Lectionary for Lent 3 B

Lectionary for Lent 3 B

Opening sentence. The message of the cross is madness to those on the way to destruction, but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Collect.  Lord our God, hallowed be your name. Incline our hearts to your commandments, and give us the wisdom of the cross; so that, freed from sin which imprisons us in our own self-centredness, we may be open to the gift of your Spirit, and become living temples of your love; 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. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Paul had founded the church in Corinth so when the church took root Paul saw the followers as those who had been rescued by the grace of God, a sort of first fruits of the heritage from the Gentiles that was to come. Though he has a great heart for this church his missionary call meant that he had to leave them in the pastoral care of local leaders. Paul remained deeply concerned for the congregation as a reading of the letters to the Corinthians will show. Corinth as a major trading centre had many Pagan religions along with a reputation for luxurious living and loose morals. Thus when some of the local leaders began to cause division in the congregation Paul as a caring pastor saw an immediate danger. As a result he frames around these local congregational issues the essential nature of the Christian message. Above and before every consideration in life, the cross remains central to the Christian faith. The cross and the salvation that Christ has won on the cross overshadow all other aspects of life, because the cross draws us out of darkness and into the light. It is the cross which makes us new by linking us into Christ. As Paul will later remind the Corinthians, “if anyone is in Christ, there is a New Creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new”!(2 Corinthians 5:17)It is the cross of Christ’ that wins our salvation and this salvation we must accept by faith for we cannot rationally think it through. Without faith the cross makes no sense but with faith it gives to us the power and the assurance from God that we are securely “in Christ”.

By putting this theological assertion in the midst of a congregational squabble Paul is reminding the Corinthian Christians that the action of Jesus makes a definitive difference in this life. Therefore the change that Jesus Christ had brought about must be considered in each and every event and circumstance for now all members are one in Christ Jesus. To believe anything else or choose a different way is as Paul reminds them an act of foolishness.  John Wesley said in a sermon once, “none can trust in the merits of Christ, till he has utterly renounced his own.” Christianity is either all we are and do or it is nothing, as someone once said “If Jesus is not Lord of all then he is not Lord at all!”

As we rapidly approach the festival of Easter we will be reminded once again that it was on the cross that Jesus gave his all so that we might receive the righteousness of God. Truly righteous people manage always to love and forgive in all life situations.

Prayer. Holy Lord, the Psalmist reminds us that you are good to those whose hearts are pure but Lord on my own I know I struggle with that purity for I see how life seems to bow before the rich and powerful. Forgive me Lord for my lack of trust and my willingness to take your place and judge others. Remind me again of the blessings that have come to me through the merits of Jesus the one true Saviour. Give me courage to face each day with renewed hope in you and of your love. Keep me close, be my refuge and strength and by the presence of your Holy Spirit empower me to walk always in your ways: through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen. (Following psalm 73)

Reading. John 2:13-22. John’s Gospel had become well known by the end of the first Christian century. Clement of Alexandria stated that John was the last of the gospels to be written: As such it is quite a different record of the ministry of Jesus. Perhaps as John looks back over the life of Jesus he remembers a greater significance in the things that Jesus said and did. Mark for example sets most of Jesus ministry in Galilee bringing Jesus to Jerusalem only at the end of his ministry. John on the other hand places Jesus in Jerusalem on several occasions.

For John it is the “signs” that Jesus did which declared him to be the Messiah and therefore the source of eternal life. (John 20:30-31) For John it is belief in Jesus which brings us into eternal life. As such, signs revealed in Jerusalem would have had greater significance for Jerusalem was the seat of religious power.

Here in this passage, very early in John’s commemoration of Jesus we find Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem at the time of Passover. While the temple was in existence Jews were expected to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem if they could and so in John’s setting Jerusalem would have been filled with people gathering to take part in the festival. The Passover in Christian tradition is forever linked with Jesus’ death. With Jesus driving the commercial traders out of the temple, the Jews would have recognised these actions as a sign of the Messiah, an echo of the prophecy from Malachi. Malachi chapter 3 foretold the time when the messenger would come “like a refiner’s fire” preparing the temple for the coming of the Lord God. It was this cleansing of the temple which was directly involved with Jesus’ later death. Naming the temple as, “my Father’s house” joins Jesus into an intimate relationship with God himself, a linkage the disciples continued to remember. The courtyard was designed to be a place of prayer and meditation not a place of commerce. The religious leaders ask Jesus for a sign to affirm his authority to cleanse the temple. They themselves should have known what needed to be done and therefore done it. It was their question which allowed Jesus to reveal that the destruction and rebuilding of the temple was about to take place. Jesus actually challenges the Jews themselves to destroy the temple and then in three days he will re-establish it. Later the leaders would on several occasions accuse Jesus of threatening to destroy the temple. Jesus never made such an assertion!

The temple took over forty years to build and for Jesus to say he would rebuild in three days without hands shows that he was talking about more than bricks and mortar. John notes that it was only after the resurrection that the disciples finally understood what Jesus was disclosing. Perhaps the religious leaders saw a more significant meaning which led on to his arrest. Certainly it was this destruction of the temple which was referred to when Jesus was arrested, prior to his crucifixion.

In this passage John has made many assertions that point to Jesus as the Messiah thus it is an important passage in his unfolding of the life and purpose of Jesus. Here John speaks of the end of the temple which in turn meant the end of the sacrificial system. It announced a new beginning for the people who obeyed God and rejoiced in what God was doing. This obedience led into a new way of worshipping God. Thus John needs to bring to remembrance this aspect of Jesus’ ministry early in his gospel for it is this “new beginning” which gives added emphasis to everything else that John describes of Jesus ministry.

