Advent 3 Part 2

Lectionary Reading  Advent 3  Part 2

An Advent Prayer: Almighty God: you have made us and all things to serve you; May the world be made ready for your rule. Come quickly Lord to save us, so that violence and crying may end, and your children live in peace, honouring each other with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives in power with you, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen. (Presbyterian Prayer Book)

Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. These verses represent a package. They link us with what is God’s will for us: This is what God wants. The head verse reminds us that we are called to be joyful. Perhaps you might think that following on from the year we have just had this is a tall ask. The word translated as “rejoice’ is best described from the Greek word and being “calmly happy” so it suggests an inner quality rather than an exuberance of hilarity! The passage is reminding us to be open to a closer relationship with God; praying, listening for God’s word to us and conducting ourselves in a way that would meet with God’s approval. The passage reminds us why rejoicing is possible when it sums up with the statement. “The one who calls you is faithful”. This is the key; here is a God on whom we can rely, one who has every base covered and who always assures us of the outcome that is best for us in every circumstance. God never shields us from life, for life is to be lived and that in itself results in risk, yet God is always at work leading us on and helping us grow. As we keep an inner calm and continue to reminder ourselves that the Faithful God is watching over us, even a year like we have had can continue to be faced with confidence.

Prayer. Holy and righteous Lord; before you all people must bow and give you honour. Help us good Lord, that events of life would not overwhelm us nor keep us from the understanding of your great love for us. In all events strengthen us, so that we may keep a tranquil and inner peace that will enable us to know your presence. Help us in the rush of this season to be still and breathe in the calming sense of your Holy Spirit. Grant that the presence of your Spirit will be an anchor for our lives. May we listen for your voice, guiding and directing us, so that the coming of our Lord will encourage us to faithful service in his name. To you belongs all glory. Amen

Reading. John 1:6-8, 19-28; John the Baptist breaks hundreds of years of prophetic silence when he announces afresh the ancient prophecy from Isaiah which signals the coming of Messiah. This prophetic voice links the Covenant from the Hebrew Testament, with the New Testament era and ushers in what Paul would call the New Covenant. John bears witness to the light and also bridges the gap between the Old Covenant and the New. As John was baptising those who were already Jews it brings a sense of preparing for something new that is coming, namely “the day of the Lord”. The coming Messiah will accept the people under both the old and the new covenants. John’s gospel indicates that the religious leaders understood the significance of John the Baptist’s proclamation yet at the same time they did not fully understand: Perhaps because it did not quite fit the pattern that the leaders were expecting. However John makes it clear that someone greater than him is standing unrecognised among them to usher in this new era. John was a voice crying in the wilderness straightening the way of the Lord and as such was an essential herald who marked the coming of Messiah. When we look at John’s proclamation in that way we see once again how amazing is the coming of Jesus. He stands at the very centre of human history and opens the way of salvation to all humanity. More than that he also announces that the Kingdom of God is beginning and through this Messiah, all are welcome.

Prayer. Gracious God, through Jesus Christ you have given us a renewed hope into a future that is unknown to us and yet known to you, for to you life holds no mysteries. As always you go ahead of us preparing the way. We thank you for the witness of John the Baptist who heralds the message of salvation which Jesus Christ will accomplish. We thank you that he is a universal Saviour and that all peoples are included. May we be worthy of his love and grace and live our lives always to honour his ministry. To you Lord be all glory, now and forever. Amen

Collect Hidden God, Jesus, the true light, enters the world and surpasses all that came  before; may we be enlivened by the light of Christ, as he brings to fulfilment all your purposes for the world; this we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Lectionary Reading Advent 3

Lectionary  Reading  Advent 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. The Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is your name, O God. Luke 1:47, 49

Reading.   Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. As we read these words from the prophet Isaiah it is easy for us to recall the words of Jesus that Luke records as Jesus was asked to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. Isaiah of course was hundreds of years before Jesus’ time, still in the prophet’s minds was the promise of the Messiah who was to come and would bring relief from oppression. This era recorded by Isaiah introduced a turbulent time for Israel. For Isaiah however this had been the time when he had his great revelation of the glory of God, at the time of the death of Uzziah, (Isaiah 6:1f) and had been called to the prophetic ministry. Throughout the book of Isaiah, whether you think of one writer or three as some scholars do, the book is written with passion and describes a God who is both powerful and yet compassionate. In this passage it is God’s servant who will work to begin a fresh start to the nation. This new start will bring justice and equity for all but particularly to the poor and disenfranchised. Isaiah describes a faithful God who is working for the good of the nation, a God who brings a future filled with hope. This will be a time for celebration yet Isaiah does not fail to remind his hearers that this will also be a time of judgement and calling to account. Therefore while Isaiah holds out great hope for a future which is glorious he also signals a challenge to live out a life of justice now, for while the “day of the Lord” is coming in the future, now is the time to live the kind of life that God requires.

