Lectionary for Epiphany 1

Lectionary for Epiphany 1 (The Baptism of the Lord)

When Jesus was baptised, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove; and a voice from heaven said: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’    Matthew 3:16-17

Collect. Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask 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.

Reading. Isaiah 42:1-9. In this “Servant Song” we recognise a description that fits perfectly the person and ministry of Jesus the Saviour of the world. However Isaiah received this prophecy long before Jesus was born and in its time this prophecy along with many others began a theological debate among the Rabbis whether the servant was a single person or the nation itself. Whatever the truth of the matter God is saying through the prophet that the people should pay close attention. The setting for this prophecy is that Isaiah in the previous chapter has been reminding the nation of their idolatry and the closing verse sums it up well, “No, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing; their images are empty wind” Isaiah 41:29. Thus his conclusion is that following an idol is futile. An idol cannot give any direction because an idol is both dumb and blind, therefore it does not know the future, that knowledge belongs to God alone. Therefore Isaiah’s message to the nation is that they must follow God and they do that by paying attention to His Servant.

Isaiah begins by reminding the people that God has chosen his servant, just as in their history God chose Abraham to establish the nation. Furthermore God will uphold the servant, so the servant has at his disposal the power and the resources that God supplies.

The servant’s role was to bring forth justice, a commodity that was in short supply due to the godless leadership that came from the series of kings who reigned during Isaiah’s life. Unlike the kings, God’s servant will rely on God’s power to achieve the outcomes that are best for the people. Finally Isaiah rounds out the prophecy by declaring that through his servant God will put aside the past and give his people a future. As we commence another year it is this sense of hope that is very important to hear, just as it would have been to Isaiah’s hearers.

As we noted at the beginning, this picture of God’s servant fits perfectly with the ministry of Jesus and so it is a current message for us. We cannot underestimate the importance of the prophetic nature of Jesus’ ministry. His ministry is so intertwined with the prophetic disclosures from thousands of years ago that we can be sure that he is God’s universal salvation, bringing to fruition God’s love and mercy.

Jesus as God’s chosen servant is leading us on into a New Year; giving us a future filled with hope. He is the promised bearer of the covenant. (Verse 6.) It is Jesus the Servant who links us in relationship with God and brings to bear on our behalf all the resources that we will need for living in the way that God requires. Following Jesus we are to put aside our idols and trust in God alone for he is the one who knows the future and from him comes the all the blessing that we will require. Because of Jesus we give God all thanks and praise for in him our future is secure.

Prayer. Holy Lord, you are Sovereign over all creation: All things come to us from your hand alone. We thank and praise you that you sent Jesus to minister among us; bring to us your word of grace and love. Calling us to turn away from false gods and look to you alone; increase in us the knowledge that in you is the way to eternal life. By your mercy strengthen us for the journey as we begin a New Year in your Name. Grant that we may be obedient to your calling; always following in the footsteps of Jesus. Loving and serving through the power and presence of your Holy Spirit and giving honour and glory to your Name. May our hearts keep before us the truth of all that Jesus has won on our behalf and may our lives express our thanks and praise. This we ask through Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Reading. Matthew 3:13-17. In this week’s passage from Matthew we are remembering the baptism of Jesus as he commenced his ministry in God’s Name. Before we begin to consider the significance of his baptism we need to remember the context into which Matthew places this event. Matthew has reminded us of the baptism that John was conducting for it was a unique action that had never before been envisaged. It was a normal Jewish practise to baptise non Jewish converts into Judaism but the practise of baptising the ancestors of Abraham was unknown. Baptising Jews was simply not done and yet here we see John baptising Jews, even Pharisees and Sadducees.(verse 7.) This is then a completely new practise. Matthew has given us a clue when he warns that the axe is about to cut down the tree; that is the tree that represents the tribe of Israel under the old covenant. In Matthew’s description God is ending the old order in order to begin a new and obedient Israel. John’s baptism was making way for something completely new.

Matthew describes Jesus coming to be baptised using a link word in my version, ‘Then’. In other words, with John’s baptism in mind, Jesus presented himself to be baptised. John is reluctant to baptise Jesus, a true son of Israel, but Jesus insists in order to fulfil “all righteousness”. Through his baptism Jesus stands in solidarity with the new and obedient Israel; the true people of God. It is after his baptism that Jesus’ ministry begins for we remember that the moment the Spirit anoints him Jesus is lead into a time of severe testing; the time we have called “the temptations”. Thus we see that Jesus’ baptism is a key step in his ministry of salvation.

John’s baptism also signalled another issue and that was his baptism drew together a people prepared to receive their Messiah: Rather than looking back to the old way this baptism prepared them for the new thing that God was doing through Jesus. We recognize that Matthew is writing from a Jewish perspective and so the message to the Jews was not to rely on their tradition or their genealogical heritage but to rely on Jesus, the one who was prepared to stand in solidarity with them. Additionally for those of us who lay no claim to an ancestral link with the sons of Abraham, Matthew’s text reminds us afresh that we too need to be prepared by relying only on who Jesus is and what he has done.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, on the day of your baptism you took the hand of God and walked the way of the cross. Your courage and your obedience amaze us. We can only bow in praise and adoration at all that you did in order to win to yourself those who were longing to know and love God. Keep our love for you strong and keep our hearts and minds set on serving you. You Lord, have reached out to humanity with loving hands. As we face the pain of all that is happening in the world at the moment, we thank you that you stand with us to bring comfort and hope. Lead us through each event of life that we may never lose hope nor stray away from the path that you have chosen for us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, gracious Saviour, in the waters of the Jordan you become one with sinners, that we may be one with you. Wash us clean, open our eyes, that we may share your Spirit now and forever. Amen.

Lectionary for New Year

Lectionary for New Year.

Praise God from the heavens, and in the heights! Young men and women alike, old and young together – let them praise the name of God!   Psalm 148:1, 12-13

Collect. Let us pray (for peace in our families): Father, help us to live as the holy family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home. 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.