Prayer. Holy God we thank you for sending Jesus to live among us, to open the way to a new faith and confidence in you. We thank you for the written word which has been handed down to us to read and to learn from. By your Holy Spirit we pray that you will continue to reveal to us the truths that are contained within the pages of the Bible. As we read and study, grant that we will hear your voice guiding and directing us as day by day we seek to follow Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect. Lord, you charge us to honour God above all; you condemn our worship when it serves to glorify us. Cleanse us, and take our prayers to the throne of grace, that we may share your risen life now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Lent 2 B

Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected, and killed, and after three days rise again.  Mark 8:31

Collect. God our Father, you are all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Romans 4:13-25. The other reading for this the second Sunday in Lent was Genesis 17:1-7 &15-16. It was a struggle to decide which of these two readings to make a brief comment on but it might be helpful to read the Genesis reading in conjunction with the passage from Romans. Paul’s comment in Romans between Law and faith is firmly anchored in God’s covenant with Abraham. God’s promise that Abraham would inherit the world was received long before the Law was given to Moses. The promise was established through a personal encounter with God, as the Genesis record shows, the Lord “El-Shaddai; God Almighty”, appears to Abram. In this encounter he and his wife Sarai received a change of status, Abraham goes from “Exalted Father” to “Father of Many”. Furthermore the covenant promise was gifted not only to these two but to all future generations. The inheritance meant that Abraham and his descendents would honour God by caring for the earth and being fruitful. They were God’s ambassadors’, caring for the world as God himself would.  It was not by keeping a set of rules, (which followed much later), but by maintaining a personal relationship with God and being obedient to him. The relationship was not static but was dynamic and ever changing just as our own personal relationships are constantly developing.

The promise from God to be his heirs depends always on faith, a faith that trusts God to be faithful to his promises despite the circumstances. Though it all depends on faith, we do not trust in our faith but in God alone. Even when our faith seems weak and doubts fill us we keep our hope in God. Our hope is not in our strength to believe or anything else. God is faithful and will deliver us and that is why Paul is firmly taking our eyes from ourselves and fixing then only on God, who he is and what he is doing.

Paul then moves on to remind us of the awesome power of God who returned Jesus to life again after he had died for the disobedience of a whole world estranged from God. In his rising we find our righteousness. Not in good deeds, nor in moral living or thinking but in trusting that as Jesus was raised as a new Man so we too are raised in that newness. “ So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Prayer. Most Holy God, we thank and praise you for your majesty and power for in your mercy you sent Jesus to be the Saviour of all humanity. In His sacrifice and faithfulness those who trust and believe in Him are welcomed into your presence. With thankful hearts we worship you and offer to you the praise that is yours by right. In your name every family on earth can rejoice in the blessings that you have poured out through the sacrifice of Jesus. With sincere reverence we bow before you and we will tell of your mercy and grace, that all may know that Jesus Christ in Lord of all. We pray in His Name. Amen

Reading. Mark 8:31-38. In the verses immediately before our passage today, Peter has declared through revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the long awaited Saviour of God’s people. It is this revelation that prompts Jesus to begin to teach his disciples of what that truly means, namely that Messiah must suffer as the Son of Man and be rejected by the key religious leaders. Jesus uses the familiar Old Testament phrase Son of Man, (which simply means a human being), to emphasis both his humanity as well as his divine calling to fulfil the task as Messiah. Peter cannot comprehend that Messiah must suffer and die and so tries to dissuade Jesus, at which point Jesus names Peter as his Adversary. Having named Jesus as Lord, Peter, no matter how well intentioned, cannot presume to correct Jesus.  God does not make mistakes thus to suggest a different way is contrary to God’s will, it is disobedience.

Each of the synoptic Gospels record this exchange between Jesus and Peter but it is interesting to note the differences. In our reading Mark has Jesus look at all the disciples before rebuking Peter. The inference is clear; all the disciples want to disagree with this particular teaching from Jesus. What follows in Mark after the rebuke makes it clearer why the disciples want to reject this aspect of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus calls together the crowd and the disciples to remind them all of the cost of being a true follower of Jesus. In order to be obedient to God Jesus must stand against injustice in all its forms by always viewing things from God’s perspective. Jesus’ obedience to God will bring him into direct conflict with those who work against God and this will always lead to suffering before the final victory can be achieved. Any and every follower of Jesus who walks in obedience will also face the same opposition and this will inevitably lead to suffering. With Mark’s emphasis on suffering it is no wonder that the disciples resisted this teaching of Jesus for they knew the dire consequences of resisting the religious leaders and also the Roman authorities. With that in mind it shows us what a difference the emergence of the resurrected Christ made to them all, for as history records, they did suffer but they also turned the world upside down. We can be thankful for that but the teaching still stands anyone who follows Jesus Christ will have to stand against the forces of ungodliness and this will lead to suffering. No wonder Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote in his book, “The Cost of Discipleship”, “When Christ calls a man; He bids him come and die!”

Prayer. O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you. I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light. I am lonely, but you do not leave me. I am feeble in heart, but with you is strength. I am restless, but with you is peace. In me is bitterness, but with you is patience. I do not understand your ways, but You know the way for me. Restore me to freedom, Help me to so live now, that I may answer before You and before me. Lord, whatever this day may bring, may your Name be praised. Amen ( A prayer by Dietrich Bonheoffer)

Collect. O God, Source of eternal life, your Son must go to the cross, and his path is also ours. May we walk by faith with him, wherever it may lead; this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lectionary for Advent 3

Lectionary for Advent 3.

 This will be the last Lectionary reading until February next year. Happy Christmas to  regular readers and to those who drop in occasionally.  May your Christmas be blessed as we celebrate together.

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

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.

Reading. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. Isaiah announces this prophecy while exiled in Babylon. It comes at the end of a series of promises about restoration and the forgiveness for the nations failure to live obediently under God’s covenant.  When we read these words, we think of Jesus but that would not necessarily have been in Isaiah’s thinking. For him and indeed for the people in exile this word of hope for the future was a reminder for the people that there would come a time when Yahweh would rescue them and return them to their homeland. This raft of promises is not directed at an individual but is for the nation as a whole. They are the oppressed, they are the ones in captivity and they are the ones longing for Yahweh to release them and return them to Jerusalem. The promise from Isaiah is that God will comfort all those who mourn and wait for God to act.

Once more this released people will rebuild, repairing the devastation that past generations of Israelites have left behind. Through the determination of God wrongs will be righted and recompense will come for all the injustice perpetrated by past disobedient people. Yahweh will begin a new and righteous era, filled with the blessings of God. The, prophet Isaiah says the whole nation will rejoice in the Lord and the new beginning will bring resounding praise to God.

The exiles did return to their cherished Promised Land but it was not long before they returned to their fallen ways. Once more they fell captive to powers which held them in bondage. Still the promise from God remained a cause for hope in the future. One day Messiah will come and justice and righteousness will abound.

