Epiphany 3 Part 2

Lectionary  Reading     Epiphany 3 Part 2

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)

Read. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 This portion of the Corinthian letter is part of the advice given to remind members of the church at Corinth how they should live out their collective lives. This concluding paragraph begins with the words “I mean brothers and sisters..” which points to the emphasis that Paul wants to make. It is not so much about marriage or even ethical morality, though these are important. Paul’s emphasis is remembering that this world and its ways, is not all there is to consider when making decisions about how to conduct one’s life. Furthermore this world and the way it functions is passing away, and as change is coming one day it will be no more. However it is important to understand just why the present form of this world is “passing away”.  The world is not simply getting old and “wearing out”. The form of this world is passing away because through the resurrection and ascension Jesus is now ruling with God. His death and resurrection have passed a judgement on the way the world functions. From the beginning of his ministry Jesus spoke of bringing justice and healing to those in need. He also spoke against those who used their power and influence for their own unjust gain. (Matthew 23:ff ) For a believer the value systems of this world have been replaced by the value system of Jesus Christ. Jesus teaching was not only a message from the Saviour but also from the King who commands and exercises judgement in order to bring about justice. It is in that sense that the present forms of this world are passing away. Paul is anxious to explain to the believers that to trust in the present world’s values is to trust in things that will soon be no more because they are transient.  Such a trust would provide only false hope for only in Jesus is true security to be found. The advice that Paul gave to the church at Corinth is still true today, only Jesus can give to believers a lasting foundation on which to build a secure life. So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3 (NRSV)

Prayer. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you have safely brought us through to the beginning of the day; Defend us today with your mighty power and grant that on this day we live lives worthy of you, avoiding any danger that would lead us away from your chosen pathway.  In this day may we live lives filled with the righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord, may our eyes be fixed on him alone. This we pray through Jesus our Saviour and Lord, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God for ever more. Amen. (adapted from the Book of Common Prayer)

Read. Mark 1:14-20. The imprisonment of John marks the end of his ministry and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. We note the phrase “The time is fulfilled” so for Mark it is the era of the new beginning, the announcement of the Good News of God. God is now actively bringing about the fulfilment of the Kingdom. God is on the move and Mark continually emphasises this mood by using words like “immediately” or “as soon as”. The urgency of the message means that there is not a moment to lose.

The Good News is always to be considered like a parcel, it contains a number of items. It includes the birth, death and resurrections of Jesus:  It also included the ascension and installation of Jesus at the right hand of God where now he rules and works to complete this new order. His ministry is filled with signs of the fulfilment of ancient promises that God will usher in a new order. Through the message of Jesus people can see in the signs and hear in the preaching that God is now actively establishing his kingdom. We remember the words of Isaiah; “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 (NRSV)

Through Jesus, God is now reigning and justly judging every part of creation. Through this judgement, salvation for all can now be anticipated.  Mark is anxious to pass on this good news so that all will hear and respond. With that in mind Mark describes Jesus gathering together the band of disciples who by following him will continue to take out the good news of the kingdom.

Prayer. Gracious Lord, help us to hear your voice as we journey through each day. May your message be a living testament to the good news that the reigning Lord Jesus is at work upholding all that is good; protecting all that is true; and bringing to fulfilment every promise on which the whole world depends. Like Isaiah, we are people of unclean lips and live among people of unclean lips; the pull of this world is ever present; even so may we more and more maintain our trust in you. Your message brings us life and so we pray that we will constantly live always under the power of your love. In all our ways may we be your true servants. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Jesus, urgent and resolute, the time is now; you call us to follow, and your call is grace indeed. Help us to leave the old life, and embrace the new world with you, for you are alive now and for ever. Amen.