Reading. Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. We most often hear this reading at  funeral services when the emphasis seems to revolve around the fact that death and dying are simply natural events in a person’s life. That is certainly true, however, when viewed like that the reading takes on a fatalistic tone; life is just being played out until it ends. Thankfully that is only one way of approaching today’s reading: perhaps a better and truer way is to consider the verses at the end of the reading which say, “ I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil”. (Verses 12&13). When we take stock of what those verses are saying then the reading reminds us of the rich variety life presents to us. Life is more than the joy of birth and the pain of loss through death. There are times of reaping and harvesting; of building and replacing. Through life there will be seasons of joy and high expectations, as well as seasons of sadness and struggle. In the changing moods of life, character and strength can be built and dare we suggest even wisdom! Life unfolds in amazing ways and while it is easy to remember only the tough times we also need to keep in mind the times of wonder and joy. In life we experience love and relationships and though there are times of weeping there are also times of laughter and enjoyment. Furthermore the passage is reminding us that all these things are a gift from God for all things are in God’s hands. “Although heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to the LORD your God, the earth with all that is in it, yet the LORD set his heart in love on your ancestors alone and chose you, their descendants after them, out of all the peoples, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 10:14–15.NRSV)

As we read this passage from a Christian perspective we remember that God loved the world so much that he sent his Son. (John 3:16) In that loving gift we see God’s nature revealed and remind ourselves that God’s gift of life is a rich and wonderful experience. We stand on the threshold of a New Year, we cannot leave the old behind for some things will remain in place but what the future will bring is unknown. Nonetheless, when in all the changing scenes of life we place our trust in him we can face each new experience with confidence.

Prayer. Holy Lord, you are the Great Creator and all that is comes into being by your word of command. In your good time, through you all things are made new. As we look forward to the beginning of another year, strengthen us to face with courage what this new time may bring; continue to guide us Holy Lord by your eternal presence, and give us strength to keep our faith and trust in you in the days that lie ahead. Help us to be faithful and true to those whom we love and who love us; Trusting in you, may we be loyal to our friends, so that they may never feel distressed or let down by our actions; May we show the acceptance of Christ to all, not mindful of differences but remembering that we are all children for whom Christ died. Help us always to remember that we live in your world. Grant that our lives may be worthy of Jesus Christ your Son. We offer this prayer in the Name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to whom be all honour, glory and praise now and for ever. Amen

Reading. Matthew 25:31-46. In this period between the excitement of Christmas and before the New Year has begun it is not unusual to feel a little jaded. Tradition has it that now is the time to make New Year’s resolutions as a platform from which to begin the year that lies ahead. Possibly that is why most resolutions major on giving up negative things and pursuing more positive things: Thus eating less chocolate and instead eating more vegetables! Experience tells us that it is easy to make resolutions but much more difficult to see then through to fulfilment. Now as we read today’s passage from Matthew perhaps we might be prompted to pay a little more attention to not simply how we keep our resolutions but how we live out our daily life.

We most often read the New Testament looking at Jesus as The Saviour and undoubtably this is his action on our behalf. Perhaps we should also pay attention to the role that is even more prominent and that is the description that Jesus Christ is Lord. As the Lord, Jesus rules but as our passage today reminds us he also brings judgement. This is not an aspect of his work that is highlighted much in our thinking or our worship and yet here is one of the most dramatic descriptions that we have of the end time and it centres on judgement.

Often our thoughts are drawn to the things we have done which are contrary to God’s will and way: however this passage describes judgement resulting from the good things that have been left undone. There is a sentence in the prayer of confession for Morning Prayer set down in the Book of Common Prayer that says; “We have left undone those things that we ought to have done”. This seems to be the underlying principle in the final parable in chapter 25. Those who face the most severe judgement are those who have left undone the normal acts of human kindness and compassion.

All this of course does not mean that we should be careless about keeping God’s will yet when we fail we have the assurance that Jesus did come in order to establish righteousness in the unrighteous.(Matthew 9:12) The parable reminds us that having been made righteous by the salvation of Jesus then our lives are to be lived in a righteous way. Righteousness is not looking down on those who are unrighteous, only God can judge so who would know; righteousness is living out the care and kindness which allows human lives to thrive. The things named in the parable are not those things which are hard to accomplish but the simple things like feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and loving the unloved. In other words it is about being faithful to the call and command of Christ, and that is to love one another.

While this is a universal message, to be true to the context of the passage it is most certainly a message for how believers should treat each other because as the command to love and care for “one another’ is made Jesus also adds the emphasis. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:33-35) With this in mind the judgment described in the parable is also about how we as the people of God witness to the to the world and we show this by how we love, one another. To put it another way as the People of God are we a tattered remnant or a spotless bride?

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:1–2.

Prayer. Holy and Righteous God we call you Lord but often fail to obey you, thinking that we can get by because of your forgiving grace. Yet it is you who commands the whole of the universe and each of us believes that when time is no more, every knee will bow to you alone. So today we pray for your forgiveness and ask that we be given the power and courage to speak out and step out for you, that you may be obeyed and honoured by all your people. Grant that as we approach this New Year we may work and pray for a world united in peace, that wars may cease and that people everywhere will be able to live without fear. May your way be known across our nation and our world and under your guiding grace truth and justice be equally available to all. This we pray in your Holy Name. Amen

Collect. O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored the dignity of human nature: grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Christmas Day

Lectionary for Christmas Day

I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.                     Luke 2:10-11

Collect. Almighty God and Father of light, a Child is born for us and a Son is given to us. Your eternal Word leapt down from heaven in the silent watches of the night, and now your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive his life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with his glory and his peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Titus 3:4-7. This is a familiar reading that is used as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus. So, while this reading has a particular focus for us, when it was first penned it was written in order to encourage a congregation struggling with significant problems. We know very little about Titus, the recipient of this letter. We do know that he was a Gentile Christian who was appointed by Paul to give leadership to the church in Corinth. Thus these four verses give a short but clear overview of the Christian message. Firstly it heralds the arrival of Jesus Christ while at the same time reminds the Christians that Jesus Christ was no other than God himself: Between God and Jesus Christ there is no division. This reminds us again that in Jesus Christ, God is our Saviour. By saying that he “appeared” is a reminder that something new is breaking through. With the appearance of the Saviour Paul is contrasting the old nature with the new nature that salvation brings.

Paul then reminds Titus that this salvation is God’s initiative, a believer plays no part in the salvation gained it comes because of God’s mercy. The past is washed away. There is no merit in “good deeds” God wants to give each one a fresh, clean start. It is Isaiah who reminds us that when we approach God we need the clean start that Jesus here is offering. (Isaiah 64:6)

Some commentators consider that the washing Paul describes is a reference to baptism but others note that the word used to describe “washing” is not one of the usual words relating to baptism: Rather, this is much more a deep inner cleansing that God achieves on our behalf. While it does not discount baptism the sense is of an inner cleaning that radically changes life and attitudes. (Could we perhaps suggest that this may be a forerunner to a believer wishing to be baptised as a recognition of what God has already done!)