Prayer. Lord, you have planted hope in our hearts and the promise of a great future through Jesus Christ. Help us at all times and in all ways to look only to him for all our needs. May we be a part of the just society that you are preparing through Jesus. May we live and work in order to honour him and in all things glorify you. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen

Reading. Psalm 126. This is a psalm with two moods. In the first half of the psalm there is the celebration of the return from exile. How wonderful it was to rejoice in the goodness of God and feel the thrill of release and the opportunity to begin again. Then in verse three the psalmist remembers the great things that God has done in the history of the nation and its people. This is the foundation on which they must build. Their history began with the covenant with Abraham, and then there was the release from Egyptian bondage and the time of restoration through the wilderness: Then the joy of the Promised Land and the struggles which ensued, leading to the demands for a king. This led to the triumphant days of king David and the emergence of a powerful nation, followed by a succession of kings and finally the nation divided and the subsequent defeats and exiles which caused so much pain and disharmony. So now, the psalmist longs for a new start and the rebuilding of both the nation and their relationship with God. Though there is great sorrow for the things that have passed there is also a longing for a future built on what God has done. Their God was more than a deity, God was the Great Creator and the harvest was always the indication of God’s blessing on the nation. While the harvest was essential for the survival of the nation by providing food to eat and goods to exchange the people understood that even so the harvest belonged to God. While praying for a new beginning the psalmist is also praying that the nation will sow with penitent hearts and then in due season reap a harvest of blessing. This harvest will signal the restoration of the nation and usher in a completed time of peace and security free from the fears and trauma of exile. Thus it will be truly a Harvest of Joy.

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 (NRSV)

Prayer. Each Day Lord you call us to a new beginning. New every morning is your love for us. As our life is your gift to us, may we therefore live each day with love for you. Forgive us for those things which are contrary to your will. Help us to walk always in your way, trusting in you alone. You Lord have the strength we need for fruitful living, grant that we may draw on that strength and so live out our lives in faithful service. this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect O God, Father of the poor and lowly, you have called all people to share the peace and joy of your kingdom. Show us your kindness and grant us hearts pure and generous, that we may prepare the way for the Saviour who is coming, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Advent 2 Part 2

Lectionary Reading         Part 2        Advent 2

An Advent Prayer: God of the prophets: on the banks of the Jordan River you sent a messenger to prepare people’s hearts for the coming of your Son. Help us to hear the good news that can change our minds in order to repent, and be ready to welcome the Lord, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading. 2 Peter 3:8-15a One of the results of modern living is that life is now lived at a frenetic pace, there seem to be so many things to fit into a day. Even when we are seemingly at rest our lives are filled with, “screen time”,  TV noise or radios playing. And, need I mention the mobile phone which can and often does ring and force you to stop and pay attention to different items or issues. The idea of being still and acknowledging that the Lord is God has become, even for faithful Christians, a very difficult task. Think of how often we approach the throne of grace with an agenda. The thought of letting God set the agenda seldom fits into our plans, and that presents us with a problem. God’s pace, like God’s ways are very different from ours, which might lead us to ask the question, from whose plan and purpose are we working? What does it mean when we read that we should regard the patience of the Lord as our salvation? Salvation is much more than a one way trip to heaven! Salvation is about whole of life health. It is about placing our confidence and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and trusting him for each step of life’s journey. It is about letting him be our focus in the midst of each and every task. The challenge of recognising that to God a thousand years is as a day reminds us that God is working towards the restoration of the whole creation in his own way and in his own time. Jesus came to be in charge of that plan of restoration and every person is included in that restoration. It is not only that we should not lose heart, we should also rethink how we live our lives, how we order our priorities, and above all how we let God set the agenda on the ways we spend our time, as we do the essential as well as the non essential tasks of life.

Prayer. How often Lord do we long for a better world, especially when we see sadness and sorrow, injustice and violence: 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. Mark 1:1-8 Mark begins his gospel by announcing that Good News is coming, and then moves quickly to describe the ministry of John the Baptist. From Mark’s perspective John is the herald who is preparing the way for the Lord’s arrival. John is often depicted as delivering a stinging message and yet when you look carefully at his announcement, rather than bringing fear and foreboding, his message would have brought anticipation and excitement. This direct voice of prophecy had been silent for so long that with its coming the people’s hearts would have been stirred; John brought a message that for hundreds of years had been looked forward to with great longing. Mark’s introduction announces the coming of Messiah, the one who was to rescue Israel from the hands of the oppressor and once more bring peace and stability to the whole nation. John did have harsh words to say to the religious leaders but to the people, here was an announcement that signalled a turning point in the history of the nation, the fulfilment of God’s promises from long ago. It is hard for us to imagine just how this coming Messiah would have impacted the lives of ordinary people especially when we ourselves listen to the preamble that will lead to the coming of Jesus Christ into human history.  For us this is a reminder that Jesus came and lived among us, and we also know how that part of the story ends, with a cross and resurrection. Therefore this historic record is a reminder for us that one day Jesus will return as Lord and King. Do we look forward to this end time with great anticipation, or do we simply celebrate for a few Sundays and then return to “life as usual”. God fulfilled his promise to send Messiah and in the same way God will fulfil his promise and one day Jesus will return.

