Lectionary for Sunday 31
Jesus said: ‘The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Matthew 23:11-12
Collect. Almighty Father, you are both just and rich in mercy. So protect us from the distortions of pride, that, being made aware of your loving purposes, we may willingly give ourselves in service to all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Joshua 3:7-17. The book of Joshua is the sixth book in our Bible following after the first five books which from a Jewish perspective represent the Torah or Law. We often read Joshua as a history book, a record of the first occupation of the Promised Land. Joshua is much more than a history book for Joshua is the leader who followed Moses. As such he was both a military leader and he was also a prophet for like Moses he took his instructions directly from God. When we read Joshua as a prophetic gook we find it reveals many important principles to us. Our passage begins with the Israelites gathered by the Jordan River, preparing to cross into the Promised Land. Like their journey through the wilderness they await God’s call before they move on to the next place. They move as God directs Joshua and so a number of things result. Firstly God demonstrates the fulfilment of his promise to deliver the people into a land for them. God also honours Joshua so that all will know that Joshua is the rightful successor to their revered leader Moses. As they are obedient then God’s way will open before them.
The Jordan was in flood and so the crossing looks very formidable yet God’s instructions are quite clear. The priests are to step into the river first carrying the Ark of the Covenant which was a sign or the presence and the promise of God to deliver the people. The twelve leaders, one from each tribe lead the people across. As the priests enter the water the river flow stops and the people walk across as the priests hold the Ark in the middle of the dry river bed. After all the people had crossed only then did the priests and the Ark cross the river onto the dry land.
The symbolism is easily understood. The presence of the the Lord represented by the Ark protects the people, shielding them from the danger and they cross over in safety. The generation that witnessed the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea have been replaced by a new generation who now witnessed for themselves the mighty power of God. The leadership of Joshua had been established and a new beginning transpired. Joshua had heard God’s call and obediently followed the instructions. Similarly the leaders had followed Joshua’s command and demonstrated an example of trust and faith and an obedient people had been safely guided across the barrier of the Jordan. The journey to the Promised Land had ended and the occupation of the land had begun.
Prayer. Gracious Father, Holy God, all people have looked to you for protection and shelter, even those who do not know you often lift their hands in prayer and worship. So Lord we need not pretend that we have no need of you, for all of us have need you. Help us to be real before you, knowing that you go before us to protect and guide us. Forgive us for pretending, for in your mercy you meet the needs we have. Teach us to see the world through your eyes rather than seeing only our needs and wants. In honesty and truth may we rely on your love and forgiveness in all situations. Teach us good Lord to truly see those around us. May we use each and every gift you have given to bring comfort and help to those we serve in your name. May we as your children reflect you love and grace through the way we live. This we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen
Reading. Matthew 23:1-12. In the previous chapters Matthew has recorded Jesus’ teaching which showed that the Pharisees did not have a true respect for the law. Therefore while the law was to be respected, how the Pharisees lived out the law was not to be followed. The law presented an honourable way to live and God intended that society would be honourable. However to demand respect on the basis of academic learning while disregarding the essence of the learning itself created a false image not worthy of respect. As today in academic circles long gowns and hoods signify higher learning so it was in Jewish society in the time of Jesus. The phylacteries where leather boxes that were strapped to the arm or the forehead and represented the Torah, signifying that those who wore them were true practitioners of the law. While Jesus gave no respect for the Pharisees, he did show proper respect for the authority of Moses which they were supposed represent. Jesus said that because the Pharisees did not take the law seriously they were in no position to demand or expect respect. Indeed he called them hypocrites, actors who presented a false character for the public to see. This created a false sense of reality for the Pharisees were simply playing at being religious leaders.
Jesus warned his disciples and also the crowd who chose to follow him that such behaviour was not honouring to God, however respect for the law did honour God.
Furthermore Jesus also reminded the disciples that they should not jostle for places of superiority. Jesus taught that there was a true order of things. God was supreme and over all. God alone chose the proper place for each person. If honouring God was the true objective then there was no need to demand to have a position making one superior to those around. This of course goes against human societies’ normal way of striving to reach the top. A true disciple of Jesus was one prepared to serve. It is in serving that one’s true status is found. (Colossians 3:23)
Prayer. Lord we remember that Jesus came to serve and not to be served and in serving you accomplished your plan and purpose. Forgive us that we live in a world where striving for position is so normal. Teach us to trust in you alone and to be content with the position that we have. Grant that we might learn from you and in following you guidance be able to fulfil all that you have for us. May we be fully obedient to you and in all that we do give honour and glory to your name. This we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen
Collect, O God, humble sovereign, you require our full obedience, yet you provide this obedience to us in Jesus Christ. Help us to follow his example of humility, refusing to parade our good works before others, and giving thanks to you; in his name. Amen.
During this week the church has celebrated All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. This has long been a tradition to remember those who have gone before us and who by their lives have influenced us with their love and devotion. Here is a prayer as we reflect on those who we love but no longer see.
Let us pray. Holy Lord, we thank you for those that we love, who are now at peace with you. We thank you for their lives and the love that they showed. We thank you for the witness that they gave which continues to encourage us, pointing us to a greater reliance on you. We thank you that in Jesus Christ we are all joined together in one great family and we look forward to that time when all of us together will give praise and worship in your Holy Presence though Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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