Lectionary for Pentecost 20

Lectionary for Pentecost 20

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Collect. Your word, O God, cuts through our pretence; we are unable to hide from you. Guide us to know our secret faults, strengthen us to put them aside, and make us grateful for all you give us; this we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Reading. Hebrews 4:12-16. When we hear of the Word of God our mind goes quickly to the printed word we find in our Bible. The printed word of scripture is living and active just as Hebrews says: Yet we also need to understand that the God of the Hebrews was always recognised as a God who speaks. Read through the writings of the prophets and you will come across phrases such as, “the word of God came to me”. It is this word along with the written word that the writer to the Hebrews is describing as living and acting. The author also reminds us that this living word critiques every aspect of life with the precision and the severity of a two edged sword. Hebrews challenging description links with the urgency of the previous verses which urges the readers to make every effort to, “enter the rest of God”.(v. 11)  The “rest” is being able to participate in the finished work of God; in this case the finished work is all that Jesus Christ has achieved through his death and resurrection. The inference is that in the past both Jews and now Christians have not given proper attention to God’s word. The word is not just for hearing but obeying. As the writer is addressing Jewish converts they would have understood that the exile and the ensuing subjugation under the Romans were considered to be due to the nation’s disobedience. Their failure to obey God’s word had lead to God’s judgement.

The writer is emphasising the need to take God’s word seriously. Taking God’s word seriously helps the believer to understand that the status of Jesus Christ. It is His authority which makes it possible for the past to be resolved. With this resolution a new and fulfilling future is now available. Through Jesus Christ, God in his mercy is willing to both forgive and welcome those who believe. God knows all things and it is his word which uncovers all things; therefore, as nothing is hidden all can be forgiven and so each believer can approach God with confidence, knowing they will receive God’s mercy. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. John 14:15. NRSV

Prayer. Lord Jesus keep us ever true to you and to your word. Give us ears to hear your directions, and to attend obediently to your commands. May all our work be done to please you. May our love and obedience to you bring others more surely into the influence of your love. Keep us open to the demands of your word and grant us the gifts of your Spirit both to hear and to obey. Grant that we may see the results of your coming among us not only in ourselves but in the lives of those around us. May your will be done and may we trust in your power to fulfil what you have ordained. Grant that all that is done in your name bring the fruit that you desire. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Reading. Mark 10:17-31. Mark’s story of the rich man questioning Jesus forces us to think about who are the “rich”? If you have regular employment, a secure roof over your head, and always have enough food to eat each day then in the time of Jesus you would have been among the “rich”. In other words Mark’s message is really directed at us.

Let’s think about the man’s encounter with Jesus. Initially the man approaches Jesus quite humbly as he kneels before him and by calling him “good” he is referring to him as godly. He is not simply acknowledging Jesus’ integrity but recognises Jesus as being an inheritor of eternal life; the very thing that he desires. Jesus accepts the acknowledgement but then reminds the man of the need to fulfil the commandments that direct how one should live in relationship with others. His response pleases Jesus for Mark records that Jesus loved him. Keeping these commandments fulfil his obligations to those around him. This is the way a person who honours God should live and Jesus affirms his disciplined lifestyle. However the questioner is taken aback with Jesus’ next statement; Give away all you have! Every person who can provide for themselves can quickly come to believe that it is their own efforts which have brought them to that secure position.  Scripture reminds us that this is a false premise;  “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7   Life and the abilities we use in life are all God’s gifts to us. The man is shocked at Jesus’ statement for it reminds him that he has to make a choice: either he will rely on his possessions or rely on God. Sadly the man leaves Jesus grieving for he knows he is unwilling to pay the price, his possessions have a strong a grip on him than his longing for eternal life. The man was prepared to fulfil his duty towards his neighbour but not to fulfil his duty towards God.

As the man departs Jesus then challenges his disciples who like the rich man are also shocked with his statement. Perhaps the disciples would not have classed themselves with the poor! Many of the disciples had families at least who ran small but yet successful businesses. Remember some of them left their boats and nets and the hired hands and Matthew as a tax collector would have been used to a significant income. (c/f Mark 1:18-20) This would have been a live issue for the disciples, no wonder they questioned Jesus’ statement.

This is a statement which confronts many of us today. Sometimes the gospel and its message are simply linked along with a number of things that make up our lives. Jesus is saying above everything else our love and duty to God must come first. From Jesus statement the disciples recognise honestly that this is an impossible task. Jesus’ assurance helps them find a way to an answer; “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” (Mk 10:27). Only total reliance on God will bring one to the place of eternal life.

As we read this passage today this is a sobering challenge for it reminds us that God demands our complete trust in every aspect of life. Trusting God is our first and necessary response. Then we have to trust Him as we use the gifts and possessions that he has allotted to us. There is no place for self pride in our relationship with the one who is Lord of All.

Prayer. Lord God our Father, you have revealed your love for us in the cross of Christ. Grant us grace to take up our cross everyday, that, in the company of our Saviour we may gladly do your will and attain to life in all its fullness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (Uniting in Worship.)

Holy Lord we thank you for all the blessings that you have poured out on our lives. We thank you for the privilege of knowing you through Jesus our Lord. Help us to always keep the sense of your call upon our lives, that in all things we may follow the path that you have prepared for us. As we walk trusting in you may every part of our lives be fruitful. To your honour and glory, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (for God’s forgiveness and for the happiness it brings): Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life you promised and to share in the joys of your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.