However, Paul then moves on to his main point to show that this outpouring of grace through the Holy Spirit is centred in Jesus Christ. It is on Him that our attention is centred. As we read this passage to celebrate the festival of Christmas Paul’s reminder takes us from a babe in a manger to the towering stature of our Lord Jesus Christ whose ministry has had such a profound influence on all those who believe. A reminder that God in his mercy has changed the world.

Prayer. O come, O come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel. Lord we thank you for coming among us and for bringing us new life in the Holy Spirit. We thank you for your faithfulness and for the promise of your glorious return. May the love that reflects your presence surround all who will gather to celebrate in remembrance of all that you have won for mankind. Help us to always keep your love and care in view as we make the choices that guide the ways that we go. May our living be in keeping with your will and bring you the praise and glory you deserve. We praise your Name. Amen

Reading. Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20. This story is so familiar that we can so easily rush over the words, not fully understanding their meaning. Then again, after hearing it explained so many times perhaps we may feel that there is nothing original left to say. While that may be true somehow each year Luke’s record seems to sparkle with a newness that is unique. Perhaps that is because we view a moment in history which has links right up to the present day. Luke has woven so many normal events into the story that it is easy to place ourselves into the description. The story is anchored into a defined time in history and Joseph and Mary are normal people forced into action by laws and regulations. As is so often the case, life does not run smoothly and they are forced to compromise. This is all so normal we can easily identify with all that is happening.

It is then that Luke opens up a much wider picture with shepherds, again ordinary people, who are low on the pecking order being confronted with a celestial message. This moves the ordinary to the amazing and stirs the shepherds into action, so much so that they leave their flocks and search for and find the baby in a manger. However by Luke’s description even the lowly shepherds know that this is not simply a birth to celebrate but the action of God. Luke makes it clear that the blessing of God revealed in this birth is for every strata of society. The key theme is the message from the heavenly host, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors”. This is the essential message that Luke is wishing to convey. It is the coming of Jesus that brings to us the blessing of God in order to change our lives and equip us to live in harmony with God and with all God’s people. God is here and like the shepherds we need to open our hearts and minds to find that the blessing the angels announced is still present among us. We remember the birth story but it is the journey that we have travelled with Jesus until this point that gives the birth so much significance and power. It is who we see Jesus to be now that gives us such deep feelings about the story of nativity and enables us to accept afresh the salvation that he has won. He is no longer the babe in the manger but Saviour of the world and we now wait with expectation for his coming in glory to reign on the peace filled earth.

Prayer. Lord, you are the giver of every good gift and so today we thank you for the gift of Christmas; that Christ came and made his home with us, bringing new possibilities for us out of your love. He brought the light which shines into the darkness of our world like a beacon of hope which illuminates every heart that trusts in him. When the tinsel and the fairy lights have gone, we thank you most sincerely that his beacon of light will still be shining. Once more at Christmas we are reminded that we are blessed indeed by your grace made visible in Jesus Christ our Lord. All praise be to you Lord God. Amen.

Collect. O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Advent 4 A

Lectionary for Advent 4 A

A young woman is with child, and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Collect. Let us pray (for grace to accept God’s will for us): Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour: fill us with your grace, that in all things we may accept your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Isaiah 7:10-16. The Lord God is speaking through Isaiah to King Ahaz. This is not the first time God has spoken to the king for we read, “again”. By this time Isaiah is an old man for his work began the day King Uzziah died and Ahaz is Uzziah’s grandson and is well established in his reign. The kingdom of Judah has been weakened by attacks from surrounding enemies and so Isaiah’s prophecy is to turn and ask God for help and direction. However we see the pride and stubbornness of Ahaz for not only will he not ask for help from the Lord but also is stating his own righteousness by misquoting Deuteronomy chapter 6. Rather than trust God and accept his guidance Ahaz is preparing to deliberately avoid God’s advice and follow his own plans. Hidden in this exchange is the understanding that if Ahaz had asked for God’s help he would have also have to be obedient to God and in so doing would have had to admit his failure and disobedience. Having once started on a path away from God turning around becomes more and more difficult.

Following Ahaz’ rejection of God, Isaiah then addresses the whole of the nation by referring to the “house of David”. Here is a life and death statement for the future of the kingdom. The prophecy that Isaiah gives shows Ahaz that the very kingdoms he fears will be overthrown. These foreign kingdoms will be no more but because of his disobedience Ahaz and the kingdom will not gain any benefit from their demise.

When we consider this reading from an Advent perspective it reminds us that God is active in both the short and the long term. A baby needs to be only a few years old before it can make independent choices: Ask any parent of a two year old! The foreign kingdoms were conquered by Babylon which became the dominant power but so was the kingdom of Judah. Judah was taken into exile by the Babylonians and the great temple built by Solomon was destroyed. It was an exile that would be in place for seventy years.

However as the decades and the centuries passed God’s people began to realise that the prophecy was revealing God’s wider plan. There would come a time when Emmanuel would be born. He would be “God with us”. One who would stand and lead and guide and guard God’s people. Choosing once and for all to refuse evil and choose the good; walking in the way of God’s obedience. They will name him Jesus but we will call him Christ.

Prayer. Lord you are a faithful God, who fulfils every promise that you have made to your people. For your goodness and your grace we give you thanks; for your constancy we praise your Name. You alone prepare the future for us and give us confidence to face it with hope. The salvation of all your people is in our Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate again his coming among us may we also look forward with expectant hope to his triumphant return. To you be all power and glory now and forever as we offer this pray in his holy Name. Amen

Collect. Jesus, you are Emmanuel, God with us; you reveal yourself in startling and surprising ways. As Mary and Joseph once received your word, may we also welcome you today, for you are our liberation  now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 1:18-25. This is such a well known reading that it is easy to miss the important points that Matthew is recording. With his Jewish background, Matthew writes from a Jewish perspective. Right from the outset Matthew claims Jesus to be the Messiah, the one for whom the Jewish people had looked forward to for centuries. Both Mary and Joseph are linked to the tribe of Judah, importantly the tribe of David the royal household. Matthew is placing Jesus firmly into the royal line from which the Messiah was to come. This lineage is planted firmly into the story through the voice of the angel, “Joseph, son of David” Alongside that human lineage is the miraculous spiritual conception of Mary to bring Jesus to birth. Jesus is a child directly from the Holy Spirit, the “mighty wind of God”, the one who in Jewish thought figured so prominently from the very beginning of creation.

