Lectionary Reading Advent 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. The Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is your name, O God. Luke 1:47, 49
Reading. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. As we read these words from the prophet Isaiah it is easy for us to recall the words of Jesus that Luke records as Jesus was asked to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. Isaiah of course was hundreds of years before Jesus’ time, still in the prophet’s minds was the promise of the Messiah who was to come and would bring relief from oppression. This era recorded by Isaiah introduced a turbulent time for Israel. For Isaiah however this had been the time when he had his great revelation of the glory of God, at the time of the death of Uzziah, (Isaiah 6:1f) and had been called to the prophetic ministry. Throughout the book of Isaiah, whether you think of one writer or three as some scholars do, the book is written with passion and describes a God who is both powerful and yet compassionate. In this passage it is God’s servant who will work to begin a fresh start to the nation. This new start will bring justice and equity for all but particularly to the poor and disenfranchised. Isaiah describes a faithful God who is working for the good of the nation, a God who brings a future filled with hope. This will be a time for celebration yet Isaiah does not fail to remind his hearers that this will also be a time of judgement and calling to account. Therefore while Isaiah holds out great hope for a future which is glorious he also signals a challenge to live out a life of justice now, for while the “day of the Lord” is coming in the future, now is the time to live the kind of life that God requires.
Prayer. Lord, you have planted hope in our hearts and the promise of a great future through Jesus Christ. Help us at all times and in all ways to look only to him for all our needs. May we be a part of the just society that you are preparing through Jesus. May we live and work in order to honour him and in all things glorify you. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen
Reading. Psalm 126. This is a psalm with two moods. In the first half of the psalm there is the celebration of the return from exile. How wonderful it was to rejoice in the goodness of God and feel the thrill of release and the opportunity to begin again. Then in verse three the psalmist remembers the great things that God has done in the history of the nation and its people. This is the foundation on which they must build. Their history began with the covenant with Abraham, and then there was the release from Egyptian bondage and the time of restoration through the wilderness: Then the joy of the Promised Land and the struggles which ensued, leading to the demands for a king. This led to the triumphant days of king David and the emergence of a powerful nation, followed by a succession of kings and finally the nation divided and the subsequent defeats and exiles which caused so much pain and disharmony. So now, the psalmist longs for a new start and the rebuilding of both the nation and their relationship with God. Though there is great sorrow for the things that have passed there is also a longing for a future built on what God has done. Their God was more than a deity, God was the Great Creator and the harvest was always the indication of God’s blessing on the nation. While the harvest was essential for the survival of the nation by providing food to eat and goods to exchange the people understood that even so the harvest belonged to God. While praying for a new beginning the psalmist is also praying that the nation will sow with penitent hearts and then in due season reap a harvest of blessing. This harvest will signal the restoration of the nation and usher in a completed time of peace and security free from the fears and trauma of exile. Thus it will be truly a Harvest of Joy.
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 (NRSV)
Prayer. Each Day Lord you call us to a new beginning. New every morning is your love for us. As our life is your gift to us, may we therefore live each day with love for you. Forgive us for those things which are contrary to your will. Help us to walk always in your way, trusting in you alone. You Lord have the strength we need for fruitful living, grant that we may draw on that strength and so live out our lives in faithful service. this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect O God, Father of the poor and lowly, you have called all people to share the peace and joy of your kingdom. Show us your kindness and grant us hearts pure and generous, that we may prepare the way for the Saviour who is coming, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
ericjkirkham.com 