Lectionary for Sunday 32
Watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Therefore be ready. Matthew 24:42, 44
Collect. O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25. Last week we looked at the beginning of Joshua’s prophetic leadership and in today’s reading we look as he concludes that ministry. Joshua gathers together the key leaders and then the whole community. He reminds them of the promises and the power of the Lord God displayed to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God has fulfilled the promises that were made and Joshua therefore presents the covenant to the people afresh. They are linked to the covenant through family ties but they, like each successive generation, have to renew their vow of allegiance. The choice is plain to see, will they go back to the worship of the gods that led them to slavery and bondage or will they honour the Lord God who by his power has fulfilled his promise and granted them freedom.
Joshua makes it clear to the gathering that he and his household will serve the Lord. In turn the people respond that they too will not turn back to the old gods or the old ways. There must have been something in their response that provoked Joshua’s passion for he forcefully reminded them that they cannot serve God in a hit or miss kind of way. The only way to serve God is wholeheartedly. This is what God’s holiness demands. Joshua brings a stern warning; a failure to serve God fully will result in making God their enemy. A glib response to serve God will not suffice. Joshua therefore urges them again to answer the question, “who will they serve?”. This time the response is more definite and is underlined by Joshua reminding them that they themselves are witness to their promise of loyalty. This is a record of a second presentation of the covenant given to the people at Sinai. In Deuteronomy with the Law comes a catalogue of blessing and alongside that a catalogue of warnings, warnings strong enough to be called curses! Now as Joshua’s leadership comes to an an end he similarly presents the people with blessings and warnings. He is emphasising to the people that the worship of the Lord is a serious matter bringing both abundant blessings along with solemn warnings. His duty as a leader is to fully reveal the outcome to how the people respond.
Last week we observed that Joshua was more than an historical leader, he was also a prophet and subsequently his writings are more than an historic record. Prophecy continues to convey ongoing truth. God offers the promise of life and freedom to those who live in obedience to Him. Those who choose not to obey will find that there are significant adverse consequences.
Prayer. Holy and life giving God we bow in worship and praise, recognizing that you are the Great Creator and it is through you that all things exist. We your humble servants are blessed to be called your children, being gathered into your family. In your mercy guide us that we may walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives. Grant that we will always walk in harmony with you and your will for us. May all we say and do bring honour to your name. We offer our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids has very little to do with bridesmaids or marriage, it is a parable related to the kingdom of heaven.However, Jesus uses the illustration of the waiting bridesmaids because it would have been a familiar scenario that every listener would understand. While marriage in Jewish society was a joyful occasion it was also a quite solemn and important transaction. This was especially true for the bride who was transferring from the protection of her father and her family and coming under the protection of her husband and his family. Nevertheless there is an element of fun and excitement as the bridegroom tries to surprise the bride. The attendants in this parable are to accompany the bridegroom to the banquet, presumable to meet the bride as the celebration begins.
The element of surprise features strongly especially as we pay attention to the last phrase of the parable, “Keep awake.. . you do not know when the bridegroom will appear.
The parable begins by stating this is what the kingdom will be like. The lamp which each bridesmaid had was significant for according to Jewish custom it was against the Law for a woman to be out at night without a light. As weddings could be held at any hour provision of a light was important. Similarly having adequate oil was equally important for without it the lamp provided no light. The bridesmaids had to be ready to greet the bridegroom and light his way to the bride and that is where the great divide occurred. Only those who had oil to produce light could join the procession. Furthermore only those in the procession could gain admittance into the wedding banquet.
This parable and those which precede it in this section of Matthew were taught privately to the disciples (Matthew 24:3) Matthew of course is recounting this teaching long after the Lord has been raised and ascended in power. Years have passed and so each has the recurring theme of being fully prepared for the return of the Messiah. The parable couples the theme of excitement at the coming celebration with the necessity of not only expecting the bridegroom to come but being fully equipped for his coming. The bridesmaids have to be able to recognise the bridegroom when he comes. Matthew has already warned the disciples that there will be many false messiahs. When the Bridegroom does come there will be no time to delay, everything must be in order. Just as we saw in our reading from Joshua following the Lord may be a joy but it is also a serious business.
Prayer. Almighty God your Son Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost, Give to us expectant hearts which long for his coming, bringing with him the final salvation of all creation. May nothing in us resist your spirit that we may rejoice in the true hope which is to be found in him. Grant us the wisdom and insight to discern your will and purpose as we wait for His return. Increase in us the power of the Spirit so that we may accomplish what is your will and purpose and so be ready to receive Christ with great joy when he returns to reign in glory. This we ask in his name and for his sake. Amen
Collect. O Christ in whom we hope, you summon us to watch for the reign of God, and you charge us to be ready; help us to wait with eager patience and prepare by daily seeking your will now and for evermore. Amen.
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