The passage reveals that Joseph made his decision to marry Mary based on his knowledge of the divine conception and also because of his trust in the action of God. For Matthew, Joseph is a man of high integrity and though not his biological son is important in the raising and nurturing of Jesus. There are hints that this was a known situation from the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees in John’s gospel where the Pharisees speak of Jesus’ illegitimacy. (John8:41) By the provision of God, Joseph’s trust in God gives Jesus a safe and secure environment in which to grow up!

The naming of Jesus is important for it sends the message that “God is salvation” and as with all things connected to Jesus, God and his actions are always central. Jesus is the one through whom God will save his people. This salvation is the fulfilment of the prophecy from Isaiah; that “Emmanuel’ would come to bring the very presence of God in order to help the people. From Matthew’s point of view it is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy which adds the final piece that shows that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah.

Through Matthew’s description we who stand in the era after the birth of Jesus, as well as the death and resurrection, can look back to the prophetic testimony but more importantly, can look forward with anticipation to the time when Jesus will return and the victory of God will be complete.

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.”” Re 11:15. NRSV.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you that you came and live among us and so we can meet you here and know of your goodness and grace. You have shared our life and in your victory have given us life. ‘For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.’ (Titus 2:11). By your obedience you have rescued us from the power of sin and death and opened up for us, new life filled with hope. In your mercy consecrate us again today through the power of your love, that our lives might reflect your goodness and our hearts and minds be so fixed on you. By your goodness and grace may everything we say and do be according to your will and for your honour and glory. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Lectionary for Advent 3 A

Lectionary for Advent 3

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart: ‘Be strong, do not fear!’ Isaiah 35:3-4

Collect. Sustain us, Father, wih the power of your love on our journey to meet the One who is coming; strengthen our weak hands, make firm our feeble knees, and open blind eyes to the dawning of your kingdom; that our hearts may rejoice with joy and singing as we behold the majesty of our God. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Isaiah 35:1-10. Isaiah tells us that his vision of God was awe inspiring. In his vision he saw God as so great that only the hem of his garment filled the temple. When we remember that the temple was bigger than a modern day shopping centre then we get a glimpse of how great was Isaiah’s vision of God. With that in mind it is easier to understand that from Isaiah’s perspective nothing was impossible for God. It is with that in mind that we need to read the reading for today.

Though the kingdom of Judah was surrounded by enemies great and small, all were more powerful than them. Even to a casual observer it was clear that conquest by an enemy was imminent and would be disastrous. Along with that the Northern kingdom of Israel had been taken into captivity long before and so for the People of God as a whole it looked like God had abandoned them.

Into that setting Isaiah announced his prophecy that there would be a return, not just a return but a glorious return in which the whole of nature would rejoice. It would be in this glorious return that the glory of the Lord would be revealed. This is an announcement with which to encourage all the people, giving them a vision of hope for the future. It would be a time of great celebration; a time when each one would live in contentment and peace.

As a reading to reflect on during Advent it reminds us that one of the key elements of our faith is the hope of the future return of Jesus as Lord and Saviour to once and for all to establish the finished Kingdom of God. Thus while we look back to what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ we more importantly look forward with longing and expectant hearts to what is still to come. Verse 10 of our reading sums it up perfectly, “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Is 35:10.) It is not only Isaiah’s vision; it is also a vision of the final victory of the finished work of Jesus the Lord.

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, as we faithfully recall your finished work for the redemption of the world, may we also be aware of the unfinished task which you have committed to your church; that empowered by your love and victory we may share in the labour of sharing your gospel with all humanity. And so Lord we pray that your church may be bold to lift high your name and ever be confident in the salvation that you have won and presented to all who would receive. Grant that we may serve daily, filled with the expectant hope of the victorious return of our Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 11:2-11. Jesus and John are linked in many ways. John was the one who announced his arrival in prophetic manner and also prepared the people to be ready to receive the ministry of Jesus. Also, in a relational way they were cousins and given the bond between Mary and Elizabeth they would have grown up together. At some point in their development the plan and purpose of God came to be fully understood and they both in different ways began their ministry: each following the path that God had chosen for them.

John had been placed in prison for speaking out against Herod and though Herod respected John, maybe even feared him, John’s incarceration would have been extremely hard to bear. John was a man more suited to the desert and the open spaces so confinement in a dark and inhospitable prison cell would have been demoralising. In such a situation it is not hard to understand why John would have asked the question of Jesus, “Are you the One?” Jesus responds by reminding John’s disciples of the things that he is doing. As we read his words we are reminded of the words from Isaiah of the blind, deaf and the infirm being healed and a sense of “good news’ being preached.

The answer to John’s question reminds us that Jesus did not come to bring a philosophy for life but to touch and change people by his actions. This is a reminder that it is what Jesus did as well as what he said that is important. Despite John’s questioning of Jesus, Jesus takes no offence but reaffirms John’s importance in preparing the people for Jesus’ coming.

In the reading Matthew reminds us of several important points. He links the ministry of Jesus firmly with the prophetic announcements of God’s promised fulfilment to rescue his people, bringing them a time for Good News. The ministry of Jesus is not a one off event but is the action of God prophesied by the Hebrew prophets throughout the history of Israel.

Matthew also gives us permission to face the question ourselves, “Are you the One?” This question really has to be answered by each believer. If Jesus is Lord then he is not one among many but is the Way and we can fully trust in him. As someone once said, “Either Jesus is Lord of all or he is not lord at all”

Finally Matthew’s emphasis is on the actions of Jesus; reminding us clearly that it was the actions of Jesus that changed the world and ushered in the new era of the Kingdom of God. Jesus shows us that God has acted and is still acting in this world and we can place our hopes fully in him.

