Lectionary for Epiphany 2
God says, ‘I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth’. Isaiah 49:6
Collect. Heavenly Father, you have called us to serve you in the world. Bend our hearts to your will, that we may gladly follow Christ, and strive ceaselessly for your kingdom of righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.Paul knew the Corinthian church well because he had spent 18 months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). Corinth was a giant cultural melting pot with a great diversity of wealth, religions, and moral standards and had a reputation for being fiercely independent and as decadent as any city in the ancient world. The Romans had destroyed Corinth in 146 b.c. after a rebellion. However a century later the Roman emperor Julius Caesar rebuilt it because of its strategic seaport. By Paul’s day (a.d. 50), the Romans had made Corinth the capital of Achaia. While in Ephesus, he had heard about problems in Corinth. (1:11). Paul’s response is to write them a letter of encouragement and guidance. While anxious to address his concerns Paul begins by addressing who they are and their status as Christians. Firstly he addresses them as a group, the assembly of God’s people in Corinth, all of them are on an equal footing because of the gift and grace of Jesus Christ. Our English translation then reads, they are, “called to be saints”. We then read this as if the Corinthian Christians are growing into sainthood, but the “to be” is an English translation inclusion for the Greek texts simply has “called saints”. Paul’s point is they are saints who are learning to live as saints should live. They are to live out the status they have already received. Paul’s introduction reminds us that Christianity is not a self help programme but is a gift from God through Jesus Christ which changes us. As we are reminded in Colossians through Christ we are transferred from darkness into light. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that they are under new management. He is also reminding them that the Christian fellowship to which they now belong stretches across the world to link them under Christ to every other fellowship. In upholding the honour of Jesus Christ they are not alone. Furthermore Paul is also reminding them that they are already fully equipped to live as Christians, indeed the Corinthian Church was not lacking in Spiritual gifts; Paul is encouraging them to use them wisely. All of this is underlined as Paul reminds them of the faithfulness of God as he says, “God is faithful”. It is God who has called them into being and it is God who will sustain them and all of this comes through their relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord. Paul’s introduction to this letter reminds us all that in all things we begin with the nature of God, recognising that God is faithful and in all situations works with us for the best.
Prayer. Almighty God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ you have come to us in our weakness so that we might know and trust in your strength alone. Forgive us for trying to live in our own strength. Forgive us when we struggle with issues without turning to you for wisdom, insight and inspiration. You alone are the source of true strength, to you alone belongs all wisdom and might. Teach us throughout this day to trust in your arm alone, to look always to you for guidance and grace. As we use your power keep us from believing that our own strength has won the day. In your care we will find victory, teach us to honour each victory with humility, giving fully regard to all that you have done for us.
We thank you, Lord that you laid down your life for us; thank you that because of your sacrifice we have a new prospect to live and to love for you. Help us to rejoice in this new experience of life, let us live for you. Grant us opportunities to demonstrate your love to others; may our walk in your name be fruitful and faithfull, always presenting the truth of your saving grace to all those who need to hear. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reading. John 1:29-42. John the Baptist marks Jesus out as the Lamb of God. This is a familiar phrase to us, often used in the service of Holy Communion. However the setting within the gospel reading is that John is addressing Jews. For the Jews the Lamb of God would have immediately sent their minds to the celebration of the Passover in which it was the blood of the lamb that saved the people from the angel of death. (Exodus 12:21ff) The lamb brought to remembrance the record of the Lord God saving the nation of Israel, giving them a future in the Promised Land. The lamb also reminded them that each time they celebrated the Passover came the assurance that God had made a perpetual covenant with them. John’s title for Jesus would have reminded the listening Jews that God was determined to love and care for the people. The Lamb represented God’s grace in action. Furthermore the title would have reminded them of Isaiah’s “Servant of the Lord”, the lamb that was lead to be slaughtered for the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:7)
Indeed John’s title reached out beyond Israel noting that Jesus was the lamb sacrificed for the sin of the whole world. This marks a transition away from the exclusive thinking that God was caring only for the children of Abraham. John has linked the history of ancient Israel with the future ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus has been announced as the one who will bring the long promised salvation to Israel but this salvation will also reach out to all the peoples of the world. This was not completely new for Isaiah had long before prophesied that all nations would find a blessing in God, and Abraham was blessed in order to be a blessing to all nations. What is new is that this title now centres God’s salvation onto the one man Jesus on whom His Spirit rests. Jesus is the one who will change the world and bring it back to God.
With all these themes being raised it is then that John the writer sees Jesus beginning to attract his disciples. Two of John the Baptist’s disciples leave him and begin to follow Jesus the Lamb of God. Thus we have the pre-eminence of Jesus over John but more importantly the writer is setting out the statement that this Jesus is the Messiah.+ John is also reminding his readers that to fully understand that Jesus is the Messiah, one has to come and live with him. John as the writer of the gospel is making it clear that it is important to know Jesus personally. Knowing lots about Jesus and even knowing about the ancient linkages are perhaps important but nothing can replace knowing Jesus personally. John’s challenge still remains, if you are looking, the only way to find out is “Come and see” (for yourself!)
Prayer. Lord Jesus, you did not give yourself to others, you gave yourself to God and in silent obedience you walked the way of the cross. You trusted only in God, not turning aside but always in God’s presence. As we think of our lives we see the ways we turn away from trusting in you and lean on our own strength; forgive us for the times when what we want rather than what you want have taken precedence. Teach us to love you with an intensity which matches your love for us. Help us to be ready to embrace your will and give us the strength to follow your call to serve. Let your truth live in our hearts and reflect peace and acceptance to all those we meet and especially those whom you have called to be your servants. Lord we pray, may your gracious will be done, may your victory be proclaimed and may every day be spent living in your presence. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. You have given yourself for all people; receive the praise of our lips and lives, praise offered to the glory you share with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
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