God, the God of the whole nation is clearly and 100% on their side. Filled with such knowledge there is no hesitation in saying, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth”. Psalm 124:8 (NRSV)
Prayer. Gracious Lord, even before the day begins you know what lies before us, and as evening falls again it is only in you we would trust, to keep us secure through the night. As you know the way ahead we ask you to guide us along safe pathways. Because you are the Alpha and the Omega we look to you for the wisdom we will need to make right decisions in all our tasks. As we walk close to you, help us to be a good witness to your mercy and grace. In every deed of service may we honour you alone; through our daily living help us lift high the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen
Collect. O Father, fount of all wisdom, in the humble witness of the apostle Peter you have shown the foundation of our faith. Give to all the light of your Spirit, that, recognising in Jesus of Nazareth the Son of the living God, they may become living stones for the building up of your holy Church. 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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