Lectionary Reading November 1 Part 2
Reading. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Paul always worked at his tent making trade when he visited the churches under his care. He did this so that the gospel came to them free of any encumbrance. Describing his work as “labour and toil” suggests that it was quite hard work he undertook. This was a contrast from many other leaders who seem to have been ready to exploit those who had recently responded to the gospel’s message. Paul came not as a paid emissary but as a herald. The word used in verse 9 is “proclaimed” (kerysso), which brings the sense of a herald, who under authority from the king makes announcements. While we might think of Paul preaching to the Thessalonians, it would not have been our modern style of preaching; a herald simply announced and from that announcement expected a response. This announcement was not in any way judgemental but as Paul is careful to explain: he was like a father with his children telling them God’s message, the message about Jesus, the Good News. As this message was given as a herald, Paul expected a response, a life worthy of one who on hearing God’s good news had not only believed but also responded by living a life which honoured God. That this response is evident brings from Paul an acclamation of praise, giving thanks to God. The circumstances surrounding Paul’s brief time in Thessalonica reveal to him that their acceptance of the good news is solely through the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Prior to arriving in Thessalonica Paul had been expelled from Philippi, travelled to Thessalonica and had been forced to move on after only a brief stay. The malcontents had followed him from Philippi to continue their violent objections. This left Paul with no time to explain or discuss anything they may have missed or not understood. From Thessalonica he moved on to Beroea where he was able to stay and teach. From a human point of view this was an unsettling time but through it all God was effectively at work and it is for this reason that Paul gives great thanks. As we reflect on this message we might ask, “Does God’s message still impact on our lives?” Are we aware of that message gripping us and bringing constant change: Or has it become simply words on a page, or sounds in the air? Paul expected God’s message to have an effect and to bring growing change. He expected believers to constantly grow in knowledge, and in practical ways live out a powerful Christian witness. Paul rejoiced over the Thessalonians for he saw that change and that witness.
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NRSV)
Prayer. Almighty God whose word brought into being all that is, hear our prayers for all those who have responded to your call to go out and make disciples through the power of your gospel. Give wisdom and understanding to all who accept the gracious offer to become children of your kingdom. Refresh and awaken those who long ago responded to your call to find forgiveness and salvation. May all who call upon your name be faithful to you in all situations that your honour and glory may be known throughout the world; this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Savour of all. Amen
Reading. Matthew 23:1-12. This portion of scripture begins with a criticism of the scribes and the Pharisees who had both power and influence in the Jewish society. They instructed people in the Law and how to live it out but as Jesus points out they did not practise what they taught. Though this dishonoured both the Law and the Lord it did not in any way diminish the authority of the Law itself: Therefore the Law is still to be kept because by keeping the Law the Lord God is honoured and obeyed. This is a stinging criticism of any leader but even more so of a religious leader. It reminds us all to be aware of how we live because that reflects most clearly where our faith and our values lie.
The last verse of the reading also challenges us to watch how we present ourselves. “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted”. Matthew 23:12 (NRSV) It is hard to like or accept an arrogant person but there is also another way of looking at this statement. The gospels, indeed the whole of the New Testament was written many years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. This written record is therefore looking back to what has happened and how the life of Jesus has been an influence in the changes that had occurred. As we read in the letter to the church in Thessalonica, lives have been dramatically changed because of the ministry of Jesus Christ. By the time of writing the term to be “exalted” was a technical term often used to describe the crucifixion, or the resurrection or the ascension, and sometimes all three. So as Matthew penned this verse part of what was in his mind would have been the victory that had been won through the humility of Jesus. Winston Churchill upon hearing of a political colleague who had been described as a humble man, quipped, “He has much to be humble about!” That is undoubtedly true of each of us, we have much to be humble about. Jesus lived a perfect life and yet to achieve what needed to be done submitted in humility to the degrading shame of the cross. It was this humbling which lead to his being exalted. “(Jesus), humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’. Philippians 2:8-11 (NRSV)
As we read this verse we should not ask of ourselves “How is my humility going?” but recognise how great is our Lord Jesus Christ who in his humility has won through to a great victory for God against the evil hypocrisy of this present world.
Prayer. Lord Jesus we bow before your majesty and give to you all thanks and praise. You alone have won the victory over sin and death and to you alone we give all honour and thanks giving. Guide us through this fractured world that we may walk in your way and drawing on your strength and power be obedient to our God and Father. Help us as your family to be a true witness to the work that you have done in bringing God’s salvation to the whole of creation. Amen. “the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay”. Romans 8:21 (NLT2)
Collect. O God, humble sovereign, you require our full obedience, yet you provide this obedience to us in Jesus Christ. Help us to follow his example of humility, refusing to parade our good works before others, and giving thanks to you; in his name. Amen.
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