20 September Part 2
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NRSV)
Read. Philippians 1:21-30 Paul’s sense of connectedness with Christ is so acute that whether in this life or the next his relationship with Christ would not change. Paul is not thinking of dying and “going to heaven” he is thinking of leaving this present life to go on living in the next world with Christ in a bodily sense.
The early Christians did not live a life of ease, nor was it a life filled with worldly peace: No, it was a life often filled with rejection and sometimes violent persecution. With that in mind it is easier to understand why Paul is contemplating leaving this life and being with Christ. What seems to be foremost in his mind is that while he lives he can spend fruitful time proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Doing what you love and have a passion for does bring fulfilment, yet at the same time to be released from the stress of life does have a certain appeal. In the struggle to decide Paul finally is convinced that working until Christ calls him home is better for everyone and more faithful to what Christ would want. At the same time Paul uses the struggle to remind Christians that no matter what the circumstances, the life that we live must be honouring to Jesus. The suffering that Paul faced was not so much physical, nor simply illness, it was moral and spiritual: It was being abused and vilified by the very people who should have been supporting him because of the need to declare the good news of Jesus: It was hard heartedness and jealously. These are the things that caused him the greatest distress. In the face of such suffering Paul pressed on with his ministry tasks. A life that is worthy of Christ is a good witness to those who do not yet believe. Furthermore Paul is encouraging all Christians to live a life that honours Jesus no matter what their situation
Prayer. Holy Lord, may our whole life be lived fully in step with you. Lead and guide us in all ways. Help us to pray not as we ought but as we are able, so that our whole being will be dedicated to you. You Lord are our God and to you we owe all things for you have sent your Son our Lord Jesus Christ to rescue us from sin and death and set us free to love and honour you. Through His presence you give us hope and the assurance of a future with you. Our Lord Jesus is the Light that lights every nation on earth and so we thank you for the great fellowship of believers who hour by hour lift up praise and thanks to you. May your name be honoured through all the earth. We pray in the name of Jesus our Saviour and Lord. Amen
Read. Matthew 20:1-16. Echoing in my mind as this reading unfolds is a verse from Job. Of all the characters in the bible Job seems to have a right to question the motives of God. Job had lost children, livestock and property. His friends were more of a hindrance than a help yet at the end of the book Job is confronted by God with this verse “Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding”. Job 38:3-4 (NRSV) The force of the argument is simply that the created never has the capacity to question the Creator. We need to begin from this point as we consider the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The parable is a description of God’s kingdom; all is going well until the time for payment. At that point the parable seems to describe something a little different. The workers who have served all day receive the same amount as the workers who have only worked for an hour. It was as if the workers who had worked all day had been cheated; “when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner”…, Matthew 20:11 (NRSV)
As a description of the kingdom we need to grasp the understanding that we cannot earn recognition in the kingdom by service, nor can we ever place God in our debt. Whatever God gives is a gift not a wage or an entitlement, every gift is an act of grace. It is a privilege to be invited to participate in the kingdom for in the kingdom each ones needs are met. A worker was paid each day so that the worker could provide food for the family and pay for all that was necessary to sustain life. Not to be employed was disastrous for a day worker.
However, the parable also reminded the listeners that though one could not earn a place in the kingdom all are allowed to serve. Each worker had the dignity of contributing to the kingdom by using the gifts and opportunities that came to hand. To be left in the marketplace was both a disappointment and a disgrace; to be invited to serve was to be offered security and life.
Prayer. Gracious Father, we thank you that in every situation of life you are there. We thank you that you provide for us and give to us all we need for daily living. We thank you that through your love we are able to serve you and that you accept our service. Help us at all times and in all ways to live in order to honour you, trusting always in your grace. To you we give all thanks and praise for all the benefits that relying on you brings. Help us in return to serve you well and give glory to you now and forever. Amen
Collect. O God, you have enlisted us as co-workers with your Son. Give us thankful hearts, eager minds and willing hands, that we may be content to labour where you have set us for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen.
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