Prayer. Gracious God, before the world was formed you were fully present and after this world has passed away you will still be: before you we recognise our fleeting insignificance and yet we marvel that you sent your Son to be our Saviour. Forgive us when we fail to grasp how significant was his coming. Forgive us when we allow life events to crowd out those things which are of true significance. Dawn afresh in our hearts and minds and so encourage us, that our whole of life perspective will be changed and we will fully recognise that you, the Almighty God, have all things in hand. In humility we bow before you and offer to you our thanks and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. God our deliverer, your servant John cried out in the desert; help us to wait with patience for your salvation, and trust in the promise that you hear those who cry through Jesus our Lord. Amen

Lectionary Reading Advent 2

Lectionary Reading   Advent 2

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 40:5

Reading. Isaiah 40:1-11 Here is a gentle voice of comfort to a nation in ruins. Israel had a law of Jubilees, that every 50 years there would come a time of restoration. Among other things: Debts would be forgiven, Slaves would be released and the lands allotted to each tribe would be restored. It was a sign that Israel would once again be drawn together as a nation. An added word of encouragement in this prophecy was that a Jubilee of the Lord was coming; a time when God would be revealed as King and would come and lead the nation. These would have been great words of hope to a nation who knew that it was struggling simply to survive. God was the great Creator and everything was ultimately under his control and so despite the struggle to survive this proclamation offered a new beginning.

There is also a timeless message that comes through, and that is that all things are transient, only God is eternal. Though the grass may wither and the flowers fade God will always be able to remain supreme.  The bleak days will pass and good times will return. In all circumstances God is still in charge and we can trust that God to shepherd us into a time of peace and safety. Everything has a season, God’s providence still remains. Thus the announcement, “Here is your God!”, touches just the right chord to give that hope and new beginning which is celebrated at Advent.

Prayer. Gracious God, as we prepare once again to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Help us to look ahead to his new coming amongst us and so live in hope of that great day. May our lives reflect all that Jesus has won for humanity, may we love and serve according to his will. Let our eyes be open to see those in need and may our hearts be softened so that in all ways we will reach out to love and care in your name. May we recognise in the situations that we face that the great Shepherd of the sheep is close at hand. Amen

Reading. Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13. This psalm looks forward with hope to the time when the promise of God to restore Israel would come to pass. The psalmist is writing at a time when it was the pagan armies who ruled the people. In that rule God’s people were humiliated: Thus the common phrase we note in the psalms, “Where is your God?” Despite the humiliation, all of Israel looks to the time when God would appear and speak the comforting words of peace to his people. In a time of great humiliation, the psalmist captures what must have seemed like a dream even to the most ardent believer with the verse that says, “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky”. Psalm 85:10-11 (NRSV)  For the psalmist the whole atmosphere will be changed when God once more takes charge of the land. As we read these words we have come through a year which has disrupted life as we knew it before, everything seems to have changed, nothing seems the same. It is easy to lose hope for a better future. Imagine what it must have been like for God’s people to have suffered under successive tyrants, and yet they did not give up on the promises of God. They learned to trust and to persevere. This season of Advent gives to us a Christians renewed hope, for we have known of the coming of Emmanuel and we have experienced the forgiving power of his love. So we too wait in hope and trust that one day in the unknown future the Lord Jesus Christ will appear. When he does the whole creation will be changed and like the psalmist we too will celebrate for God’s salvation will be at hand and his glory will fill our land.

Prayer. “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NRSV)

Teach us dear Lord to wait patiently for the fulfilment of your promises. Lead and guide us so that we do not dwell on our concerns, nor become anxious or distressed. May our trust never waver as we keep our eye on your faithfulness. May our hearts  rest quietly, knowing that you are always near; your hand always ready to protect and guide as we trust in you alone. Amen

Collect. Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people for the Messiah: inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before him; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and for ever. Amen.

Advent 1 Part 2

Lectionary Reading     Pt 2     Advent 1

Reading. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Grace is not a thing, it is essentially the way that God forms a personal relationship with humanity. In this relationship God makes the first approach and comes to us with kindness and concern. It is grace that gives each one of us confidence to approach God and also trust God. When Paul announces, “grace to you“, he is recognising the presence of God on and in the believers. With the grace of God comes the Spirit of God: with the Spirit come the gifts of God. Therefore the congregation is equipped to be in active service in the name of the Lord. Through the grace of God the efficacy of the gospel is completed in every believer. Paul ends this opening statement by assuring the hearers that God is faithful and so what God has promised will be fulfilled. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the foundation on which they are building: God’s grace has equipped them in every way so that they can face whatever the future holds with godly confidence. Paul has much on his mind for things are not going well for the congregation and he is going to address the divisions and failures, not so much with criticism but by reminding them of their status is Christ. Paul is anxious for the congregation to flourish and grow. They will do this best by holding onto the understanding that God’s grace has empowered them.