Prayer. Be with us Holy God in the cut and thrust of today’s journey through life. Teach us to rely on you in all situations, keep us in your will, with our eyes fixed on you. Empower us by the action of the Holy Spirit that we will be ready to face each trial and temptation, and with confidence grasp each opportunity that the day brings for fruitful service in your name. May we be ready to accept success or adversity when that is your will for us. And above all Lord, teach us to know the difference between your will and our own. Give us each a servant’s heart, with which to serve you alone. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, you are the Christ of God; your reign of justice will surely arrive. Strengthen your people that we may wait in confident patience, and look for the signs of your coming; for you reign now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Advent 2 a

Lectionary for Advent 2

A voice cries out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ Matthew 3:3

Collect. Gracious Father,by whose tender compassion the light of Christ has dawned upon us: open our hearts, so that, joyfully receiving Christ, we may declare his glory to the ends of the earth. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Isaiah. 11:1-10. Isaiah is recounting the destructive power of the Lord but now as we commence chapter 11 comes a reassuring message of hope. A new shoot from David’s line brings the promise of a new kingdom. David’s kingdom had seen the whole of Israel united under one leader however after Solomon’s reign the tribes had divided until even the ruling tribe of Judah was under a foreign king. Thus Isaiah is describing a future kingdom in which God’s sovereignty will be finally established.

This kingdom will be significantly different from the one now being experienced. This kingdom will be one led by one who is in harmony with God’s Spirit. This new leadership will result in a kingdom which forms a just and equitable society. This society will emerge because its leader will not judge by the circumstances at the time but will judge by obeying the whole council of God. Through this leadership no one will be disadvantaged, all will be equally supported and cared for.

The picture that Isaiah’s vision paints is of a radically different society; one where even natural enemies will live in peace and harmony. It is a picture of a whole world changed irrevocably. These words of promise and prophecy have been read so often that it is easy to simply accept the phrases like the lion and the lamb will lie down together without realising what a profound change this description would envisage.

Isaiah adds to the difference by announcing that this new branch from David’s line will stand out like a beacon announcing once and for all that a new era has arrived. In this kingdom every nation on the earth will gather in unity and peace. In this kingdom it is not only the animals that will live in peace, all of humanity will be as one under the godly rule of this emerging leader. 

Prayer. Holy Lord we thank you for the promise from long ago that a leader would emerge who would lead a new community of faith and hope; a society in which all could live in harmony and peace. We thank you that we see that society forming around Jesus the Lord and Saviour of human kind. Grant by your Spirit that we may faithfully trust and obey his call and live in love and harmony as he has commanded. May our obedience recognise the victory that he has won for us on the cross, conquering sin and death. Help us in all things to acknowledge his way and so bring honour and glory to you, Lord God Almighty. Amen

Reading. Matthew 3:1-12. Matthew describes the ministry of John the Baptist as linked with the prophetic message of Isaiah, a message that announced the coming of the Christ and as such John stands as the last of the Old Testament prophets. Each of the prophets in turn looked forward to the time when God would intervene on behalf of his people by raising up a leader who like David would lead the people. Now John is announcing that the time has arrived and people need to get ready for the one who is to lead them. From the description that Matthew gives us, John signals the ending of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant that Jeremiah foretold. (Jeremiah 30). Perhaps it was this new beginning that made the religious leaders in Jerusalem question Jesus’ ministry from the start.

The message that John brings may sound harsh to our ears yet we need to remember that the prophetic voice from God has been silent for about 300 years. With that in mind John’s message reminded the people that God was still faithful and was indeed providing the fulfilment of his promise from long ago. Woven into the tradition of the old covenant was the promise that a new and godly leader would emerge to lead the people victoriously back to God.

John’s call  to baptism and his message was so authentic that immediately the question was, “Are you the One?” John asserts that not only is he not the One but he, John is unworthy even to perform the most menial of tasks for the One who is coming.

The baptism that John conducts seems to be quite new and unique; not connected either the the lustrations of the Jews, and also different from the coming baptisms performed as induction into the Christian faith. Nevertheless in the desert John gathered people together and this water of baptism judged them, purified them, and above all gave them hope in the promises of God.

John’s baptism prepares people for the coming of the Christ, making them ready for salvation but the New Testament is clear, only Jesus Christ who was baptised in the Spirit could grant that salvation. By submitting to the baptism of John, Jesus joins himself in solidarity with fallen humanity and with that link is able to take the whole of fallen humanity with him to the cross.

As we consider the story of John the Baptist it is important to recognise how interwoven their ministries are; John links the old and the new covenants together; prepares God’s people for the coming of Messiah and announces in dramatic fashion the saving ministry of Jesus. John greatly devalued himself as our passage shows but Jesus said of John, that he was the greatest among men. (Luke 7:28)

Prayer. Heavenly Father, as we read the announcement of John the Baptist, may we like John’s hearers prepare ourselves to recognise the true coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that our hearts will be open to receive all that Jesus has done on our behalf. May we never be ashamed to draw our strength from him and live out our lives in humble obedience,loving and caring as he commanded. May we live each day in the hope that his salvation brings, and by trusting in all that Jesus has done live lives at peace with you and with each other. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Merciful God, you have welcomed us in the overwhelming waters of baptism. Cleanse and renew us, that we may be led to new life by the Spirit of Jesus; for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Lectionary for Advent 1

Lectionary for Advent 1

I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ Come, people of Jacob, let us walk in the light of our God.     Psalm 122:1; Isaiah 2:5

Collect. Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came among us in great humility; that on the last day, when he comes again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Isaiah 2:1-5. Chapter Two records a vision that Isaiah saw and then tried to describe in words. We know from chapter six that Isaiah began his prophetic ministry at the end of the reign of king Uzziah. Isaiah had family kinship with the kingly line and so it is most likely that he was situated in Jerusalem and attached to the King’s court. By this time the Northern kingdom had been dispersed into exile and so much of Isaiah’s prophetic ministry is trying to bring the Lord God’s warning to the kingdom of Judah. The warnings were delivered in the hope that Judah would return to more godly ways and therefore avoid the fate of the people of Samaria.

Despite his best efforts Isaiah’s warnings fell on deaf ears, the various kings in whose reigns he prophesied refused to listen, much preferring to follow the idolatrous ways of the nations which surrounded them. As a consequence the nation of Judah grew smaller and weaker while the nations surrounding them grew more dominant and aggressive. It is into that setting that Isaiah describes his vision.

Isaiah is foreseeing a future time when Judah will once again be prominent and secure. This security will come about through the obedient worship of the people towards their God and the law. Furthermore Isaiah also sees a time when not only Judah but all the nations will gather to join in worship in the Lord’s house. When this happens God’s judgment will bring about a climate of peace in which all can dwell securely. All peoples will live together in peace and therefore there will be no need to train for war. Individual nations will no longer strive for supremacy for all will be included under the kingly rule of the Lord God.

