Lectionary for Easter 5
Beloved, let us love one another, because the source of love is God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
Reading. Acts 8:26-40 Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to fulfil the growing pastoral needs of the community of believers. However just like Stephen, Philip was gifted to do more than serve on tables. In this passage Philip finds himself on a back road at the direction of a godly messenger and speaks to an Ethiopian eunuch who is reading the prophet Isaiah. Phillip begins to help the Ethiopian to understand more about Jesus by explaining the scripture from Isaiah that he was reading. Through the message that is unfolded the Ethiopian comes to faith and immediately desires to be baptised. Once baptism has taken place Philip is snatched away and finds himself in Azotus which is a city belonging to the Philistines while the Ethiopian resumes his journey.
In his Gospel Luke recorded all that Jesus taught until the day of his ascension, now in this his second book, Luke is recording the activities of the early church. In our passage for today Luke is recording how quickly the Good News was spreading not only geographically but also across ethnic lines. From the names of the seven new deacons set aside by the apostles it seems that they were Hellenistic Jews. Then as the Ethiopian eunuch accepts the faith the message of Jesus is carried by him into Africa. While it was common for a eunuch to be an important servant to royalty, a eunuch as such would not be allowed to worship in the temple. By recording that this eunuch becomes a baptised believer, Luke is reminding us of the diversity and embracing inclusiveness of the Christian faith. At the stories end we find Philip in a Gentile country and we might surmise he is more than a little surprised, still he continues preaching the Good New until he arrives in Caesarea: a place perhaps where he remained, for in Acts 21 we read that he is in Caesarea with his four daughters who are prophetesses. Philip is therefore recognised as a remarkable man but Luke also is reminding us of the rapid and widespread growth of the Christian faith.
Prayer. Heavenly father, your son our Lord Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve. Bless all who follow in his steps and give themselves in the service of others. Grant us courage and compassion that we too may exercise wisdom and patient understanding and serve in His way. May our ministry both corporate and as individuals be a light and a comfort to those who are friendless and in need. Through your Holy Spirit you have equipped us to serve you efficiently. Grant Lord that the gifts and grace we have received will be used effectively as we seek to serve our family, friends and neighbours. Through the proclamation of your good news may many be brought into the peace and blessing of your eternal kingdom. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. John 15:1-8. We had a lecturer in college who was a great scholar of John’s gospel and theology. One of his more rememberable sayings was, “Being a Christian is like being pregnant! You either are or you’re not” This passage highlights that reality. Either you are in the vine or you are not in the vine. It is not simply that “the vine” is vigorous or fertile; Jesus is The Vine. There is no substitute or alternative. However, while there is a clear line of demarcation the good news is that once in the vine, the vine provides everything you need. Being in the vine on the one hand means relying on Jesus for everything. Then, by relying on Jesus for everything we are fruitful. In the vine there is nothing that can be added, no additions to make the vine more effective or productive. Just as the branches rely fully on the vine, so we rely on Jesus for everything. From a believers point of view this is good news to which we must attend. Wanting to be fruitful and effective as a Christian is quite normal and this passage reminds us of how that fruitfulness can be achieved: We rely on Him.
Once we begin to rely on him we can also expect some pruning in order to increase fruitfulness. This tells us that relying on Jesus is not all smooth sailing, for part of relying on Jesus is learning to trust in all circumstances. One of the common practises on the farm when an implement broke was to remove the part and take it back to the workshop to weld it back together. Once it was repaired and before you left the workshop you would give it a decent smack with a sledge hammer. The repair had to be effective and so testing was prudent. It is in the testing times of life that we understand best how the presence of Jesus strengthens us. By being tested we recognise our needs and grow stronger by relying more on Jesus: attached to the vine we grow!
Prayer. Mighty God, in sunlight and in shadows you stand among us for your promise is that you will never leave us or forsake us. We thank you that in your presence we are strengthened and by your power we can face life, and still continue to thrive. Teach us more and more to trust in you alone and by your grace grant that we may prove to be worthy of the name that is above all names: By serving you may we serve each other and so be a true reflection in the world of the salvation you came to bring. As we serve in Jesus name, grant that we will be faithful and fruitful; now and always. Amen
Collect. Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life: grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Loving Father, you guide us in right ways; Jesus Christ, you are our true home; Spirit of God, in you are the depths of life. Holy God, three yet one, may we live in union with you, and bear the fruit of love and faith now and for ever. Amen.
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