As we begin our Advent preparation to welcome again the birth of our Saviour, it is always an opportunity for new beginnings. We do this best by reclaiming what Jesus has done for us and remembering how he has gifted us to serve him. Have we made mistakes, almost certainly, but in Jesus all is forgiven, so like Paul as we celebrate this special season let us also do what he has recommended; “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NRSV)  

Prayer. Holy God, your mercies are new every morning and through each evening, you watch over us for you never slumber nor sleep. Recognising afresh your loving presence we bow before you and give you all thanks and praise. In you alone can we place complete trust and in turbulent times you are our rock and our salvation. Teach us to be at peace in your presence that we may be strengthened for the new day that dawns, and walk through the day with confident hope: and through your grace we may fulfil those things that will honour your name and so serve you with all our heart and soul and strength. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reading. Mark 13:24-37. This passage from Mark is part of the apocalyptic writing within his  gospel. Scholars have questioned how authentically it reflects Jesus’ teaching but that questioning needs to be considered in the light of some of Jesus other parables like the wedding feast and the wise and foolish bridesmaids. These too hint at a coming judgement. Mark’s apocalyptic writing still has an important point to make. In our current interpretation we think of the Apocalypse as a time of disaster but for the writers of Marks vintage an apocalypse was used with the correct meaning as an unveiling. Apocalyptic language was revealing what was to happen in the future but it used coded language so that only those who understood would discern how the end would transpire. Therefore, Mark is saying there will be a time of sorrow when every system in the world will be upset and nothing will seem quite the same. Normality will be a thing of the past. In that chaotic time God will begin to gather his chosen people together and so the fruit of the end will soon be visible. The one thing that will remain will be the teaching of Jesus; that his salvation and his lordship will remain. This set of teaching points was delivered by Jesus to his disciples from the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3) so for them it had great significance which draws our attention to the lesson of the “doorkeeper”. After the sorrows and the upheaval even Jesus’ closest disciples are charged with being alert and diligent in keeping watch for the Lord’s return. If these closest associates are being warned to be ready how much more does this message apply to us. Advent announces the infant Jesus’ coming and it also announces that one day Jesus will return as Lord and King.

Prayer. Gracious Lord, Our Saviour came to be a light shining in the darkness. Guided by that light; may we walk in the ways of justice, peace and truth: Looking always to you with grateful hearts, remembering all that you have accomplished, not only for our sakes but for the sake of the whole creation. As we approach the season of Christmas we pray for people everywhere, that they may enjoy a freedom to celebrate in honour of your birth among us. May this season bring people in all circumstances a little closer to the truth that set us free.  Pour out upon our world your healing and your mercy that all of us together may be renewed in body, mind and spirit; to the honour and glory of your name. Amen

Collect. Saviour God, your purposes are sure; help us to keep awake and trust the future to you, that we may be constant in faith and free from fear; in Christ’s name. Amen.

Lectionary Reading Advent 1

Lectionary Reading          Advent 1

Restore to us, O God, the light of your face, that we may be saved.    Psalm 80:3

Reading. Isaiah 64:1-9

The book of the prophet Isaiah is filled with hope for the future, a future where the God of Israel would be in charge. Like others before him, in this passage Isaiah is longing for the day when God will intervene in a powerful way and it will be a time like it was as the people crossed the wilderness. The powerful presence of God would be demonstrated and the whole creation would take notice.  However even as the prophet pleads with God to intervene there comes the recognition that God’s absence is due to a lack of faithful obedience on behalf of the people. Indeed the prophet poses the question, “Can a people like us be saved”: In other words are we beyond hope? Isaiah doesn’t know the answer but he does know that God is faithful and like a gracious father will reform them. Thus the prophet looks forward with hope towards the future and the restoration of that familial relationship again. Thinking about this reading in the context of Advent we see that it is well balanced; on the one hand longing, indeed pleading for a close intimate relationship with a holy God. While on the other hand recognising the many failures to live as obedient children, failing to honour the inheritance that God has given to them. Isaiah highlights what we all know; how painful it is when God does not seem to answer when we call out: As psalm 104 says. “When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust”. Psalm 104:29 (NRSV) Surely a reminder that without God we are lost.

Yet there is this constant promise of hope that is also embedded in the passage, the opportunity to be remade: Nevertheless, to be remade we first have to face up to what we are. Isaiah’s remedy is not to “try harder” for he reminds us that to God even our righteous deeds offend. The only remedy is to trust in the goodness and grace of God and as we plead for God to “come down”; we pray expectantly, remembering our need to be ready.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ. Our true advocate before the throne of Almighty God, your endless mercy fills us with wonder and hope. You alone can rescue us from sin and death, and so to you alone we turn and confess that we have been ignorant of your gracious will and have chosen to follow our own ways. We have wandered far from the truth, using you as a safety blanket rather than accepting you as our Lord and Saviour. Forgive our foolishness and indeed our arrogance. Lord as we reflect on the reality of our lives we are humbled before you for we know that only through your mercy will we find health and strength again. Restore in us a true and constant spirit, a spirit which relies on you alone. And in your mercy give to us that right relationship with which to praise and adore you in sincerity and truth. We ask through Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; One God for ever more. Amen

Reading. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19. The psalmist recognises very well that God is sovereign and omnipotent; nothing is beyond the control of this enthroned God. God is the Shepherd who can and does gather together the sheep. Indeed the psalmist is almost pleading for God to shake them into action. Their only hope will be for God to return to them. “O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved”. Psalm 80:3 (NRSV) The life that they once enjoyed has been lost and so there is now the recognition that the people are in need of restoration.

