Lectionary Reading Epiphany 4
Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. Full of honour and majesty is God’s work, whose justice endures for ever. Psalm 111:1, 3
Read. Deuteronomy 18:15-20 The meaning of Deuteronomy is second law. The setting for this book is just as the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land and so the Law was repeated to instruct the people on their pattern of living once they entered the land. In the previous few verses the people had been warned not to attend to any other voice but God’s voice. The voice of God was to be obeyed and because the people had been afraid of God’s voice at a previous time a spokesperson was going to be provided. God was to provide a prophet who would give guidance, and help the people understand that obedience to the law secured their future in the Land. The prophets did not read the signs and omens foretell the future nor as did the leaders of other religions. The prophets of God spoke God’s word and so revealed God’s nature and intention for the people. The role of the prophet was continually important in the life of the nation, however not every prophet spoke God’s word and so along with hearing the voice of God through the prophets there was also a discernment needed by the hearers. In order to be discerning the people also had to know the law. It was the law that gave the standard against which all aspects of life were measured. By following the law the promises of God could be received. Just like today the nation needed prophets to give authentic guidance. God’s guidance would ensure that their lives would be lived under the protection God’s nature provided. This passage we are reading today seems to have a modern application. The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [ that is Moses] from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15 (NRSV)
Today we are bombarded with people who offer interpretations and guidance about today’s world, life and living. With the availability of social media we have all types of so called influencers who, acting as prophets are willing to put forward their views on a variety of subjects. How do we sort out which advice is godly and so is relevant for us? The promise from Deuteronomy endures, for God has risen up authentic godly voices to lead and direct God’s people. However God’s people also have to play their part and be as knowledgeable as they can be of the things of God. We do not live in a vacuum and so we should be reading the bible, praying, worshipping and drawing close to God. Then when we hear the voices which seek to direct us our discernment will be equipped with a clearer understanding of God’s nature. When so equipped we are better able to hear what God might be saying to us and willingly respond.
Prayer. Holy Lord your voice is never silenced for the whole creation beats out your message of love for all that you have made. Help us to respond with love not only to our friends and family but to every part of all that you have entrusted to us. Help us to be true custodians of the home that you have made for us. Help us to be mindful of the needs around and to respond with mercy and generosity to those who are in need. In you is light which lightens our darkness, help us to walk continually in the light that in all we do, we may be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Read. Psalm 111. This psalm begins with praise in verses 1-3. Then in verse 4 the psalmist extols the providence shown through God’s loving kindness and mercy. This providence comes to all those who follow in his way. Then the psalmist speaks of the redemption that God has granted to the people in verses 5-9. Then in a crescendo of praise we find the phrase which holds the whole psalm together; The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
The Hebrew Scriptures have no expression which easily equates to the English word “religion” So the phrase “the fear of the LORD” is used to capture all that we might expect of our word religion. Accordingly it is a phrase which contains many elements; worshiping God, praying and meditating on the nature of God. It also includes the understanding that God is supreme over all things. When God reveals himself through signs and wonders the power that is displayed is truly awesome. Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob, Psalm 114:7 (NRSV)We remember that when the angels announced the birth of the Saviour within the message was the assurance, “Fear not”. Fear is a natural response when confronted with immense power for it reminds us of our fragility. It is as we realise the power of God that the sense of awe grows. It is an awe that leads to humility before God. This God is so powerful that every aspect of life is under God’s control. “See now that I, even I, am he; there is no god besides me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and no one can deliver from my hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39 (NRSV). All of this could be daunting were it not for the injunction to “fear not” by which we are assured of God’s ongoing loving kindness towards us. With this in mind we find it to be true that, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”; life is put in its right perspective. As such we can wholeheartedly respond to God as the psalm suggests; with praise of God; thanksgiving for God’s providence; true rejoicing at the redemption God affords. Living in God’s world and understanding something of God’s nature we can have an inner peace that endures through all the circumstances that life brings. “I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8 (NRSV)
Pray. All things come from you Lord God and by your great love we have been given a life to live. Help us to value that life and at all times to walk in your ways. Give to us the strength and the courage to fulfil your call upon us each day. Forgive us for the times we are filled with discontent or blind to the blessings that each day brings. Equip us to bear our own burdens and with kindness and generosity share the burdens of those around us. Yet Lord, help us always to keep you at the centre of all we are and all we do; that the cares of the world might not overwhelm us. Help us to wisely use the gifts you have given us, remembering that you are Lord and we are your humble servants. Grant that we will recognise that in your service is perfect freedom. So with thankful hearts we rely only on your grace and strength to guide us through each day, to your honour and glory. We pray in the name of Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God, for ever more. Amen
Collect. Father in heaven, you have shown us in Christ that your love for us is never-ending. Enable us to love you with all our hearts and to love one another as Christ loves us. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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