Lectionary Reading October 11
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”. Psalm 19:14 (NRSV)
Read Exodus 32:1-14 The story of the golden calf may surprise us at first reading yet when we think about it a little more the people are asking for an assurance that God is still present with them. The calf was probably most likely a young bull which was a common symbol for the gods of the surrounding nations: It was often depicted with wings and a human head. From time to time a similar image is referred to in other parts of the Old Testament. (C/f 1Kings 12:18) To seek for a tangible assurance that God is present is neither new nor unusual. Isaiah the prophet, in longing for the return of God as king over the nations says, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence”— Isaiah 64:1 (NRSV) . In the wilderness situation the people are beginning to doubt and they demonstrate that they wanted to be in control: Bringing the Lord’s comment in verse 9“I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are”. Moses is delayed on the mountain and the insecurities of the people magnify. As their doubts and insecurities rise their actions become more and more acts of waywardness, strong enough to lead even Aaron astray. Once the people lose trust in God the very foundation of their purpose is lost and disaster follows. In breaking the first commandment all the other commandments are set aside symbolised quite clearly by Moses smashing the tablets of stone recorded in verse 19! The story reminds the nation that were it not for the mercy of God and his faithfulness to the covenant with Abraham they would have been abandoned, but God is merciful and they recover from their disobedience. For us as we read this story from Israel’s history we can see many lessons. The Israelites were convinced that God was no longer with them and no longer working on their behalf. Dwelling on those thoughts lead them to lose their trust and reach out for other supports and comforts. With the loss of trust, doubt and fear magnify and so they were lead astray. Life can sometimes be tough and testing situations can and do arise but God will always have a way through for us. Paul reminds us, “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”. Ephesians 6:12 (NRSV).
In other words much of our struggle to deal with events in life begins in the spiritual realm. As we read this passage of scripture today let us see it as a call to prayer, and for a closer walk with our Lord as we face the doubts and fears that in life, so often surround us.
Prayer. Gracious God, you are always faithful and ready to help in times of testing. You alone have the guidance and grace that we need: Be both our light and our strength as we travel through the events of life, for in good times and in sad times you are always with us. In these moments of meditation and prayer, as we experience your presence, may our trust and hope in you be strengthened, so that we may face all that lies before us today with both courage and hope, to the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Read Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23. This psalm has two contrasting themes; on the one hand is the power and the mercy of God, while on the other hand is the disloyalty and the disobedience of Israel. The psalmist knows and understands how great the Lord is, and is full of praise for the mighty works that have established and prospered the nation. Equally the psalmist is under no illusions about the historical disobedience that has brought disgrace to the nation. There is also the recognition that this disobedience is not just in the past but is still prevailing: Both we and our ancestors have sinned. With stark reality the exploits of the nation are acknowledged and yet through the psalm there continues the message of hope that God, their God, will deliver the nation and not only that but the psalmist will be part of that lived experience. Deliverance is tantalisingly close! The psalmist also recognises the leadership of Moses and the urgent petitions that brought about God’s mercy. In a very clear way the psalmist recognises that Moses alone stood between the Lord and the nation’s destruction. The psalm reminds us to continue to have great confidence in God and no matter what has happened to be honest before God, trusting in that enduring mercy and love. As believers we see again how Jesus has also stood between God and our condemnation. With the psalmist we praise the mercy and loving kindness of God and celebrate with confidence the forgiveness through the intercessions of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. “Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34 (NRSV)
Prayer. Hallelujah! What a Saviour. Gracious Father, we thank you that we trust in your great covenant to remember our sins no more and that through Jesus Christ we are forgiven and set free to honour and serve you. Trusting in your promises we look with confidence to the future that you are bringing to fruition. And we pray that we too may be partakers in your glorious kingdom. May nothing shake us from the confident trust that we have in you and the power of your name. To you alone we give all thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit: One God for ever and ever. Amen
Collect. Lord, our help and our guide, make your love the fountain of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others. 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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