As a significant step along this journey the psalmist calls out for a leader who will lead through God’s strength and power: The one God has prepared. Always this future hope; this hope of a Messiah, was what sustained the nation despite its many trials. The safety of the Promised Land had proved illusory and even though they knew this was due to their back sliding yet their hope remained.  The nation’s hope in God’s promised rescue helped them to cling on. It also helped them to hear the words of rebuke that the psalmists and the prophets pronounced from time to time. God had called them from slavery to freedom and though they often chose to be disobedient somehow they always believed that God would once more come to the rescue. As we reflect on both of the readings for this week we wonder at God’s faithfulness toward prodigal Israel. There is much emotion in the heartfelt prayer of both the psalmist and the prophet and we sense just how much is at stake. With Advent in mind we can understand afresh how wonderful it is that God sent his Son. God’s Son did come down and pitched his tent with us. Jesus was the shepherd who came to gather in the lost and what is even more remarkable this Shepherd rescued even those who never knew him.

Prayer. “Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also”, Romans 3:29 (NRSV) Gracious Lord, we together with all people give honour and glory to you, for you are the great Creator, you sustain all things and are the one before whom all will one day bow. In humility we offer our prayers with thankful hearts and recognise again and again how good you are. We thank you for the freedom that is ours through Christ Jesus, who by his great mercy had set us free to know and honour you. Great is your faithfulness amazing King of kings and Lord of lords. Now and for ever. Amen

Collect. Almighty God, you have promised to make all things new. Graciously enable us to prepare for the coming of Christ your Son that he may find us waiting eagerly in joyful prayer. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

November 22 Part 2

Lectionary Readings   November 22  Part 2

To celebrate Christ the King Sunday is to look forward to the time when the whole creation will live in harmony and peace. We worship on this day with this hope of renewal.

“The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad”! Psalm 97:1 (NRSV)

Reading. Ephesians 1:15-23. This reading reminds us of the great role that Jesus fulfils in creation for he is the one through whom all things hold together. It is hard to get one’s mind around just what that would encompass. Perhaps it is because of this “fullness” that Paul prays the believers will have the gift of wisdom and revelation so that we will know what true Christian hope is really. This hope affects not only each individual believer it shapes and reshapes the whole church, the body of Christ.

      Christian hope is built on a foundation from the past. This is not simply a history lesson, it is revelation. Biblically we are warned against seeing and seeing and yet not seeing, and hearing and hearing and still not hearing. In other words it is more than just knowing, it is also understanding, and this understanding comes through guidance from the Spirit and through revelation.   Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear; Ezekiel 12:2

      Christian hope is based also on a present reality. If anyone is in Christ, New Creation, the old has gone behold the new. ( 2Cor 5:17)  God is at work in our lives right now. God comes not only with full forgiveness but also with strength and guidance.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

      Christian hope is focussed on a future expectation: This is the hope that Christ will come again and will rule this world so all his people will live securely and in peace. Paul is praying that his listeners will hold on to all of Christ’s promises and so live a life filled with hope, a hope in God, faithful and active.

      We live in troubled times; often it seems that our Christian values and ideals are being eroded one chip at a time. It is at times like these we need to remember that God is building his kingdom and within that kingdom all that Jesus has accomplished will be revealed and secured. It will be a place of everlasting harmony with God and with each other. The key word towards that hope is trust: Trust in what God has determined, trust in what Jesus has accomplished and trust that all we can do or need to do, is simply accept the fact of Jesus Christ’s sovereignty and get on with life.

Prayer. Holy, holy, holy Lord, the whole earth is filled with your glory and so in wonder love and praise we open our hearts and lives to you in prayer; humbled that you ask us to call upon your name; amazed that you hear us when we call; over whelmed by the love with which you surround us. In Jesus Christ you have secured for us a future filled with hope and day by day you give us confidence to face life always in your presence. We give to you all thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 25:31-46. The opening phrase of this reading says it all, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory,” This tells us that Matthew is envisioning a different aspect of Jesus’ ministry, a future aspect. We need to remember that the New Testament is not simply telling us about Jesus; it was all written long after Jesus had died and ascended to be seated at the right hand of the father. (Ephesians 1:20) Thus the New Testament is describing who Jesus was; why he had come; what he had achieved. Matthew in this passage is posing a vision of the summing up of Jesus Christ’s ministry. We often have an image of Jesus as the one who heals, forgives, is the champion of the poor, the caller of little children, etc. It is often an image from the bible stories we remember and it is also an image we can manage.  Matthew is not denying any of those titles but also adding a image of the one who comes as king. Many years ago my wife and I were invited to Buckingham Palace to the annual Garden Party! No, we didn’t meet the Queen but we did get very close to her. The Queen is very small in stature but she has an amazing presence perhaps enhanced by the armed guards with sub- machine guns looking down on us from the parapets of the Palace. It sort of gave the message, you don’t mess around here! That is the message that Matthew is promoting as he describes the return of Jesus in all his glory.

