Lectionary Epiphany 6
I will give you high praise, O Lord, for you have drawn me up; you have turned my lament into dancing so that I may joyfully praise you and not be silent. Psalm 30:1, 11, 12
Reading. 2 Kings 5:1-14. This is a story with many characters but the first character we meet is the young girl who worked as a captive for Naaman’s wife. We do not know her name from the passage yet she is the catalyst which allows the key players like the king, Elisha, and Naaman himself to remind us of the glory and power of God. In addition to that, this story reminds us that in God’s Kingdom there are no minor players for all must play their part.( 1 Corinthians 12) For the young girl God was real and she trusted in God despite the circumstances which arose from captivity.
The whole passage challenges us to put our trust in God no matter what our circumstances. That is what the young servant girl did. By trusting in God, and by not holding on to bitterness, or what might have been, she acted true to herself and to her faith. Accordingly the passage reminds us that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant person can play their part in God’s great drama of touching his people with restorative power. It is the action of this young servant who introduces the main theme of the passage which is that God is supreme. However, Naaman’s story too was an act of faith. If the simple task that Elisha had set did not work then this powerful and influential soldier faced the risk of humiliation: And let us not forget Elisha seems to have deliberately set out to remind Naaman that when asking for God’s help everyone comes from the same position of need.
The focus of the passage is rightly centred on God’s action of restoration and reminds us that God is big enough to meet all our needs. For Christians it reminds us of what Jesus has done for all of humanity. The high and low, the weak and the strong: The proud and the humble all are gathered together in this story and God’s action touches each one.
Prayer. Almighty God the Author and Perfecter of all that is; grant that the circumstances of life would never prevent us from knowing that only in you is life in its abundance. As you guide and sustain us may we also be ready to put out a helping hand to those who seek your gracious help. In a world where many are suffering may your providential care surround them and give to them the resilience that is needed to face each difficulty and disappointment. We know Lord that your mercy is everlasting and your love for all humanity is renewed every morning. With grateful hearts we give you all thanks and praise. May those who seek you find you, and may those who find you remain faithful to you. Great is your faithfulness O Lord our God. Amen
Reading. Psalm 30. In this psalm the psalmist presents a strong voice in praise of the Lord. The Lord has given him recovery from illness, has lifted him from the grave, has shielded him from his enemies and above all has given the psalmist the hope of a future that is fulfilling. Thus there is a strong sense of praise and thanksgiving that flows through the psalm. Nevertheless, the psalmist is equally clear that though the Lord will powerfully deliver yet the psalmist will still have to face all the disasters and dangers that can and do occur in life. Life events will happen but it is the Lord who gives the power and strength to overcome. The psalm emphasises that it is from these life events that trust and assurance grows. The psalm reminds us that the Lord’s providential care does not protect us from life like a blanket but rather it equips us so that we can learn to trust God and come to understand that in every circumstance God will lead us through to the end that is best for us.
Prayer. Gracious Lord when the pressures of life crowd in on us, help us to see that you are at work providing and sustaining us. When we feel alone and without support, when no one seems to understand may we recognise your voice of calm and comfort guiding us through. Grant to us the wisdom to grasp the new life that you offer to us by trusting in Jesus. May the Assurance of our faith in Jesus give us the the confidence to keep on our journey; and may all we do be done to honour you and your sustaining hand. This we pray in Jesus Name. Amen
Collect. Heal us once again, Father, from the sin which divides us and from the prejudice which isolates us from others. Help us to recognise in the face of those branded by society as lepers the very image of Christ, blood-stained upon his cross. May we share in his healing ministry by proclaiming to all our brothers and sisters the wonders of your tender mercy and steadfast love. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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