This is an ancient promise and yet even today as any who believe and trust in God know we long for righteousness and justice to be experienced across our world. In so many places and in so many ways humanity is suffering. Despite that there does not seem to be any collective will to work towards a time of true peace and security. What the prophet Isaiah foresaw is what we celebrate in the season of Advent. Jesus the Messiah has come and the establishment of God’s kingdom has begun. For those who have eyes to see and heart to trust in the faithfulness of God there are many signs which give us hope. Not least is the promise of Christ’s return in glory.

Prayer. Holy Lord, you are the faithful God who is always working for the good of all creation. By your sustaining power all things exist. We humbly acknowledge your sovereignty over us. Above all we thank you for sending your Son to be our Lord and Saviour. Grant that we might wait with patience as you fulfil your promises towards us. In all circumstances we eagerly wait for his return continuing to trust in you. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Reading. John 1:6-8, 19-28. The Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Logos, the eternal Word who was present even before creation began. Then in a most profound statement declares that, “the Word became flesh” In the very simplest of statement we see that John has summed up the stories of the virgin birth the adoration of the heavenly hosts and the early life of the Saviour. John’s Gospel then skillfully weaves the announcement of the Saviour through the prophetic voice of John the Baptist. Like Jesus, John the Baptist has been set aside from birth to be the one who would announce that the Messiah was coming. The Baptist’s presence was so authentic that the priests and Levites came from Jerusalem to him in the wilderness to check out his credentials. You may remember a political satire titled “Yes Minister”. One of the characters has the line, “Never ask a question to which you don’t know the answer!” Politics does not change and the priests and the Levites where political people. They would have already known that he was an authentic voice from God as they knew the scriptures very well.  As John was not “one of them” they then ignored his message.

 John answered that he was not the promised Messiah, but he linked his coming with the ancient prophecy from Isaiah. John is the forerunner whose ministry is to announce the coming of the Messiah and so to get the people ready to greet him. John’s baptism was a baptism for repentance. Just like the sacrificial system itself it did not bring the gift of forgiveness. However, as John told the priests and the Levites, when the Messiah came he would bring a baptism that would bring the true light of God.

So often we focus on the personal salvation that Jesus brings, and I by no means devalue that aspect of Jesus’ ministry but as we read the message from John the Baptist we are reminded again that with the coming of Jesus the world has been changed. The true light of God has dawned. We now live in that light. We know forgiveness and we are assured of a future eternally with God. All this is achieved through the ministry of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Now in the season of Advent we remind ourselves that Jesus will return again and then the light of God will fully shine on all the world for all will see his glory. We also remind ourselves that we live with confidence and expectancy trusting in the ongoing grace of our Lord and Saviour.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you for the prophets who brought the gift of your promise among us. Through their words my we look to you with confidence for the future that you are preparing for all who love you. Grant that we may be faithful and that our witness in your name may at all times honour you. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

 O Christ our God, who at all times and in every hour, in heaven and on earth, you are worshipped and glorified; you are long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; you love the just and show mercy upon the sinner; You call all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come; O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to your commandments.  Amen. (Adapted from an evening prayer of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church)

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 for Advent 2

Lectionary for 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

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.

Reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a. This second letter was written shortly before Peters execution in Rome. Around 64 A D there was a great fire in Rome. At least two thirds of the city was destroyed and looking for a scapegoat Emperor Nero blamed the growing Christian community. After the fire a vicious persecution of the Christians followed. As part of the ongoing persecution Peter who was a key leader was arrested and crucified. Due to the suffering and upheaval the believers began to question if maybe God had forgotten them. In our reading today Peter begins to address such questions.

For an eternal God time is of no consequence. We measure our lives in days and years, some of us in minutes and hours but for God time means nothing. Every part of scripture reminds us that no matter what we think or experience the faithfulness of God stands firm and God will always fulfil the promises that are made towards us. Peter says that God is not slow but is patient with us, giving us an opportunity to turn and rely more truly on him. Despite God’s patience there will come a time when everything we call solid and real will pass away and a new era, a new heavens and a new earth will be revealed. It is with that in mind that Peter asks the question: “given that a new beginning will emerge with the coming of the Lord Jesus how best can we prepare to be received by him?” Peter’s answer is clear we are to live in expectation, always ready to welcome Jesus when he appears. A part of being ready is keeping our lives and our relationships in line with what Jesus would want, we are after all his servants.

Prayer. Gracious God, great in mercy and love, we give you thanks for your faithfulness towards us. Through the powerful presence of your Spirit, keep us secure in that faith that you have given to us: keep us ever mindful of your eternal presence. Grant that with expectant hearts we may look forward with anticipation to your glorious appearing when heaven and earth will pass away and a new beginning will be fully present. To you Lord be all honour and glory, now and forever. Amen

Reading. Mark 1:1-8. Mark begins his gospel by emphasising that what is written is “good news’. This is news that his hearers will welcome for it is the fulfilment of God’s ancient promise to his people. This news is a prophetic message regarding John. His appearing is added recognition that Jesus is the promised Messiah and John has been chosen to announce him.. Mark recalls that John appears out of the wilderness: we remember that it was in the wilderness that Israel first received salvation. The clothing John wore was reminiscent of Elijah’s clothing, once more reinforcing that the promised Messiah was about to appear.

John came to prepare the way for the Messiah by calling the nation to repentance. He is often seen as a rather stern messenger.  John, for example did not mince words if we read what Luke recorded of his address to those who came out to see and hear him. (Luke 3:7) However when we consider John the Baptist was the first valid voice of prophecy that the nation had heard for 400 years his appearing would have been thrilling. To know that an authentic prophet was once again proclaiming God’s message to them would have resulted in great excitement. The prophecy quoted from Isaiah was addressed to the captives, bringing the promise of future redemption and release. This was the very promise the nation was longing to see fulfilled.

John’s preparation of the coming Messiah signified that God was once more actively involved with his people. The covenant relationship which linked the people into a secure relationship with the power and majesty of God was still in place. This clearly signalled that God cared about them, they were not forgotten. With the presence of God once more refreshed in their thinking people eagerly grasped the repentance that John offered. The opportunity to repent was indeed, good news and people would have recognised the need to willingly accept that God was still active among them.

Like Jesus, John the Baptiser himself was not authorised from any official body yet he spoke with great clarity and authority. So much so that even the “official religious leaders” went out to hear him. His message left them unmoved, however the ordinary people welcomed the opportunity John’s message gave to reassess their lives. It is reassessing our personal relationship with God in the light of his majesty and grace that is the true meaning of repentance.  