      In this picture the king commands and the king makes pronouncements and no one can gainsay his word: Matthew does describe a scene of judgement! It is interesting that the judgement criteria are couched in the same terms as Jesus’ own ministry: The hungry are fed, the thirsty are quenched, the lonely are welcomed and the naked are clothed. Those in prison are comforted and the sick receive ministry. An equally notable part of the story is that neither group of those gathered realises whether they had or had not done the ministry tasks. Perhaps this is suggesting that obeying King Jesus is not about ticking off good deeds done but is much more about living in relationship with the King and obeying his moment by moment direction. Living under the lordship of King Jesus leaves us with the same tasks that Jesus had: We are to be involved in his ministry.

One thing is certain, Matthew is describing a king who comes both to rule and to judge and who expects to be obeyed.

      Our readings for this week mark the end of the Church year and so next Sunday we will begin the season of Advent and remember again Emmanuel, God with us. We rejoice in that season for it heralds the coming of our Saviour. Advent is the time to rejoice, however on this Sunday we celebrate Christ the King and also recognise that when Jesus comes again, he will come as judge. One of the ancient slogans was that “All roads lead to Rome!” perhaps today it might be good to remember “that not all life styles lead to eternal life”!

Prayer. Lord, you have done all things well and in sending your Son you have begun an act of salvation that will rescue the whole of creation. We are such a small part of that great work and yet in your mercy and grace your love overflows into every part of our life together. With thankful hearts and minds set on you, we offer our prayers not only for ourselves but for all our sisters and brothers across the world. For those who are in isolation we pray for companionship, for those who have lost loved ones we ask for comfort as they grieve. For those who have to make important decisions we ask for clarity and wisdom and for those who are unwell we ask for healing and restoration. We pray also for your church that in these times of turmoil and disquiet your church would stand strong and bear witness to your love and grace; and through your forgiving power be a beacon of light and hope, and may the Name of Jesus be lifted high that all the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, outcast sovereign, you judge the world by its care for your sisters and brothers, the poor, the naked, the prisoner. Help us to discover your face in the face of the needy; and finding you there, may we find ourselves enriched; for you are Lord. Amen.

Lectionary Readings Nov 22

Lectionary Readings   November 22 

This Sunday the church celebrates Christ the King. Beginning in the 20th Century this set of readings on the one hand marks the end of the church year, and also looks ahead to the end of all things. It draws significance from the ascension and the understanding that Jesus is now reigning and will one day announce the final coming of Jesus as Lord, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the royal throne, and say to those at his right hand: ‘Come, you have my Father’s blessing; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  Matthew 25:31, 34

Reading. Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Ezekiel’s prophecy reminded the people of the nature of God, who constantly cares for the sheep, the people of Israel. These would be words of great comfort for they looked forward to a time when the nation would once more be under God’s control. This year the whole world has been gravely disturbed by the Covid 19 virus. Lives have been disrupted and many have faced illness and death. That disruption pales into insignificance compared to the disruptions that Ezekiel’s people faced. Great and powerful nations were on the march, and once aggressive and powerful kingdoms were in steep decline. In this realigning of great powers, smaller nations suffered humiliation and exile. Despite this turmoil Ezekiel offered a strong word of hope which centred round total reliance on God. For the prophet, God is supreme and he will gather the nation together once more. In addition God will establish a leader who will rule with benevolent mercy. King David had been dead for over three centuries so at the time of writing, this David, of whom the prophet is highlighting is a vision of the future. The great hope is there will come a time of godly stability which will not only give the nation comfort but will also deliver justice for all the oppression and subjugation the nation has suffered. The prophet’s appraisal of the world view is also linked to his prophetic word to the nation itself. Not only have the people been subjugated by powerful nations, even from within their own people there have been serious injustices. Some have grown fat and sleek while others have been pushed aside. In the prophet’s view this does not please God and God’s demand is that they will show justice and care for one another. In the new kingdom that Ezekiel is envisioning those who will participate in the benevolent reign of leader David will themselves be godly, merciful and just. Ezekiel’s message is comforting but also uncompromising: the God of Israel will protect and lead the people, but the people themselves must also play their part by being obedient to the commands of God. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”? Micah 6:8 (NRSV)

Prayer. Gracious God, your providential care surrounds all of your people. You comfort those who are suffering and in distress. Your eye is on those who are grieving loss of every kind. You support the lonely and those who have lost hope. You open up a future for all who trust in you. So Lord God we give you all thanks and praise for your mercy and love. We pledge ourselves to follow in obedience, knowing that in you we will find all we need for faithful and fruitful life. This we pray through our Saviour,  Jesus Christ, who is himself, the way, the truth and the life. Amen

Reading. Psalm 100. This is a great psalm of praise and thanksgiving. The opening line reminds us who God is. This God is the maker of all that is and everything in all of creation is programmed to give God due honour and praise. It reminds us of a verse from Isaiah 55:12 “ For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  

This praise and thanksgiving tells us that the creation is not fragmented but is one great complete entity encompassing all things; all living beings; and all created things are interconnected for they all come from the one Creator.

