Epiphany 5 Part 2

Epiphany 5    Part 2

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35 (NRSV)

Reading. 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. The word “gospel” is an all encompassing word for it includes everything that Jesus has done: The birth, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension all form part of the gospel. As we have been reading in Mark’s Gospel the mission of Jesus was to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus inaugurated a pathway into the Kingdom for all believers. In the Kingdom, God is King and rules over those who have been gathered in. This is the essential message within the gospel. However without believers to take out that message how will those away from God know of his love and protective care. But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? Romans 10:14 (NRSV). It is in that context that Paul writes about his commissioning as an ambassador for Jesus Christ. His commissioning is to preach the gospel and allow the good news of all that Jesus has done to gather together those who are destined for the Kingdom.

In New Testament times there were no paid clergy as we know them today. Each preacher who was called had his or her occupation which supported them. We remember that among the disciples many were fishermen, one was a tax collector, Paul was a tent maker. Preaching the gospel did not provide you with a living. Even so the call to proclaim the gospel was such an urgent commission that Paul was willing to adapt to every condition in which he found himself so that he could fulfil his calling. He always preached without any cost so that none were excluded from the message. Having submitted his life to the risen Lord Jesus Paul’s new life was to live promoting all that Jesus had accomplished. The message of gathering people together and preparing them for the kingdom was of first importance. Paul’s boast was not that he preached the gospel for free but that the gospel had changed the world and given to everyone a chance to share in the blessings that Jesus had won.

Prayer.  Lord we thank you for those men and women who have clear insights into what you are about in the world. Those who reveal the nature and purpose of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be willing listeners to those who can point us on our way. Above all help us to hear your voice as you call us to the mission you want us to fulfil. May we all be faithful in our tasks and fruitful in your eyes. In these troubled days may your church world-wide declare a Gospel of peace, one that accurately reflects the nature and purpose of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Reading. Mark 1:29-39. As Mark describes the ministry of Jesus we see that Jesus was continuing to heal well after sundown. It had been a long day and yet in the very next section Mark notes that before the sun rose, Jesus was up and praying in a deserted place. Jesus chose to have time with God in a private place. It was not to re-charge his batteries but personal communion with God was always essential for Jesus. How often do we go to God, simply because we have a need? If we were to follow Jesus example then going to God simply to commune would be a priority. Be still and know that I am God, Psalm 46:10.

Jesus lived always with an awareness of God for it was what God wanted that was central to the ministry. His disciples were anxious to see more healing and no doubt that was exciting but Jesus’ ministry was not to heal but to keep on announcing the good news that the Kingdom of God had come. “He answered, “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” Mark 1:38 (NRSV).Mark’s reminder that Jesus was constantly in relationship with God is important. He came according to the plan of God and for the purpose of establishing God’s Kingdom here on earth. Jesus proclaimed this good news, a message that had long been anticipated, and was finally at hand. With the coming of the kingdom healing and wholeness naturally followed. The presence of Jesus marks the division between life without God and life lived in God’s sphere. It was the ministry of Jesus that made that life with God possible. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God”. Romans 5:1-2 (NRSV) With the coming of the Kingdom, our attention needs to be on attending to the King and allowing him to guide and direct our lives even as did Jesus!

Prayer. Gracious God, our Lord Jesus came into the world to bring the light of your truth and grace, grant that we may walk always in that light; listening to your voice and heeding your commands. Help us to be bearers of that light, that the salvation that came through Jesus might illuminate hearts and lives. As our lives are touched and changed by the knowledge of your great love and forgiveness may we live in peace with you and with each other, ever giving you praise and glory. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. God, merciful and kind, you bring healing and hope for all people. Help us trust you, and build our lives upon your word; we ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.