Perhaps even more excitingly was the promise that the one to come would have the authority to baptise with Holy Spirit. Through that baptism the powerful presence of God would fill their lives and bring with it a true forgiveness of sins. As Jews they knew full well that the sacrificial system only gave them temporary relief from the guilt that resulted from sin. Here was the promise of the one who would be able to prepare them for life in the righteous Kingdom of God. “ No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more” Jeremiah 31:34.

Prayer.  Loving God, through  John the Baptist you prepared the way so that people would recognise the coming of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Like the people in John’s time may we be ready to repent and believe this good news, and celebrate the coming of your kingdom. May we gladly forsake old ways, and be courageous enough to accept the new life made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord. Renew us in your love through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may worship and adore you as you deserve. Amen

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the lamb that was slain, worthy to receive power and wisdom and might, honour blessing and glory. By your resurrection from the dead you hallowed the first day of each week as a day for worship and praise for all your people. May we so die to sin and rise to new life that we may be worthy to offer up our prayers and praise on this new Lord’s Day, to the honour and glory of your name. Amen. (From the Diocese of Melanesia)

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 for Advent 1

Lectionary for Advent 1

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

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.

Reading. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. This is a beautiful opening to what is quite a stern letter. Paul begins by joining the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ together in the blessing of grace and peace. It is the grace of God which brings salvation into a new life and as a result peace is the effect which follows. It is the “grace of God” that Paul refers to a number of times throughout the letter. It is God’s grace which binds them together and brings the harmony that Paul will soon be appealing for from the Corinthians. However to begin with Paul is reminding the Corinthians whose they are as well as who they are.

The Corinthians have been called into fellowship with a “faithful God”: one who has done all that is needed to bring them into a new life free from the strife and violence of the pagan world. As a major trading port Corinth was known for its wealth and for its self-indulgent  and often immoral lifestyle. The result of coming to know Jesus had changed their lives in a wonderful way and Paul begins by reminding them of the blessings that have come to them because of the presence in their lives of this “faithful God”

 Being in fellowship with God has linked them all together and given them a new confidence in the future. As a congregation they have been endowed with all the spiritual gifts that are needed to live a life which is honouring to God. Paul is reminding them that it is not that a few have been enlightened but that each one has been equally blessed by the Spirit. Therefore the Corinthian Christians are surrounded by the evidence of God’s grace poured out upon them. Paul in his opening salutation is reminding them that they belong together under Christ and so he is addressing them as such.

As we begin this season of Advent Paul’s words to the Corinthians could quite easily be applied to us as well as it was to them. How great is the blessing that we have through our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace we have been given all that we need to love and serve God effectively. Through the fellowship we enjoy with God and each other we can live a confident life, knowing that the future is firmly in the hands of Jesus Christ. Paul is  emphasising the blessings that have been poured out because the message from the world is very different. How easy it is to take our blessings for granted and to forget that God is constantly at work in our lives.

Advent calls us to look back and remember that a Son has been given to us. Advent also demands that we look forward, filled with the knowledge and understanding that one day Jesus will return and every wrong will be righted, every hurt will be healed and God will be revealed as Lord of all.

Prayer. God of all hope and giver of all comfort we approach you today and offer our prayers with thankful hearts. May nothing in us resist your spirit that we may rejoice in the true hope which is to be found in you. Grant us the wisdom and insight to discern your will and purpose for us both as individuals and as a Christians together. May your way forward be made clear that we may walk with you and at all times exalt in your prefect presence. Grant that we may live our lives filled with the expectation that each day brings us closer to the return of our Lord and the final victory of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.

Reading. Mark 13:24-37. Advent signals the beginning of the Church’s year and also is the beginning of the lectionary readings from the Gospel of Mark. Although greatly regarded by the early church it was only at the beginning of the twentieth century that Mark’s worth was once again truly recognised. Mark was the first of the Gospels to have been written and so links us back to the earliest record of Christ’s earthly ministry.

Traditionally the gospel is thought to contain much of Peter’s preaching and teaching and as such bears record to Peter’s eyewitness account of incidents in the life of Jesus. Mark however makes it clear at the beginning of his record that this is not simply and account of the life of Jesus or a simple unpacking of Peter’s teaching, this is a Gospel; it is good news and it is Good News that Mark wants to deliver.

The whole of chapter 13 in Mark is often referred to as the Little Apocalypse. The intention of this chapter is to reveal the destruction of the temple and the victorious return of Christ. Overall the theme of this section is to give a warning to the church. By describing the suffering or tribulation Mark has reminded his readers of the serious nature of following Jesus while at the same time he is emphasising the great hope that Christ’s return in glory will bring to the “elect”. The return of Christ will see a cataclysmic upheaval within the creation. This disturbance will be necessary for it will be the power of God visibly at work replacing the old creation with a new heaven and a new earth. In his second letter Peter remarks that “the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be burned up. 2Peter 3:10. Marks’ description conveys the message that those who are followers of Jesus Christ, though they will face grave danger will be gathered in safely even though the old world is being destroyed.

Present along with this cosmic upheaval will be the glorious return of Christ, along with an angelical crowd tasked with gathering in all the believers from every part of the dissolving earth. This return will not be some mystic event but the Lord Jesus will be visible to every living creature. For some this will bring great rejoicing and a sense of fulfilment but for others it will only add to the terror.

Mark then breaks off from this futuristic description to remind his readers of the need to be prepared for Jesus’ coming. The fig tree very naturally announces to everyone who takes notice that summer is on its way and soon there will be a ready supply of figs. Mark is foreseeing the return of Jesus as a natural event which we must prepare for and at the same time reminding us that the signs of his approach are plain to see. Mark has already recorded the words of Jesus that  ‘there will be wars and rumours of wars” and these will be the signs of Christ’s return

Verse 30 has often caused concern, however if we see that from the moment Jesus returned to his Father the forces of evil have been at pains to discount his victory. All power struggles are a denial of his victory and equally a sign that one day Jesus as victor will return to vanquish all opposition.

Mark on the one hand assures us that Jesus will return and he also cautions us to be prepared for that return will come at a time that no one expects. As believers in the victory of Jesus Christ we cannot afford to lead complacent lives, we are to be prepared.

Mark is offering a prophecy about the future. The language may seem strange to Western sensibilities but that should not blindside us. If we go back just a few decades, who would have believed that we could see and talk to a person on the other side of the world with a gadget little bigger than a match box. {If you can remember what a match box is!} The future is hard for us to imagine for it is limited to our experiences of life, Mark is envisioning the future based on who Jesus Christ is and what his death and resurrection have accomplished.