As a result of the vision Isaiah invites and encourages Judah to begin to return to a more obedient walk with God for from the prophet’s perspective the future vision is dependent on the faithfulness of God’s people. In the initial call of Abraham that principle had been announced, God’s blessing to all the nations comes through the blessing of Abraham. (Gen 12;2-3). In God’s economy all are linked together and as Jesus reminded the woman from Samaria “salvation is from the Jews’ (John 4:22)

Sadly the kingdom of Judah did not listen to the words of Isaiah, indeed they were so angry with his constant warnings that finally tradition tells us that they murdered him to still his voice. Nevertheless his vision for a world enveloped in harmony still stands and with the Advent of Jesus that prophecy is moving towards it’s fulfillment.

Prayer. Holy and Righteous God how often do we long for a better world, especially when we see sadness and sorrow, injustice and violence abounding: when we see greed and power exploiting the weak and the vulnerable.  We long for change even more when we realise that we are part of the system which causes the injustice. Like the prophet Isaiah, we are people of unclean lips and we dwell among a people of unclean lips for we have neglected your ways and followed along paths which have given us false hope. Help us Lord, to reframe our lives according to your perfect plan. Help us to keep close contact with you and through the power of your Spirit, refresh us and set us on the pathway of trusting in you alone. This we pray, through Jesus Christ the only Saviour, now and for ever. Amen

Reading. Matthew 24:36-44. In this section of Matthew’s Gospel Jesus has been teaching his disciples and the question had been asked about the “day of the Lord”. A time when God would make right all things. This event would be a climactic day of both judgement and reconciliation. As we commence the season of Advent our minds turn to the return of Jesus Christ in majesty and power. It is an event which has been termed the “second coming”, however the bible does not teach about a second coming but rather a second appearing. (Heb 9:28) With the death and resurrection of Jesus a new era has begun. This new era will continue until evil and those who gain power through it are finally overcome and God is sovereign over all.

Jesus reminds us that speculating about the time of the completion of the age is wasted time; rather followers of Jesus must be alert and watchful not simply looking for his coming but looking to be obedient to Jesus’ way of living. It is therefore a reminder that the work of overcoming evil is already being continued by Jesus

The illustration taken from the time of Noah reminded the disciples that people were just focussed on getting on with life and in doing so were drifting further and further away from God and his requirements. The wickedness of the world led to the separation of Noah and his family from everyone else, so Jesus’ reference is a warning: a warning to always keep in mind the continuing work of Jesus.

To be so concerned about the things of this world while forgetting the work of Jesus is to court disaster. The battle against evil continues under the direction of Jesus and will one day be gloriously fulfilled.

While we cannot know the time of Jesus’ final appearing the season of Advent reminds us that we can be confident that the work will be completed and a time of “beating swords into ploughshares” will one day come. Our task is to live watchfully and prayerfully in faithful obedience to the way of Jesus. Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Heb 9:28 NRSV.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, we often seem to live in a world sliding deeper and deeper into disaster. All about us we hear and see the destruction and violence that is perpetrated against people, causing them pain and suffering. Forgive us Lord but it is hard to see any signs of improvement, and yet with the eyes of faith we know that good does prevail and that love triumphs over hatred. You are faithful and just and it is your love and your way that will finally conquer. So today we pray for the great needs we see and hear about: We pray for people involved in war, the hurt, the maimed, the bereaved: Those who have lost homes, possessions, even dignity itself. We pray for those who are suffering through lack of food and for those who are riddled with disease simply because they don’t have clean drinking water. We pray too, for greater confidence as we pray, for a freedom to discern what you would have us pray. Teach us to live our lives through our prayers, not simply bring our needs and mistakes to you in prayer. In prayer may we put on the armour of faith and then today, live as your children looking forward with greater confidence the day of your glorious appearing. Amen

Collect. Jesus, Coming One, we cannot know the day of your appearing; help us to keep  awake, to look patiently for you, ready to embrace your reign of peace; in your name we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Christ the King.

Lectionary for Christ the King

Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible. Colossians 1:15-16

Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King: grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Colossians 1:11-20. In this portion of Colossians Paul is offering a prayer to God for the believers who receive this letter. As such he is giving thanks for Christ’s Cross and resurrection which has generated the power to deliver each believer to a new status, inheritors of the gifts that God gives; namely redemption and forgiveness of sin. This redemption has effectively moved them from the kingdom of evil opposition to God, into the blessings of God’s Kingdom which gives light and life, and so to a freedom which brings peace and the opportunity to enjoy life to the full.

Paul then leaps from this blessing into a description of Jesus Christ, the Son through what is believed to be an early Christian hymn. Paul is giving thanks for the incarnation for it is through the incarnation that we can see Jesus and by seeing Jesus we see a description of God himself. The incarnation makes visible the invisible God! Without the incarnation we would not have seen God, God would essentially have been unknowable.

The encompassing of “all things” means that through Jesus Christ everything that is was created by him and is under his control.  Thus Paul is highlighting the ultimate supremacy of Jesus Christ.

As we read this section we remember that we have almost three centuries since the “enlightenment” began to influence our understanding of reality. This has influenced our thinking and has guided us towards a more spiritual understanding of Jesus. The early followers of Jesus had a different perspective for they had known him as a man. For them the reality of his deity was hard to grasp whilst for us it is the reality of his humanity we find more difficult to fully grasp. Paul is emphasising a man who was really human while at the same time being fully God is both Sovereign and Saviour. As ruler of all he has redeemed all, more over he has done this as a human being. This is an astounding ministry of grace and mercy. The result of this ministry is that through the cross the whole of creation can now be at peace and with God as God has always intended. This is the Lordship that results from the victory on the cross. As the old hymn said, Hallelujah! What a Saviour! (Philip P. Bliss 1785)

Prayer. Holy Lord, we your children lift our hands in prayer and thanksgiving that you would come and live this human life. What strength and love have you shown as you placed your infant life into the hands of sinful humanity. What hidden depths of brokenness were revealed by your humiliation on the cross; yet for such as us you came. We stand amazed at the sacrifice of grace, and we are in awe that through such love you have placed us into God’s loving care. We rejoice that as your children we now are free, and by the power of your Holy Spirit we are empowered to serve your plan and purpose. We your children rise up and praise your name. Giving all glory to you, O Lord our God. Amen.

