Lectionary Readings for the First Sunday after Epiphany
(The Baptism of Jesus)
As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending on him, like a dove. A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Mark 1:10-11
Reading. Genesis 1:1-5. Many years ago a book on preaching reminded the reader, “Never use a bucket full of words, when a teaspoon full of words will do!” In the opening verses of Genesis the writer has used a teaspoon full of words to introduce a vast array of topics. We note that before creation began God is already present. The Alpha and the Omega, God is there before the beginning and still there after the conclusion of all things. Who is this God and how do we describe this God; we do not know. God simply is and the writer of Genesis accepts this fact and makes no attempt to describe God. It is the action of God that holds the attention of the writer for by God’s action heaven and earth come into being. A darkened and formless void describes a chaotic scene but in separating the darkness through the introduction of light God brings order. It is order that allows events and sequences to happen; time can commence and laws that begin to put the building blocks in place; all these become present by the word of God. The coming of light marks the first day and so creation has begun. The writer describes the first day by saying, “there was evening and there was morning, the first day”. We phrase it the other way round, “Morning and evening”; for us the day begins and the evening ends. In creation the day comes about by the intervention of God into the evening. This light that marks the day is “God’s light”, it is not sunlight for in the creation account the sun has still to be called into being. It is the coming of light that allows true life to flourish in the day.
Thinking of this reading in conjunction with the Baptism of Jesus it is easy to remember that the coming of Jesus is described as the light coming to those who sat in darkness. John see the very essence of life beginning with the coming of Jesus; “in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 (NRSV) Jesus marks a new beginning, a new day has dawned and now life can begin.
Prayer. Creator God, we thank you for the wonders of creation with which we are surrounded. We thank you that day follows night and we awake to a new day, refreshed and renewed. The light reveals again your goodness and grace, you are a faithful God. We thank you that the light most clearly shines in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. He has come among us to lighten the darkness and dispel the gloom so that we can clearly see your great salvation. With thankful hearts we offer to you our reverence and praise. Grant that we may walk with you in obedience and faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Psalm 29. The psalm opens with a call for all things to praise the Lord. The psalmist has an awesome view of God who is above everything that exists. With everything under God’s control there is no need to worry, things seen and things unseen are subject to the Lord God. This means that the creation holds no surprises for God and therefore God’s people can trust God in all circumstances. It is with this thought that the psalmist ends the psalm. The Lord is king forever, a king who strengthens his people and blesses the people with peace; the peace that comes from trusting God at all times. This whole picture of trusting in an all powerful God is reinforced as the psalmist recognises that it is God’s word, God’s voice that holds all things to account. In all of creation, what God commands is what comes to pass. Unlike Elijah’s, “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) for the psalmist there is authority and decisiveness in the voice of God. As we reflect on this psalm we see a God who is all powerful, but a wider view of scripture reminds us that the controlling voice of God is right for all occasions, yet the authority and decisiveness never changes. There are times in life when what is needed is a “still, small voice”. At other times we need a voice that does take control and shake the trees! We can trust God to always know which voice is needed. However the psalmist strongly reminds us that on every, and all occasions, we are being confronted by a God who needs to be both listened to and obeyed.
Prayer. Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before your majesty and might and offer our thanks and praise. In Jesus Christ you have revealed yourself to us and we are secure as we trust in your wisdom, power and strength. Give to us gracious Lord, open ears that are responsive to your word, that we might walk always in your way and at all times honour your name. Help us to love our neighbours, and as we look for forgiveness, may we too be forgiving. Help us to look beyond our own needs and trusting in your goodness alone make us sensitive to the needs of others. Before you Lord, all things bow and lift their voices in praise; grant that we also may lift our voices in humble praise and adoration; knowing that you are God alone. Amen
Collect. Almighty and eternal God, who openly acknowledged Jesus as your own dear Son at his baptism in the Jordan: grant that we who have been baptised in his name may be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, and live always as your faithful children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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