Lectionary for Pentecost 3
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: the old order has gone; a new order has already begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reading. 1 Samuel 15:34 to 16:13. The rejection of Saul as king presented Samuel with a significant problem, not least for his own safety. Firm in the belief that the Lord was the one who guided history Samuel did as the Lord required. Saul had been chosen because he was a capable and charismatic person. He was also a tall and handsome man and so was a popular choice among the people. However as the story unfolds there is a strong suggestion that despite being chosen, Saul’s heart is no longer for the Lord. After David’s anointing Samuel never saw Saul again in this life. It was Samuel’s absence that further frustrated Saul for without Samuel he had no clear direction from God.
Thus as Samuel looks for a new king among the sons of Jessie it is the set of David’s heart that makes the difference. David was the youngest and perhaps the smallest. He is certainly the least experienced. The one whose task it is to be watching over the sheep is low in the pecking order! Despite that, David had developed a reliance on God which won God’s approval. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:12–13). NRSV.
As we look back over the kingship of both Saul and David, we see that both began well and provided good leadership for the people. Similarly, both made serious mistakes at the very time they were at the height of their powers. In the story one was rejected while the other was forgiven and accepted. Saul’s heart was no longer obedient to God. On the other hand David recognised his mistakes and looked back to God for forgiveness and acceptance. His cry was “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me”. (Psalm 51:10–11). Despite his mistakes and failures David was prepared to recognise his failures and look only to God for restoration. Though David began as the youngest and one of least value in his family yet through his relationship with God he achieved great things and biblically is remembered as the greatest earthly king to have reigned over God’s People.
Prayer. Your word O Lord reminds us that only a heart that is true to you is acceptable in your sight. Help each of us dear Lord to always keep our hearts fixed on you. Help us to look to you for the forgiveness that sets us free from past mistakes and strengthen us to live out our lives relying on you alone. May Jesus be the Light that illuminates our way and in all we do give praise to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. Amen
Reading. Mark 4:26-34. One of the keys to Mark’s Gospel is his announcement of the Kingdom coming through the person of Jesus. At the commencement of his ministry Mark notes that Jesus proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”(Mark 1:15). For Mark, Jesus is the man of action; he is the catalyst that causes things to happen. Throughout the whole gospel people and events follow one another in rapid succession.
In the two parables in the reading for today we see that the kingdom is growing even though no one really understands. The “seed” grows but we, “do not know how”. In the second parable the kingdom may have an unknown, even a small beginning, yet it is destined to be the greatest haven which will offer ongoing protection. Though they are quite short both parables are filled with action and energy. Through these parables Mark reminds his readers that the Kingdom will achieve its destiny whether we understand or not. Mark is saying that the vitality is already within the creation and in the end the “seed” will produce a harvest: Then at the end of the passage Mark reminds his readers that this potential to produce a harvest is understood through the teaching of Jesus. While Jesus speaks in memorable parables the essence and the truth of the Kingdom is explained privately to his disciples. Vast though it maybe, only through Jesus does one obtain access to the Kingdom.
And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.’ ” (Mark 4:11–12). NRSV
Prayer. Lord Jesus, everything made was made through you. The reality of everything we see and touch and taste is by your design: so as your creatures we give you humble thanks and praise for your creative power. You sustain life in all its forms and bring us at last with you into the kingdom to praise and honour the Lord God Almighty. What blessing is ours through your presence in our lives: In you we find the fulfilment that gives us security and peace; so we lift our hands and our hearts and give glory to your Name; the Name that is above all other names. Amen
Collect. Father, with a generous hand you have sown in our hearts the seed of truth and grace. May we welcome it with humble confidence and cultivate it with gospel patience, knowing well that justice and peace will increase in the world as your word bears fruit in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus, weaver of story, sower of seed; show us the new creation in small beginnings, and teach us to look for the coming of that perfect day, when all things shall be reconciled in you, the bringer of God’s realm of grace now and for ever. Amen.
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