Reading. Luke 23:33-43. The crucifixion is central to the Christian faith for it was on the cross that the salvation of humanity was achieved. Such was the degrading horror of crucifixion that it was reserved for slaves or criminals who were considered a danger to the Roman Empire, only very rarely did Roman citizens have to face crucifixion. Despite the horror of crucifixion the gospel writers do not dwell on the physical agony, rather it was the significance of the event rather than the event itself which they wanted to promote. (Historically speaking no description would have been necessary for every Roman subject would have been well aware of the horror crucifixion inflicted.)

What Luke does describe is the number of scriptural prophecies the crucifixion of Jesus fulfilled; condemned as a criminal, in a public place, laid to rest with the rich, wounded for our transgressions among others.

However, of equal importance was the record that this one was the king of the Jews. For us “king” represents only a title for the ultimate power that kingship brought in the ancient world has been lost to our experience. In its historical context the title carried with it a whole package of ideas and understanding. It signified that this man was the Messiah, the one that God was going to use to usher in the New Era. Therein lay a huge problem for the Jews. In the time of Jesus the expectations that the Messiah would soon appear were very high. Until his crucifixion many were prepared to believe that Jesus might be the one but from a Jewish perspective once he was crucified those expectations were dashed. Through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit Christian believers saw the events of the crucifixion very differently. For Christians the Messiah played a different role in the establishment of God’s kingdom.

As Messiah Jesus was the fulfiller of all the prophetic material that down through the ages God had revealed. The event of crucifixion is the climax of messianic prophecy. Thus, crucifixion is not only an event in history it is an historical event which has long been anticipated. It is the culmination of God’s plan to win back the whole of creation to himself. That is why as Christians we use this reading on Christ the King Sunday. The revealing of Jesus as Messiah and King is both our salvation and it also announces God’s victory. Here finally the results of the fall are set aside and creation is free once again to relate to God in peace. Under the kingship of Jesus Christ the time will come when the whole of creation will live in peace obediently serving God.

Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom.      Luke 23:42

Prayer. We thank you, Lord God that you gave us a different kind of royalty, one bereft of privilege and wealth, one whose power lies in truth, one who lives in faithfulness and grace. We thank and praise you Lord Jesus Christ, that you did not waver from your calling, living in perfect simplicity, bowing to the pain of our life, yet leaping free of its bondage. For all that you are and for all that you have done we raise our hands and hearts and express our thanks in all the ways that we can. All praise be to you, Holy God, King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen.

Collect. Crucified King, in dying, you reveal the ways of God to those who cause your suffering. Remember us in your kingdom, that we may be numbered among those who worship and acclaim you for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 23

Lectionary for Pentecost 23

Stand upright and hold your heads high, because your liberation is near. Luke 21:28

Collect. Almighty God, whose sovereign purpose none can make void: give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, knowing that your kingdom shall come and your will be done, to your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Isaiah 12. By prophecy God speaks through his Spirit to his people. Prophecy is not like a promise. Once a promise is fulfilled and the promised gift is received its time has passed. A prophecy remains as a message from God. Think of the prophecy that a Messiah would come. With the birth of Christ the prophecy was fulfilled yet still remains for the message informs us constantly of the action and nature of God. In our reading for today Isaiah declares to the nation a prophecy for the future. (You will say in that day!).  

In the previous chapter Isaiah has announced by prophecy that a Messiah would come and usher in a great season of peace along with a great gathering in of the scattered tribes of Israel. (We have noted before that by the time of Isaiah the kingdom of Israel was in exile and the kingdom of Judah was about to be overrun by Babylon) Isaiah’s prophecy is for a future time when a great restoration would occur. This time would see a time when the people of God would recognise their failure to be obedient and at the same time receive God’s full forgiveness. The salvation that God offers will strengthen them to live out a life free from fear, trusting fully in the power and strength of God to provide a life of peace and harmony. This is Isaiah’s vision of what the future holds for God’s people following the advent of Messiah.

When Isaiah first announced this message it would have been hard at first to take it all in for the disaster and doom which surrounded the nations was dire. However the nation had a history of knowing that God could do mighty things in order to rescue his people. Thus, drawing on both the shared history they had and a new vision proposed by Isaiah it would have been a great message of hope. On the one hand God’s anger, which they knew had caused their demise as a unified kingdom would be replaced with his loving care, bringing a time of comfort and restoration. With the acceptance of God’s forgiveness comes the response of thanksgiving for it is a recognition that God is once more in charge of the nations and under his control all will be well.

Isaiah’s prophecy also reminds the people that they have a part to play in this wholesome fulfilment in that they will draw water from this well of salvation. God is offering his salvation but they have to accept it through obedience. Once more they will be God’s faithful people, a people filled with joy continually in the presence of the Holy God.

Prayer. Lord of all, you are a very present help in times always faithful and true, yet we also recognise that often we feel alone and anxious about the future. Forgive us Lord that we so easily turn away from your truth and your guidance and follow our own schemes and designs. Forgive us for always wanting to be in control, thinking that we know what is best for us. Forgive us when we fail to trust you and yet expect you to rescue us when all else fails. Help us to turn to you first and to find patience and strength to wait on you as you supply the answers which fulfil us and all others. Trusting in you, may we support each other in the challenges we face. Lord fill us all with wisdom to see you at work and faithful to follow as you direct. May we be fruitful in our walk with you and so bring honour and praise to you. This we ask through Jesus our Saviour. Amen

Reading. Luke 21:5-19. In this reading from Luke we have two themes running side by side. Our attention is drawn firstly to the destruction of the temple and then there is the return of Christ and the fulfilment of the new age.

For centuries the temple had been the centre of Jewish religion and ritual. It reminded the people of the presence of God among them. At the time of Jesus the temple had been restored and extended by Herod as he tried to consolidate his kingship. The historian Josephus has a vivid description of the temple. A huge building plated on the outside with sheets of gold and what was not covered with gold was polished stone. It was a dazzling sight, so brilliant that in sunlight the eyes could not bear to look directly at it. Josephus said that from a distance it looked like a snow capped mountain. Placed on top of a hill it represented the very foundation of the Jewish people and their religious identity. When Jesus prophesied that it would be destroyed it would have been shocking news. However it was the destruction of the temple which would signal the return of Christ in triumph.