Prayer.  Lord Jesus as Mark describes heavenly things may we not be so earth bound that our minds fail to picture the glory that will be revealed on your return. We remember that before the earth was formed and even after it ceases to be, you are God and Lord of all. Grant to us the joy of placing all things into your hands and live each day contented and at peace: Safe in the knowledge that you live and reign with the Father Everlasting.  Though we may face many struggles, still let us keep our hope anchored in you always facing the future with high expectations, until that day when all your people will form a glorious congregation who rejoice to sing your praises. This we ask in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. 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 for Sunday 34

Lectionary for Sunday 34

Christ the King

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

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.

Reading. Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24. Ezekiel the son of a priest was born in Israel but as a young man was then taken into exile and for the rest of his life lived in Babylon. Although living in Babylon all of his prophecies concern the life of the nation in the Promised Land. Among other things Ezekiel foresaw the destruction of Solomon’s temple and thus a disruption of temple worship. In our passage for today Ezekiel is announcing a judgement against the leaders of the nation who have failed to follow God’s way and so have lead the people into disobedience. It is this disobedience which has resulted in harmful inequalities within the society which has lead to the exile. Despite this harmful disobedience Ezekiel has a strong trust that God is able to fulfil his promise to shepherd the nation. We remember that as the prophecy was being delivered the nation was still in exile but Ezekiel can see a time when not only will the people return but God will be present to establish a just and equitable society. Ezekiel recognises that though they are presently facing hard times God is already at work preparing to draw the people back together into a society of peace and harmony.

There will come a judgement which will remove the leaders who have failed to follow God’s commands and in their place God will once more appoint his servant David to rule justly over them. David as a revered historical king is long gone. This new leader will be intentionally raised up by God to lead the nation just as God requires. Despite the harshness of the exile and the disappointment that would have been felt Ezekiel ends on an optimistic note when he writes. “And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken”.

The nature of God does not change and so this prophecy from Ezekiel helps us to draw confidence from God as we experience in so many ways evidence of injustice and exploitation which leads to a sense of powerlessness. What Ezekiel understood was that no matter what God’s people are facing, God’s ultimate plan is to bring into being a society where all can live in peace and all can participate in the security that a godly society will produce.

Prayer. Gracious Lord God, you have called your Son to be the one true shepherd of all his people and through him you are building from all the painful experiences of history your kingdom of love. We thank you that he is the Shepherd who gathers in the flock so that none are missing. Increase within us the certainty of our own trust and faith so that we may wholeheartedly look forward to that day when Jesus will reign over all the world in majesty. We ask in the name of Jesus, the True Shepherd of the sheep. Amen

Reading. Matthew 25:31-46. This is the last Sunday of the Christian year and as such it is celebrated as Christ the King Sunday. Someone has made the point that we focus more intently on the role of Jesus Christ the one who is our Saviour but our reading today focuses on his role as the King who is coming “in his glory”. As Lord he is also King and as King is the one who commands. In this reading we see what it is that he commands his followers to do and to be. As we have read through the closing parables of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, it is easy to see that in each of the parables wise action is required. Similarly a lack of action has negative consequences.

In today’s parable the judgement of the king brings a separation between the sheep and the goats. The judgement is not as is most commonly assumed determined by evil deeds, but by a failure to do good to those who are at hand. Furthermore it is doing good to those whose needs are for the basic staples of life, food, drink, clothing, friendship or comfort. It is attention to these things on behalf of others that the Lord requires of all those who are his people. We may cast our minds back to the previous parable from Matthew which is the parable of the talents. The one who received the smallest amount perhaps felt unworthy of contributing to the good of the master. Here we see that the Lord of glory does not want a huge gesture but a response that anyone and everyone can make. What is required is a simple response to someone in need. The reading places Jesus himself into the position of those who are in need and as those who are in need are served so Jesus himself is served.

An unusual aspect of this action is that it is a response without any thought of recognition. Those who had offered help and so had served Jesus had not done anything deliberately but had served almost without thought: it was simply a spontaneous action. Similarly those who failed to serve were not unwilling to give but had chosen to be selective in their giving.

The giving that Jesus is describing reveals the state of a person’s heart. The parable reminds us that it is the simplest of things that we all can do that pleases Jesus. To serve without recognition is not the way of the world but it is the way of Jesus. Equally it is serving those who are not powerful or who can repay a kindness that Jesus advocates. Jesus makes it clear that as his followers we are to do what we know to be right, kind and just and then leave the rest in his hands. It also reminds us that these actions are for those who are close at hand. In today’s situation this often means those in our own fellowship or congregation. Service to one another as the need arises projects the best view possible of the followers of Jesus.

Prayer. 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. May we not neglect our neighbours who are in need but with kindness and understanding be most willingly lead by you. We look with anticipation to that time when you will be obeyed and honoured by all your people. 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 for Sunday 33

Lectionary for Sunday 33

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 Thessalonians 5:8-9

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.

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. The Letter to the Thessalonians is largely a letter of encouragement to holy living. Through the letter are hints that teaching concerning the end time and the return of Jesus as Lord of the coming kingdom are a cause for concern. (3:13 & 4:13) Paul is reminding the believers of their security in the faith, making the end time a source of comfort rather than a time of anxiety. The Thessalonians are waiting for the return of Christ and Paul is reminding them that he does not need to write anything about this future coming for Jesus himself had said that his return was solely in the Father’s hands. No one knows, and no one is going to know, therefore just be at peace about the return for this will happen only by the Father’s authority. (Acts 1:7) However Christ’s coming will not catch them off guard for though the coming is unknown they have all the information that is needed for them to be fully prepared. All that is needed is for each believer to “keep the faith”. The key phrase is, “let us keep awake and be sober’! Paul’s admonishment is to hold fast to the faith, to love God and love each other, and to live in the comforting hope that the salvation that Jesus won on the cross is securely in place. That salvation is effective for each believer while they live and is also effective after they have passed from this life into the next.

From Paul’s perspective in Jesus Christ God has done everything that was needed to give the believers the full benefits of a life with him, both now and on into the future. At the same time he is emphasising that each believer and the whole company together must also live in the good that God has put in place. The Thessalonians were called by the grace of God from Paganism and the worldly worship of idols, and as they were still living in a society where these things were still in place, the temptation to be drawn back into that kind of life was still very pervasive. That is why Paul reminds them to keep on encouraging each other and so build each other up in the faith.

