Lectionary Reading 20 Sept
Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name; make music, sing your praise, tell all that God has done. Psalm 105:1, 2
Read. Exodus 16:2-15 4
This passage begins with the people grumbling about their situation. With a wistful recollection, they decide that slavery in Egypt was better than freedom in the wilderness. In response, Exodus records the following statement. “Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not”. Exodus 16:4 (NRSV) When it rained down the people called it manna, (What is it!) “It”, was bread from heaven.
When Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden one of the conditions for future living was that “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 (NRSV) In other words bread was obtained through toil. Here in the wilderness this was bread from heaven; signalling that it was a gift of grace from God and also a sign that this wilderness trial was the beginning of a new dispensation. In this new dispensation God would be the one who would supply all of the people’s needs and those who trusted in God would rely obediently on him. Hence the test! We know that we do not live by bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3). However we also know that without bread we cannot live at all, so in providing bread from heaven the people are being given the essentials for living. As Paul says “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:19 (NRSV) The bread from heaven was not only provision for the journey it was also the opportunity to place their trust completely in God.
Prayer. Lord you are the hope of all those who call upon you. Hear our prayers for all those who are trusting in you through these times of isolation and disquiet. We pray for the leaders of our country that they may have wisdom and understanding to guide us safely. We ourselves pray for wisdom as we face the changes that life has brought to us. We trust in your guidance and grace to provide all that we need for the journey. As each stage of our lives unfolds we know that you are always ahead of us to lead and guide; you are also behind us to protect and keep us secure. In all things we give you thanks and praise; living always to honour your way and lifting high the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Read. Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 The psalmist is urging the worshippers to recall the great deeds of God and give out the praise God deserves for many miracles and acts of grace to the people. The psalmist recalls the provision of abundant food and water which we noted in the reading from Exodus. The psalmist anchors this amazing provision directly to the covenant promise made to Abraham. ‘For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant”. Psalm 105:42 (NRSV) Thus the psalmist in recognising that God is due great praise not simply for the amazing deeds that were done, but also because God is absolutely faithful in his dealings with the people. Yes, God is mighty and powerful but above all God is faithful and always to be trusted. Remembering the deeds, the people are also encouraged to trust and to walk in obedience. The psalm gives a snapshot of the destiny of Israel reminding the people how privileged they are to have the Lord as their Shepherd and ends with the reminder that in turn they are to keep true faith with God. “He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 105:44-45 (NRSV)
Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, your word reminds us that you make intercession for us, so that we may with full confidence call upon our Father, who from his bounty provides us with every necessity of life. Trusting in you, may we follow more closely in obedience the way Jesus has prepared for us: Forgive us for those things which are contrary to your will, those things we know and remember as well as those things we do not know or have dismissed from our memory. You are the God of peace; help us to follow in the way of peace; save us from the propensity to so easily deceive ourselves and be drawn away from your harmony and grace filled life. You Lord, have made us for yourself, help us to be true to you alone. This we ask through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity. Amen.
Collect. Loving and righteous God, the greatness of your generosity is beyond words to describe; you give equally to the last worker as to the first. By the gift of your Spirit liberate us from all selfishness and greed; that we may be free to love and serve others, and in that self-giving to find our reward; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ericjkirkham.com 