The psalmist’s movement into worship and praise is to firstly acknowledge the sovereignty of the Great Creator. Following on from that each stanza is a renewed call to worship and praise because of who God is, and what God has done for the people. It is not hard to imagine the excitement and praise that the whole worshipping throng would have experienced. The praise and thanksgiving the psalmist is encouraging is much more than an outward show, it is worship that is deeply felt. The worshipper’s whole being is celebrating how wonderful and all providing this Creator is. The psalm looks back to what God has done and also looks forward to what is still to be, for this God is “faithful to all generations”. It is this hope that would have had a significant impact on each worshipper. Every person is urged to be active in this worship. Being passive as the psalm unfolds is not in the psalmist’s mind.  The psalm ends in a great crescendo. “For ….”!

All the worship and praise is based on who God is and what God has done. This great God has done everything out of his goodness and grace and so in the end we can trust this God and live confidently in the creation this great Creator has made.

Prayer. Lord of all, to you we give all thanks and praise,  you are worthy of all glory and honour.  For every blessing we lift your name on high and rest secure in your great love and providential care. Your provision in life is wonderful to experience and we are forever grateful for all that in Jesus you have achieved. You are the King of all kings and all creation bows before you and your holy name: From everlasting to everlasting. Receive our humble thanks and praise as we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Collect. Father, you have established your Son as only king and shepherd of all people, to build from all the painful events of history your kingdom of love. Increase within us the certainty of faith: so that we may look forward to that day when, having destroyed our final enemy death, Christ will hand over to you the work of his redemption, that you may be all in all; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

November 15 Part 2

Lectionary reading   November 15   Part 2

But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NRSV)

Read.1Thessalonians 5:1-11  It is always good to remember that the whole of the New Testament was written after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus: it is therefore written from the perspective that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of Yahweh and is ruling in power. Christ’s ruling power is not always evident but the underlying hope is that one day all will be revealed and on that day “every knee will bow before him” ( Phil 2:10) Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that no one knows when that day will come, only that it will come in its proper season. This is to remind all believers of the need to be always be ready for the day when it does come. This assurance of Christ’s return comes after Paul’s teaching that those who have died since believing will securely be in Christ’s presence. Perhaps it is an indication that the question of Christ’s return was being questioned. Perhaps we can further infer that this wave of doubt has lead to a tendency to return to pre believer ways! The emphasis then is not simply that the return of Christ is certain but because he will return the need to live out the Christian life is paramount. Once the light of Christ has dawned on and in a life the believer is then to walk in that light: In today’s world, even after more than two millennium it continues to be an important reminder for each of us. Jesus will return as Lord and Christ. We do not know the day or the time but we do need to be ready. Furthermore we are called to live out the Christian life as a witness to those who do not yet believe and as an encouragement to those who do. It is a reminder that Jesus is Lord and one day we all will stand before him and give an account of ourselves and that account needs to be as “children of the light!”.

Prayer. Almighty God, by your great mercy the light of Jesus Christ has exposed the reality of our lives and called us back into true fellowship with you. By your love guide our lives, that we may live always in harmony with your will and good pleasure. Forgive us those times when we have fallen short of the mark and failed to be your faithful disciples. Forgiving what is past help us to move into a more confident future always with our attention anchored in you and your ways alone. As we pray may the burdens of life be lifted and may we find that refreshing peace which sets us free to love and serve you with our whole heart and mind and body. All this we pray through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever more. Amen.

Read. Matthew 25:14-30 The word talent has been used as a gift, such as, she has a talent for playing the piano. In the setting of this parable though, a talent is worthy gift as a talent has a monetary value of more than fifteen years worth of wages for a labourer. Therefore, five, two and even one talent signify huge sums of money. As a further description of the kingdom of heaven it has much to teach. The vast sums of money described would have immediately caught the attention of those who were listening to this teaching. For ordinary people who lived day to day to have a cash reserve of one year’s wages would have been beyond their wildest dream. That a “servant” or “slave” (doulos), would be entrusted with such a sum would show a significant amount of trust. The gracious bounty of the Lord is being described and each “servant” receives this bounty, whether five, two, or even one, of the talents. Serving such a generous master is both a privilege and a responsibility.