This was a loving and also an important message of encouragement for the congregation at Thessalonica and it is equally an important message to us today. We too need to celebrate all that God has won for us through Jesus Christ. At the same time we must not become complacent but keep our faith as fresh and vibrant as can be. One day the Lord will return and when that time arrives we will need to be expectant and ready to receive Him.

Prayer. Lord it would hardly be a surprise for us to learn that you had long ago given us up as hopeless. Certainly we ourselves often despair at our lack of wisdom when we remember our reckless and wilful ways of living life. And yet you do not reject us nor would you ever give us up as lost. Rather you have sent Jesus to be our Saviour, a saviour who has changed our future for all time. It is his love which has brought us home to you as children, children who are loved and accepted, and so in you we find perfect hope and security. Gracious God, be with us through the journey of this day; give to us those gifts and skills that we will need to face with confidence all that lies before us. Teach and equip us to do your will not only in our words but in our deeds. May our one desire be to please and honour you as we work and play in obedience to you. For all that you are and all that you have done, we give you all our thanks and praise: Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 25:14-30

In our passage for today Matthew is continuing to use parables to describe the reality of the Kingdom. If we look up the definition of the word ‘talent’, we find that to think of it as a natural aptitude or skill is quite a common meaning. In the ancient world of the Greeks and Romans however a talent was a weight of value, usually a weight or gold or silver or even bronze. At the time of Jesus a talent of gold was worth something over 3000 shekels. A shekel was equivalent to a day’s pay for an ordinary workman. Thus a talent would represent the equivalent of a man’s wages for about ten years. To think that anyone would take a gift of such value and find a hiding place for it would be very strange indeed! Even one talent was a treasure trove that by its magnitude opened up a raft of new possibilities. Two talents or five talents put into the hands of those slaves represented unthinkable wealth. Thus the first thing that Jesus hearers would have noted was the amazing generosity of the master. The inference in the text is that the master didn’t just give a portion of his property to the three slaves but entrusted his whole property to them and then shared it out. Having entrusted his property to the slaves the master left them to use the property. They were free to do with the property as they saw fit. At the same time there is a clear understanding in the parable that though the master is absent there will come a time in the future when the master will return.

Each one was given responsibility according to their ability for we understand that each was able to make good use of the opportunity that the master had presented. When the master returned each slave was called on to give an account of the use he had made with the master’s property. Two slaves used their opportunities to good result and increased the master’s property, but one did nothing more than kept the talent safe. The slaves were judged according to their stewardship, two received a blessing while the third received a stern rebuke, indeed this unproductive slave was ejected from the kingdom. .

The parable was a description of preparing for the coming kingdom and as usual Jesus used an idiom that was familiar to the disciples. (John 3:12)

The parable reminds disciples that the Master will one day return and when that happens each disciple will be called on to render an account of how God’s resources have been used. In the telling of this parable Jesus has described the wonderful bounty of God, each slave received a great abundance and with that abundance came great responsibility. It is how we see God that determines how we serve God. Jesus is describing God as both generous and bountiful. When we see God as harsh and unfair then like the third slave we may not serve God at all.

Some had more than others but all had sufficient resources to serve God well. For those who remained in the kingdom their abundance grew on to an even greater abundance; while the one who did not serve the master was bereft, even what they had dwindled away. The parable, like the coming Kingdom is set in the future and as such gives a present day guide to both the nature of God and how we might respond.

Prayer. Holy Lord Jesus, you are the same yesterday today and forever. You live and reign with the Father and your creative power is everlasting. By your sacrifice you have won for all humanity the abundant life that knows no end and so we lift our hands and our hearts in thanksgiving and praise. We live in hope of your triumphant return to a world renewed by your grace. Teach us Good Lord, not only to number our days but to live expectantly, obediently following in your way. To you be all honour and glory, now and forever. 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 for Sunday 32

Lectionary for Sunday 32

Watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Therefore be ready.   Matthew 24:42, 44

Collect. O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25. Last week we looked at the beginning of Joshua’s prophetic leadership and in today’s reading we look as he concludes that ministry. Joshua gathers together the key leaders and then the whole community. He reminds them of the promises and the power of the Lord God displayed to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God has fulfilled the promises that were made and Joshua therefore presents the covenant to the people afresh. They are linked to the covenant through family ties but they, like each successive generation, have to renew their vow of allegiance. The choice is plain to see, will they go back to the worship of the gods that led them to slavery and bondage or will they honour the Lord God who by his power has fulfilled his promise and granted them freedom.

Joshua makes it clear to the gathering that he and his household will serve the Lord. In turn the people respond that they too will not turn back to the old gods or the old ways. There must have been something in their response that provoked Joshua’s passion for he forcefully reminded them that they cannot serve God in a hit or miss kind of way. The only way to serve God is wholeheartedly. This is what God’s holiness demands. Joshua brings a stern warning; a failure to serve God fully will result in making God their enemy. A glib response to serve God will not suffice. Joshua therefore urges them again to answer the question, “who will they serve?”. This time the response is more definite and is underlined by Joshua reminding them that they themselves are witness to their promise of loyalty. This is a record of a second presentation of the covenant given to the people at Sinai. In Deuteronomy with the Law comes a catalogue of blessing and alongside that a catalogue of warnings, warnings strong enough to be called curses! Now as Joshua’s leadership comes to an an end he similarly presents the people with blessings and warnings. He is emphasising to the people that the worship of the Lord is a serious matter bringing both abundant blessings along with solemn warnings. His duty as a leader is to fully reveal the outcome to how the people respond.

Last week we observed that Joshua was more than an historical leader, he was also a prophet and subsequently his writings are more than an historic record. Prophecy continues to convey ongoing truth. God offers the promise of life and freedom to those who live in obedience to Him. Those who choose not to obey will find that there are significant adverse consequences.

