Lectionary for Pentecost 17
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord. Psalm 1:1-2
Collect. You show us a child, Jesus, to show us how to live; save us from our false ambitions and desires, that we may receive the pure heart which comes with true wisdom; this we ask in your name. Amen
Reading. James 3:13 to 4:3, 7-8a Martin Luther is said to have described the Epistle of James as an epistle of straw. This was because of its heavy emphasis on law and behaviour and there is some justification for that criticism. However there are also many passages which provide wisdom for practical Christian living and the section of scripture set down for today’s reading is surely one of them. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (Verses 7-8). Striving to resist the devil or even trying to always do what is right in only our human strength will inevitably end in failure. Even if we did manage to keep all the rules the pride in our achievement would torpedo our “righteousness”. James advocates two major principles: Firstly to submit ourselves to God. Our existence as a Christian is dependent on relying only on what Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Because of our ongoing disobedience, before the righteousness of God, even our good deeds are of no account. (Isaiah 64:6) Being submissive does not come easily or naturally so it will always be a conscious decision. We must recognise that God’s way is both right and just. Secondly we are to draw near to God. In order to draw near, we must recognise the love and the grace of God. Life itself is an amazing gift of grace. (Lamentations 3:22-23) For each day of our lives God’s grace covers us and helps to guide us through the day no matter what that day brings. Once we recognise that covering of grace which gives us both strength and hope we long to be near to God.
Prayer. Holy Lord, in hope and with great expectation we begin this new day. You are a faithful God whose love touches every life and like the sun brings light and life to all. Grant that we may live as your children today, graciously walking with you in love and forgiveness. May each life we touch today know the warmth of your acceptance and love. Protect us from the dangers that are all about us, keep our hearts and minds pure through your continuing presence; may we not be ashamed to be faithful ambassadors for Jesus Christ and by your power, may all we do for you today point the lost and broken to you the eternal shepherd of the flock. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
Reading. Mark 9:30-37. Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for the climatic purpose of his ministry. It is a climax that will shatter them, and so his love for them demands that they be fully informed. By saying that he did not want anyone outside the twelve to know, Mark is hinting at Jesus’ popularity in Galilee and so is trying to keep the crowds away. However the reality of the task that is set before him is so removed from the disciples understanding that they fail to grasp the meaning of his message. As they are intent on personal aggrandizement perhaps it is pride that is preventing them for hearing the truth about God’s action in the world. Sad as it may seem it is these very things which can get in the way of our hearing the true message of Jesus even today. We often place as of first importance things which from an eternal perspective have no significance at all. By using a little child to illustrate his point Jesus is reminding them not only to be selfless but to recognise that they have no rights outside of him. In our society little children are treasured and cared for assiduously. In the ancient world the reality of child mortality meant that while loved and treasured little children had no rights at all. In some cultures children were not named until they were several years old. In Jewish culture a male child for example had no right to speak for themselves until they were recognised at their bar mitzvah. Until then they were the sole responsibility of their fathers, the fathers were even responsible for their children’s sins. By placing a child into their group Jesus was making the point that only the father could speak for the child, therefore the child was totally subject to the father. Jesus himself was solely reliant on the Father. (John 5:19) Can a disciple be any different from the Master?
Prayer. Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for your continuing care we give you all thanks and praise. Your love and grace hold us safe and give to us the confidence to face life events knowing that you are always with us. By your grace may we have the humility of a child and fully trust in you knowing that you know our needs better than we know ourselves. We thank you that you sent your Son to be the Saviour. By your promise all who look to him find the healing and wholeness that is needed. Help us to turn away from every thought and action that would weaken our love and trust in the salvation that Jesus brings. By your strength may we be true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, living only to honour him. This we ask in his most precious Name. Amen
Collect. God and Father of all, you have willed that the last should be first, and you have made a little child the measure of your kingdom. Give us that wisdom which is from above, that we may welcome the word of your Son and understand that, in your sight, the greatest of all is the one who serves. 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.
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