In answer to the question of when all these things will occur, Jesus warned his disciples that between the destruction of the temple and his return would be a dangerous time for there would be many false messiahs and it would be easy to be led astray by them. His advice was to be faithfully vigilant but not terrified for that time of danger was also a part of God’s unfolding plan. The time of danger would not only include persecution and violent opposition but also violent natural events that would shake the whole earth.

Despite the dangers this time would be a great opportunity in which to witness to the victorious return of the Lord Jesus. The text highlights a seemingly apparent contradiction that “they will put some of you to death” yet at the same time, “not a hair of your head will perish”. This reassures the believers that Jesus brings with him resurrection to eternal life, for death has been conquered in the age which his return will signal. Underlining it all is the final sentence that Luke records, by standing firmly by our faith we will endure through to the final victory.

God says: I am about to create a new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating.    Isaiah 65:17-18

Prayer. Almighty God we offer you our thanks and praise for in obedience your Son Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost. Grant that our prayer and ministry will be to work with him, witnessing to his great salvation and love. Increase in us the power of your Holy Spirit so that we may accomplish what is your will and purpose. May we persevere with endurance, walking in faith and trust in your Son, despite all the setbacks that daily living presents. So by your grace may we 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. Our times are in your hand, O God, even though nations may fall, and mortals perish; give us the courage to trust you, and to look for the day when your will may be done on earth; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 22

Lectionary for Pentecost 22

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.   Psalm 98:1, 3

Collect. Let us pray (for health of mind and body): God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do your work on earth. We ask 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.

Reading. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17. One of the questions this passage raises is “Which God are we worshipping?” Do we worship the God who is or God as we imagine him to be? Perhaps to bring our preface right up to date we might ask ourselves, are we responding to fake-news or the Truth!

Today there are many bible commentators who are working hard to discover when Jesus will return, even making predictions that it will be soon. This is despite our Lord himself saying that even he did not know for that time was in the Father’s hands. In other words the day of the Lord’s return is not for us to know. (Mark 13:32)

In the time immediately following the resurrection and Jesus’ ascension there was an expectation that Jesus would soon return to establish his Kingdom on earth. As time passed and as troubles and persecution began, people began to question more and more when the end would come. If Jesus was Lord, why were people dying before his return and why was there so much trouble to face. In that unsettled time letters began to circulate saying that the Day of the Lord had already come but this knowledge was known only to those who were able to discern the signs. This teaching added greatly to the believers distress and eroded their faith even more. Paul then is writing to assure the Thessalonians that Jesus is Lord despite the false rumours. His wise counsel to them is to remember his teaching that Jesus Christ must overcome all the forces of evil before the Day of the Lord comes. He also assures them that the “coming of the Lord” and “our being gathered together” are not two separate events but one single event which will come, “In the twinkling of an eye”. (1Corinth 15:52). This will be such a profound event that everyone will know.

In the second part of our reading Paul gives thanks for them for they themselves are a sign of the salvation that the Spirit brings through the lordship of Jesus. He encourages them to stand firm even in the face of disappointments and suffering. He further reminds them that it is the great love of God made visible to us through Jesus that gives each believer a hope that sustains us and with it the power to endure as we receive comfort and peace. God never promised us that no bad things would ever happen to us as believers; on the contrary scripture reminds us that we will face suffering just as Jesus had to suffer. What God did promise was that he would sustain us till the end. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God”. Romans 5:1–2.NRSV

Prayer. Lord, help us to keep our eye fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Grant that through him we may be able to draw our strength from you and face life filled with peace and confidence in all circumstances. By your power, open our eyes to see the opportunities to serve you which come our way each day. Give us the wisdom and insight that we need to be in the places of your choosing so that our service for you is both fruitful and effective. Bring to mind just now those people or situations for which you want us to pray. May our service not be in words alone but in power and in the Holy Spirit. May we see answers to our prayers according to your promise. May we not grow weary in doing good. Strengthen us for your effective service and may all our work bring honour and glory to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Luke 20:27-38. The idea that a man should be obligated to marry the widow of his brother seems an unusual command to those of us who live in a western society. However the command had a compassionate basis in a society where the position of women, and widows in particular, was very low. We need to recognise for widows there was no welfare safety net. In such a society a widow was more secure under the protection of a husband. Also by marrying within the family, the family line of the deceased brother could continue. Therefore while seeming strange to us the levirate marriage requirement had a strong pastoral and protective element. (Deut 25:5)

The Sadducees in trying to trap Jesus used the levirate marriage tradition to score theological points, making a mockery of a law which had much compassion about it. Jesus responds to the Sadducees by using marriage as a platform for his argument. Marriage and family are necessary for the procreation of children, thus obeying the requirement of God to be fruitful and multiply.(Gen 1:28)  In the age to come death will no longer be experienced and so procreation is unnecessary. With no need to bear children the need for marriage to produce and nurture children will be removed.

Jesus makes a number of points drawn from the scriptures. The children of God are destined for resurrection and so will become a part of the age in which people do not die. Also there are many incidents in the scriptures which attest that people go on after life. Enoch and Elijah for example, did not die but simply went on to be with God. Even Moses though he died, the site of his burial was not found and so his death is clouded in mystery. Hosea notes “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. (Hosea 6:2.) The key is that God’s children are destined to continually live before him. c/f Isaiah 26:19)  Furthermore Jesus reminded the Sadducees that God as Lord of life, continued to be the Lord of all the Patriarchs.

Jesus had refuted the Sadducees proposition that there is no resurrection by arguing from the scriptures that to deny the resurrection was to dismiss a major aspect of Old Testament teaching and tradition. With such a clear message it is no wonder that no one dared to ask him any more theological questions.

Prayer. O Lord, you are the true Author of life and to you we give all thanks and praise for the life we hold from you. We thank you for sending Jesus among us, for he is the light of the world and through him your eternal life flows to us. By your power you brought Jesus back from the dead, and he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. We thank you that through our Lord Jesus we become children of your kingdom. Grant that even now we may live by the power of your Spirit and so honour and serve you with joy and thankfulness. To you be all thinks and praise; now and forever. Amen

Collect. Living God, source of life eternal; in you our true selves are hidden, one day to be revealed; strengthen us to look forward with hope to the life of your reign of freedom; for the sake of Christ. Amen.