Prayer. Holy and life giving God we bow in worship and praise, recognizing that you are the Great Creator and it is through you that all things exist. We your humble servants are blessed to be called your children, being gathered into your family. In your mercy guide us that we may walk in loving obedience all the days of our lives. Grant that we will always walk in harmony with you and your will for us. May all we say and do bring honour to your name. We offer our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids has very little to do with bridesmaids or marriage, it is a parable related to the kingdom of heaven.However, Jesus uses the illustration of the waiting bridesmaids because it would have been a familiar scenario that every listener would understand. While marriage in Jewish society was a joyful occasion it was also a quite solemn and important transaction. This was especially true for the bride who was transferring from the protection of her father and her family and coming under the protection of her husband and his family. Nevertheless there is an element of fun and excitement as the bridegroom tries to surprise the bride. The attendants in this parable are to accompany the bridegroom to the banquet, presumable to meet the bride as the celebration begins.

The element of surprise features strongly especially as we pay attention to the last phrase of the parable, “Keep awake.. . you do not know when the bridegroom will appear.

The parable begins by stating this is what the kingdom will be like. The lamp which each bridesmaid had was significant for according to Jewish custom it was against the Law for a woman to be out at night without a light. As weddings could be held at any hour provision of a light was important. Similarly having adequate oil was equally important for without it the lamp provided no light. The bridesmaids had to be ready to greet the bridegroom and light his way to the bride and that is where the great divide occurred. Only those who had oil to produce light could join the procession. Furthermore only those in the procession could gain admittance into the wedding banquet.

This parable and those which precede it in this section of Matthew were taught privately to the disciples (Matthew 24:3) Matthew of course is recounting this teaching long after the Lord has been raised and ascended in power. Years have passed and so each has the recurring theme of being fully prepared for the return of the Messiah. The parable couples the theme of excitement at the coming celebration with the necessity of not only expecting the bridegroom to come but being fully equipped for his coming. The bridesmaids have to be able to recognise the bridegroom when he comes. Matthew has already warned the disciples that there will be many false messiahs. When the Bridegroom does come there will be no time to delay, everything must be in order. Just as we saw in our reading from Joshua following the Lord may be a joy but it is also a serious business.

Prayer. Almighty God your Son Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost, Give to us expectant hearts which long for his coming, bringing with him the final salvation of all creation. May nothing in us resist your spirit that we may rejoice in the true hope which is to be found in him. Grant us the wisdom and insight to discern your will and purpose as we wait for His return. Increase in us the power of the Spirit so that we may accomplish what is your will and purpose and so be ready to receive Christ with great joy when he returns to reign in glory. This we ask in his name and for his sake. Amen

Collect. O Christ in whom we hope, you summon us to watch for the reign of God, and you charge us to be ready; help us to wait with eager patience and prepare by daily seeking your will now and for evermore. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 31.

Lectionary for Sunday 31

Jesus said: ‘The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves  will be exalted.’   Matthew 23:11-12

Collect.  Almighty Father, you are both just and rich in mercy. So protect us from the distortions of pride, that, being made aware of your loving purposes, we may willingly give ourselves in service to all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Joshua 3:7-17. The book of Joshua is the sixth book in our Bible following after the first five books which from a Jewish perspective represent the Torah or Law. We often read Joshua as a history book, a record of the first occupation of the Promised Land. Joshua is much more than a history book for Joshua is the leader who followed Moses. As such he was both a military leader and he was also a prophet for like Moses he took his instructions directly from God. When we read Joshua as a prophetic gook we find it reveals many important principles to us. Our passage begins with the Israelites gathered by the Jordan River, preparing to cross into the Promised Land. Like their journey through the wilderness they await God’s call before they move on to the next place. They move as God directs Joshua and so a number of things result. Firstly God demonstrates the fulfilment of his promise to deliver the people into a land for them. God also honours Joshua so that all will know that Joshua is the rightful successor to their revered leader Moses. As they are obedient then God’s way will open before them.

The Jordan was in flood and so the crossing looks very formidable yet God’s instructions are quite clear. The priests are to step into the river first carrying the Ark of the Covenant which was a sign or the presence and the promise of God to deliver the people. The twelve leaders, one from each tribe lead the people across. As the priests enter the water the river flow stops and the people walk across as the priests hold the Ark in the middle of the dry river bed. After all the people had crossed only then did the priests and the Ark cross the river onto the dry land.

The symbolism is easily understood. The presence of the the Lord represented by the Ark protects the people, shielding them from the danger and they cross over in safety. The generation that witnessed the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea have been replaced by a new generation who now witnessed for themselves the mighty power of God. The leadership of Joshua had been established and a new beginning transpired. Joshua had heard God’s call and obediently followed the instructions. Similarly the leaders had followed Joshua’s command and demonstrated an example of trust and faith and an obedient people had been safely guided across the barrier of the Jordan. The journey to the Promised Land had ended and the occupation of the land had begun.

Prayer. Gracious Father, Holy God, all people have looked to you for protection and shelter, even those who do not know you often lift their hands in prayer and worship. So Lord we need not pretend that we have no need of you, for all of us have need you. Help us to be real before you, knowing that you go before us to protect and guide us. Forgive us for pretending, for in your mercy you meet the needs we have. Teach us to see the world through your eyes rather than seeing only our needs and wants. In honesty and truth may we rely on your love and forgiveness in all situations. Teach us good Lord to truly see those around us. May we use each and every gift you have given to bring comfort and help to those we serve in your name. May we as your children reflect you love and grace through the way we live. This we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Reading. Matthew 23:1-12. In the previous chapters Matthew has recorded Jesus’ teaching which showed that the Pharisees did not have a true respect for the law. Therefore while the law was to be respected, how the Pharisees lived out the law was not to be followed. The law presented an honourable way to live and God intended that society would be honourable. However to demand respect on the basis of academic learning while disregarding the essence of the learning itself created a false image not worthy of respect. As today in academic circles long gowns and hoods signify higher learning so it was in Jewish society in the time of Jesus. The phylacteries where leather boxes that were strapped to the arm or the forehead and represented the Torah, signifying that those who wore them were true practitioners of the law. While Jesus gave no respect for the Pharisees, he did show proper respect for the authority of Moses which they were supposed represent. Jesus said that because the Pharisees did not take the law seriously they were in no position to demand or expect respect. Indeed he called them hypocrites, actors who presented a false character for the public to see. This created a false sense of reality for the Pharisees were simply playing at being religious leaders.

 Jesus warned his disciples and also the crowd who chose to follow him that such behaviour was not honouring to God, however respect for the law did honour God.

