Lectionary Readings November 8. Part 2
Reading. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This letter to the Thessalonians was written around 50 AD and many years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a long time to reach back and grasp what prompted Paul to write this pastoral note for those who were grieving. We know that there was unrest in Thessalonica so maybe some believers had been persecuted or it may have been that the expected imminent return of Christ had not happened and so because of doubt, a fear of death itself was being felt. Whatever the issue Paul makes a pastoral comment to assure the church in Thessalonica that all believers are secure in Jesus Christ. His main emphasis is that just as Jesus died and rose again and now reigns with God in heaven, there will come a time when Jesus will return. On his returning Jesus will bring with him those believers who have died. It is this link between the life of the believer with the life of Jesus that promises that those who have “fallen asleep” will be awakened to return with Christ in a triumphant celebration. While we live this earthly life and we believe that Jesus lives then our life is connected with the life of Christ. When we die our life in Christ lives on for Christ himself lives on. (Gal 2:20 & Rom 8:11) Paul is anxious to assure the believers that all this remains in place and to encourage them to look forward to the return of Jesus with undiminished hope. He contrasts that hope with those who have “no hope”, (Eph 2:12), who are those who do not believe in God or the lord Jesus Christ. “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s”. Romans 14:7-8 (NRSV)
Prayer. Holy Lord we give you all thanks that you sustain life in all its forms and uphold the whole creation with your mighty power. We thank you for the joy of living and for the hope with which we can face each day, knowing that you are the one who gives to all the gift of life. Today we pray for those who mourn; for those who have lost loved ones and feel the pain of separation. Bring comfort and assurance to them; as they grieve may that hope in you continue to be a strong support. By your Holy Spirit give to them and to us, the courage to look ahead to the future you have prepared for all who love you. For those who have fallen asleep grant that they may rest secure with you until that time when all your faithful people will be gathered into your New Creation. You are a faithful God and so we give to you all thanks and praise, for all that was and is and is to be. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Matthew 25:1-13 The parable of the ten bridesmaids is once again an insight for us of the kingdom of heaven. Because it was a familiar scene the hearers would have been able to understand the picture that Jesus was describing. A man and woman were betrothed for a year before marriage. Once the year was up the bridegroom would come to the bride’s home and they would marry and then together return to the home of the groom. As there was no designated time for the wedding the aim was for the bridegroom to surprise the bridal party by arriving to find them unprepared. Thus one had to be both alert and also equipped. If the bridegroom arrived after dark he could only be greeted by bridesmaids who had lights, for it was against the law for a woman without a light to be out after dark. Jesus’ hearers would have understood all the wedding customs which prevailed at the time but they would also have understood that this was a story that carried a hidden meaning about the kingdom.
The idea of the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven was very familiar. The Jews believed and understood that God, Yahweh, was King. The kingdom was not simply a place but an acknowledgement of the authority that God had as the Creator. Other kingdoms like Rome, dominated the people and treated them unjustly. Therefore the Jews lived with the hope that one day the time would come when God would establish his kingdom supreme over all other kingdoms. Israel would be a great nation once again. The kingdom of God, summed up the complete hope of Israel and so Jesus’ description of the kingdom would have immediately grabbed the attention of his hearers. With the prophetic voice of John the Baptist and the ministry and preaching of Jesus this seems to be a time of heightened expectation that God was on the move. Jesus’ points regarding the kingdom would not have been lost: The kingdom will come at a time that no one will expect: There is a need to be prepared for the kingdom whenever it comes: Those who fail to prepare will be excluded.
The Jews considered entry into the kingdom as their heritage and so Jesus is presenting a significant challenge to his hearers. It is no less a challenge of those who now choose to follow Jesus, they too need to be prepared and ready. “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (NRSV)
Prayer. “To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed”. Daniel 7:14 (NRSV)
You O Lord reign on high and to you we bring all our praise. Under your care we rest at peace and enjoy the security of your salvation. Keep us ever faithful and aware that at your coming the whole world will bow before you. And so we lift up our hands and hearts and cry “Come Lord Jesus, come!” Establish your throne among your people and teach us the ways of obedience that we may serve you always. Amen.
Collect. O Christ in whom we hope, you summon us to watch for the reign of God, and you charge us to be ready; help us to wait with eager patience and prepare by daily seeking your will now and for evermore. Amen.
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