Lectionary 6 September
And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NRSV)
Read. Exodus 12:1-14. This story is a pivotal in order to recall God’s deliverance from the bondage of oppression and slavery in Egypt to the ultimate destiny of freedom into the Promised Land. The smearing of blood on the surrounds of the doors in order to allow the judgement of God to pass over them might seem to modern thinking a little gruesome. However there is huge symbolism here. The blood of any living creature was regarded as the life force of that creature and as such was a gift from God. The blood might have come from a lamb but the life force which it represented always belonged to God. As Deuteronomy reminds us, See now that I, even I, am he; there is no god besides me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and no one can deliver from my hand. Deuteronomy 32:39 (NRSV) The story reminds the people that it is God who is in charge no matter what situation is experienced. It also reminds them that they are to keep this understanding of God in mind and celebrate the Passover deliverance through all their generations. To celebrate in such a way as to recognise that even the present generation were saved by this dramatic action. Yes the deliverance was wonderful but it was always to emphasise that it is God who is the one who delivers help and salvation. The Passover is more than an example of great deliverance it is a permanent reminder that the nation’s destiny rests totally in the hands of God.
Prayer. You lord are the God of our salvation and to you alone do we look for comfort, health and strength. In you alone are all the blessings that we need and so we offer our praise and thanksgiving, trusting in your grace to lead us through this day and this time. Grant to us we pray, the grace and power that we need to fulfil your plan and purpose for us. Enable us to walk in obedience to your will through all the experiences of the days and weeks that lie ahead. Rejoicing in your gifts may we be mindful of the needs of those around us. Help us to be salt and light as we live trusting in your magnificent mercy showered on us through our Lord Jesus Christ; in whose name we pray. Amen
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 (NRSV)
Read. Psalm 149. This psalm begins with a great shout of praise to God who is both creator and king. As such God is not only king over Israel but king over all of creation. This was always in the minds of the psalmists as they expressed their praise and their needs, they approached the one who was the ultimate authority over all things. A thought expressed beautifully by the prophet Isaiah “By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23 (NRSV) As the people rejoiced in the praise of God they recognised their total dependence on his goodness and grace. The people also remembered the oppression of the powerful nations that surrounded them and who historically, had oppressed and enslaved them. In their praise, recognising the sovereignty of God it followed naturally that as a nation they had the desire to break free from oppression and vindicate the authority of their king. In the psalmist’s view to oppress the people of God was to usurp the intention and authority of God who is the king. To rebel against God was to bring a just judgement on the leaders of the oppressive nations. The psalmist is supremely confident that with God on their side they will always be victorious. The key to victory was to recognise that God was both creator and king over all and ever called for obedience.
Prayer. Lord God and Saviour of us all, together we offer to you our thanks and praise for all the blessings that you have showered on us. We thank you for health and strength, for protection and guidance and for establishing us in security and peace. Even in danger and distress it is always to you that we look with confidence and hope, knowing that your faithfulness endures for ever. Accept our offering of praise; help us to keep our eyes on you and be open to hear your voice as you guide and direct us. In this time of change we pray that you will bless all those who are discovering new ways to celebrate your goodness and lift high the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. In all circumstances may the whole world rejoice for you continue to uphold all things with the power of your life giving love and mercy. All praise and thanks to you, Lord God and Father of Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen
Collect. Let us pray (that we may realise the freedom God has given us in making us sons and daughters):
God our Father, you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look on us, give us true freedom, and bring us to the inheritance you promised. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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