Furthermore Jesus also reminded the disciples that they should not jostle for places of superiority. Jesus taught that there was a true order of things. God was supreme and over all. God alone chose the proper place for each person. If honouring God was the true objective then there was no need to demand to have a position making one superior to those around. This of course goes against human societies’ normal way of striving to reach the top. A true disciple of Jesus was one prepared to serve. It is in serving that one’s true status is found. (Colossians 3:23)

Prayer. Lord we remember that Jesus came to serve and not to be served and in serving you accomplished your plan and purpose. Forgive us that we live in a world where striving for position is so normal. Teach us to trust in you alone and to be content with the position that we have. Grant that we might learn from you and in following you guidance  be able to fulfil all that you have for us. May we be fully obedient to you and in all that we do give honour and glory to your name. This we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen

Collect, O God, humble sovereign, you require our full obedience, yet you provide this obedience  to us in Jesus Christ. Help us to follow his example of humility, refusing to parade our good works before others, and giving thanks to you; in his name. Amen.

During this week the church has celebrated All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. This has long been a tradition to remember those who have gone before us and who by their lives have influenced us with their love and devotion. Here is a prayer as we reflect on those who we love but no longer see.

Let us pray. Holy Lord, we thank you for those that we love, who are now at peace with you. We thank you for their lives and the love that they showed. We thank you for the witness that they gave which continues to encourage us, pointing us to a greater reliance on you. We thank you that in Jesus Christ we are all joined together in one great family and we look forward to that time when all of us together will give praise and worship in your Holy Presence though Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 30

Lectionary for Sunday 30

Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth was born, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2

Collect. Lord, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may love you with our whole being, and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8. In our day we revere Paul and his writings and rightly so for it is through his writings that we have such a wide knowledge of the early church and its history. A great percentage of the New Testament is either written by Paul or describes his trials and tribulations as an apostle and missionary. Sadly in the early church his stature as a preacher and teacher seems to have aroused much jealousy and his letters often refer to the criticism that he had to endure from others wishing to diminish his missionary work. In this section of Thessalonians Paul is addressing the Thessalonians about the itinerant leaders who have spoken against his teaching. He begins by saying our coming to you was not in vain. This Greek phrase means it was not “empty” or without result. Paul does not defend himself as in some of his other letters, here he is simply saying let the results of the preaching to the Thessalonians speak for themselves.

Paul and Silas had been strongly opposed by the Jews and suffered being beaten in Philippi, but on coming to Thessalonica they had courageously carried on preaching the good News. The effect of their presentation had been astounding and many had come to faith, even though Paul himself had only spent a short time in Thessalonica because of the opposition from Jewish leaders.

In this passage Paul is defending three principles. Firstly he is at pains to maintain the purity of the Gospel, reminding them that the presentation had no trickery or gimmicks. The change that came through the preaching was under the direction of the Holy Spirit. He was reminding them that it is not a gospel from man but is God’s Gospel and it is God’s power that was (and is), at work among them. Secondly he is reminding them that he and Silas made no demands to be recompensed for their work among them but taught and preached at no cost to the Thessalonians. Their missionary work was not an excuse to make money. Their task was to present the Good News of Jesus to them as if they were members of the family, it was done out of joyful relationship.

Thirdly, Paul is reminding them that he and his associates have an abiding care for them and for their welfare and it is out of this concern that he writes. This final point is of great importance, for all ministry should be done out of love for the recipients. As God cares for all for their greater good so every Christian leader who speaks in God’s Name should do so in order to build up and strengthen those to whom they minister.

Prayer. Lord we thank you for the opportunities that you give to us each day; on all sides we are surrounded by the signs of your blessing. Help us to see them with eyes of praise and not just take your blessings for granted. In the freedom that we enjoy, help us to choose for you in all our decisions and so demonstrate our longing to please you always. Teach us to recognise your presence in all the situations we will face today and may that presence bring us constant joy as we venture to serve you, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 22:34-46. We need to note the phrase, “he had silenced the Sadducees”. The Sadducees and the Pharisees where two groups of leaders who were seldom in agreement and no doubt the Pharisees where interested to hear Jesus’ answer. At this time there was an ongoing debate about which of the commandments was most important to keep. The debate was not about which would please God the most but which would bring the greater punishment if it were not kept. Thus self interest was behind the debate. With that in mind we see the power of Jesus’ answer for the first commandment clearly implied that God should be first in every situation and pleasing him was more important than protecting one’s self. In other words, nothing less than total love for God in every situation would suffice. Then Jesus linked the love of God with love of neighbour and in so doing reminded his hearers that every commandment deals with both the love of God and the love of neighbour. This reminded everyone of how much all the commandments affected the actions of daily living. Keeping the commandments was not simply obeying a set of rules, it was a guide by which the whole of life was to be lived, always with the love of God and the love of neighbour in mind. Even today that response challenges the very way we live in relationship with each other.

Jesus had turned their question from the academic to the practical reality of daily living. Perhaps that is why his question to the Pharisee’s was about the Messiah.

There was an ongoing debate about the nature of Messiah, the one who would usher in the kingdom of God. Common wisdom looked for a powerful warrior who would lead the nation on to victory. This warrior would be a descendant of David and that is the response that the Pharisee’s give as their answer. In replay Jesus reminds them of the psalm that David wrote concerning Messiah in which he names him both “Lord” and also “Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110) It would have been a psalm that the Pharisees and the crowd would have known well. King David addresses the Messiah as both Lord and Priest implies that Messiah is ranked above him and not simply as one of his descendants. Jesus’ answer opens up the possibility that someone above David was to be Messiah. The only one ranked above David was God alone. Because people were already beginning to wonder if Jesus could be the one they were waiting for this would have shaken the Pharisees to their foundations. Perhaps then it is no wonder that after this exchange “No one dared to ask him any more questions!”

Jesus had reminded his hearers that God was to be first in every aspect of daily life, not only their religious lives. Furthermore Jesus had opened up from their own scriptures the notion that it was God alone who was going to establish the kingdom in which peace and harmony would be the norm.

Prayer. Gracious God, we praise you today for your great provision, for our lives are filled with your blessings. May we find in you both comfort and challenge so that our lives may be spent in fruitful service. Grant that we may look beyond our own thoughts and opinions and be led by your Spirit in all we do and say and think. May the victory of Christ empower our lives as each new day unfolds so that our whole life can be lived in harmony with your will. To you be all glory and praise now and forever. Amen

Collect. Jesus, teacher of love; in living and dying, you have declared and shown the greatest commandment; lead us to give of ourselves to God and to the neighbours you give us; we pray this in your name. Amen.