The parable also indicates that the master expects the servant to use the bounty in ways that reflect the master’s generosity. In the ancient world the master was responsible for the personal welfare of the servants and so had the right to expect, the servant would work and so return an increase. That the master has total sovereignty is described as the master returns and calls the servants to account. The ones who have worked diligently are rewarded with even greater responsibility but the servant who neither worked not appreciated the generosity of the master was banished from the master’s relationship. Thus as a description of the kingdom Jesus reminds his hearers of the gracious benevolence of the Lord; His expectation to be served with obedient service and then a reminder that all will come before the judgement of the final days. That the master goes on a long journey and only returns after a very long time emphasises the idea that the end time will be long delayed. This delay does not mean that servants, any more than believers, can afford to be inactive in the service of the master. Rather the parable demonstrates an expectation of diligent service no matter how long the master is away. It the end the master will return and will look to be repaid for his generosity and then be able to reward his servants appropriately. .

Prayer.  Holy Lord, you have filled our lives with good things and blessed us beyond measure. You graciously have given to us the gift of life that we may participate in all the beauty and wonder of your creation. Pour into our hearts that spirit of praise and teach us to see with new eyes all your works and so praise your name with heartfelt thanks. Help us to keep in mind all those who do not enjoy the benefits that enrich our lives; our homes our families and an orderly society where we can be at peace. As those who have been richly endowed with blessing, may we always have a true understanding of how great a debt we owe to you. So with humble hearts we pray  with thanksgiving in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen

Collect. You are the giver of all good gifts, O God, and you call us to give account; give us responsive hearts and willing hands, that we may know you, the source of our life in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary November 15

Let us put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation for a helmet. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess 5:8-9

Read.        Judges 4:1-7 We know very little about Deborah apart from this snapshot of her life and leadership. She was the wife of Lappidoth but we know even less about Lappidoth. However from this story Deborah stands out as a fine example of a faithful servant for the Lord and Israel. Deborah was a judge which means she had oversight of the region of Ephraim and people came to her for counsel and judgement. The Lord empowered her to make the wise decisions that were needed for the welfare of the people. It was a time when the tribes were quite separated and the worship of Yahweh has mostly been forgotten, but the Lord had not forgotten Israel and when the oppression of King Jabin became unbearable the people as always, turned back to Yahweh seeking relief. It was in response to this cry for help that the Lord directed Deborah to command Barak to gather a fighting force and face the oppressor of Israel: Our lectionary reading for today ends with the command to go and fight. The rest of the story is interesting to unfold for it raises some interesting cultural issues.

However to go back to today’s Lection;  In Israel it was unusual to have a woman leader never the less the people recognised that God had gifted this person and so they responded with obedience to Deborah. In their record of history there is no hesitation in reminding themselves that Deborah was a model of faith and obedience. Here we read of her taking her place among the judges who were the great leaders during the formation of Israel. Though it was against the culture and the tradition, yet they responded to Deborah, because they trusted in the Lord. Their trust in the Lord helped them see past their cultural norms to something new. Maybe it is a challenge for us to be more aware of God in each other and be prepared to lose some of our preconceived ideas about who can and who cannot provide leadership and insights from God.

Prayer. Holy Lord, there are many ways to serve you and many opportunities along the way. Help us to see with clearer vision the new things that you call us to do; help us to hold onto those things from the past which are good but also to grasp those new things that you are presenting to us. May we be more effective in our witness and share sincerely of your love for us. Lord help us to forgive those who stand against us, who find things in us which annoy and offend. Help us to do all that is in our power to live in harmony and tranquillity with all people. Help each of us to trust in you alone, together we may seek only to please you and Lord, may our reputation rest in you and in your strength alone. Amen

Read. Psalm 123. This psalm forms both a beautiful prayer and a heartfelt lament. As we read to the end, the psalm almost leaves a feeling of being unfinished, “Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud”. Psalm 123:4 (NRSV). The psalmist meanwhile may have intended that verse to be the perfect ending. The psalmist is keeping his whole attention on the Lord just as a devoted manservant or maid servant would do. Clearly the circumstances which prevail are a great cause for anguish and so the only avenue of meaningful help is the help which will come from the Lord. Maybe that is why the plea seems to hang in the air. The supplicant is not daring to suggest what the Lord should do but is asking without any suggestions and therefore putting their whole trust in the Lord’s response. How often do we call out to the Lord but rather than waiting for an answer we have the temerity, to tell the Lord just what it is that should be done! Forgetting completely that we are the creatures and it is the Lord who is the Creator, the instigator of all things. Perhaps the psalmist with long experience of waiting on the Lord has the confidence to trust even in the most severe of circumstances. Thus by reminding us to keep our eye firmly on the Lord, the psalmist is also reminding us to patiently trust that the Lord will answer with a perfect answer if we will only wait.

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation”. Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NRSV)

Prayer. Forgive us Lord if we have presumed to instruct you in any way. Teach us to be patient, waiting for your guidance and grace to lead us on in all the circumstances of life. Teach us to trust your providence, looking always for your direction; relying on your power and strength, not on any wisdom of our own. As we keep our proper place before you, may that peace which passes all understanding keep our soul, mind and body in perfect harmony with your will.  As ambassadors of reconciliation (2Cor 5:19), equip us to play our part in your perfect plan. All honour and glory is yours, now and for ever more. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit, that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to   holiness of life here, and may live with you for ever in the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.