Lectionary for Pentecost 4
At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you: See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6:2
Reading. 1 Samuel 17:57 to 18:5, 10-16. Last week we read that Samuel had anointed David as king because Saul had lost favour with God. In our reading today we see that David’s position as the chosen leader is being strengthened. David is portrayed as the man who relies on God. This reliance was forged as he watched over the sheep for his father Jesse. Following the battle with Goliath David is introduced formally by Abner to King Saul. Abner was Saul’s cousin and was Commander in Chief of Saul’s army. As such he was a powerful man and so David is introduced to Saul as a young warrior not as a king in waiting. However the bible narrative quickly shows that Saul has lost God’s presence from his life and so has lost his godly authority. Saul is now afflicted by an evil spirit which makes him unstable and so unable to rule as God requires. Furthermore the story emphasises that Saul’s house is divided for Jonathan and David immediately discover a kindred affection for each other and join in a covenant that will last until Jonathan is killed by the Philistines some years later. The passage describes the growing divide between Saul and David. Saul is no longer relying on God to lead, whereas David is both relying on God and gaining in popular support.
Despite the fact that Israel now has a king to lead them the passage reminds the reader that it is still God who is totally in charge and any deviation from his desired plan will end in failure.
Prayer. To you O Lord we offer our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Before you all things will bow, for you are the one who rules in majesty and power. With great humility we come before you recognising that only in Jesus can we approach your throne and only through Him can we presume to give you thanks and praise. Because of Jesus we know you to be a merciful God and your loving kindness extends to all who put their trust in Him alone. By your sovereign grace keep us in the faith and so equip us that in every way trough speech or deed we may give to you glory and honour. Amen
Reading. Mark 4:35-41. Jesus’ stilling of the storm is a nature miracle which is recorded in each of the synoptic Gospels. Thus we assume that it is an important incident in the ministry of Jesus. Despite being so well attested to in scripture this miracle was for the disciples’ eyes only. Though other boats are “around” and so would have witnessed the calm after the storm, Mark describes only what is happening in the disciples’ boat. The fear of the disciples and the way Mark describes the wind strongly suggests that the wind is a demonic attack, focussed on Jesus and the disciples alone. Most of the disciples were fishermen and as such would have been used to the storms that erupted in the shallow waters of the Sea of Galilee. The fear that they display is not fear of the storm as such, but fear of what is driving the storm. Jesus rebukes the wind which is a descriptive term used often in exorcisms. Having stilled the storm, Jesus then addresses the disciples and encourages them to rely on their faith. In the presence of Jesus their faith should have sustained them. Jesus is reminding them what authority he has, rather than complaining to Him on the one hand, or be afraid of the demonic storm on the other, he calls them to trust. The point of the story ‘is not simply that Jesus could still the storm, but rather that the disciples should have trusted His power to help them’. As Mark ends his description he records that their fear of who Jesus is, is now greater than was their fear of the demonic storm. Jesus is the Lord of Creation and so everything is under his command. In order to face the fury of a hostile world this lesson will need to be remembered for there will come a time when Jesus will no longer be present with them and all they will have is their faith. However through the great authority of Jesus, their faith will be able to sustain them. The disciples, like all disciples have to learn to trust Jesus in all circumstances.
Prayer. Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all creation and you bring peace and calm in every storm of life. Quieten our hearts when they are distressed and remind us again and again that you are always close at hand both to encourage and to direct. Help us to be attentive to your call upon us, that we may learn to trust you in every situation. May we be filled with that peace that passes all understanding and so be able to live a life with a tranquil heart and mind, resting on your strength and grace. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen.
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Maker and Sustainer of creation, you bring order out of chaos and calm in the discord of our lives; help us to trust in you, even when all around seems to be giving way; this we ask in our Saviour’s name. Amen.
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