Lectionary for Sunday 29

Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is God! Psalm 99:5

Collect. Let us pray (to the Lord who bends close to hear our prayer): Lord our God, Father of all, you guard us under the shadow of your wings and search into the depths of our hearts. Remove the blindness that cannot know you and relieve the fear that hides you from our sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Thessalonica was a Roman colony and anyone born there was considered “free-born” and so a Roman citizen, an important status to have in the ancient world. Paul preached in Thessalonica and a number of Jews and Greeks and some of the leading women from the town became Christians. Paul’s coming and the power of the Gospel caused quite an uproar and he had to rush away because of the opposition from the Jewish leaders. (Acts 16 & 17) Though Paul only stayed a short time in Thessalonica the gospel seems to have quickly taken root and flourished, bringing the believers to a maturity which was not always present in other congregations linked with Paul’s ministry. (1 Corinthians 3:2)  Paul greets the church along with Silvanus and Timothy. These three had been the team who had first brought the gospel to the region. Though Paul has been forced to abandon his part in the mission Silvanus, (Silas) and Timothy had stayed on and so would have been well known by the believers.

As is usual each church founded by Paul is constantly on his mind and in his prayers and this letter both encourages and teaches in a most gentle and warm hearted way. Paul makes no claim to apostleship or to his authority as is often present in many of his letters. He greets them as he is in an open and loving way. This form of greeting reveals to us the spirit of the church at Thessalonica which had begun to influence the whole region with the power of the gospel.

Paul’s greeting to them of “Grace to you and peace”, is very powerful and not just a throwaway line. Everything that comes from Jesus Christ comes to us through grace, (John1:14). Similarly, peace is not simply the absence of chaos but carries a sense of serenity and harmony among the fellowship as they live and worship together. The picture is of a wholesome gathering of believers witnessing powerfully to all God through Jesus Christ has done for them.

This witness stems from Paul’s assertion that the gospel came to them not simply in words but in power. They had seen that the integrity with which Paul, Silvanus and Timothy lived out their lives was consistent with the teachings of the gospel. Their open hearted acceptance of what God had done in the three apostles had produced a change in their lives and in their relationships with one another. This came because it has formed a change in their personal relationships with God as their Father.

As we read this passage the joy that Paul is expressing comes through loud and clear. Here is a group of believers who have truly received Good News and that Good News has not only changed their lives but has been an influence for good with those around them.

Prayer. O God, whose will it is that all your children should be one in Christ. We pray for the unity of your church. Pardon our pride and lack of faith, of understanding and of charity, which are the causes of our divisions. Deliver us from narrow-mindedness, from our bitterness, from our prejudices. Save us from considering as normal that which is a scandal to the world and an offence to your love. Teach us to recognise the gifts of your grace among all those who look to you and confess the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (From the Liturgy of the Reformed Church of France)

Reading. Matthew 22:15-22. The Pharisees were those who followed the law of Moses rigorously while the Herodians were ready to compromise with king Herod and the ruling Roman authorities. These two groups were natural adversaries and so Matthew, by bringing them together, is signalling that the opposition to Jesus and his teaching is gathering strength. With their question they are plotting to entrap Jesus and so there is no sense that they are open to learn anything from Jesus or even debate with him. They begin by flattering Jesus but he sees through that obvious ploy and calls them out for their insincerity. A hypocrite was an actor who wore a mask to depict a different character. Thus Jesus is seeing them for what they are, always in opposition against him.

Despite this Jesus’ response takes the question seriously. To the Herodians any refusal to pay taxes to Rome was unthinkable, since they favoured Roman rule, while the Pharisees insisted that of first importance was one’s duty to God.

Jesus’ answer showed that he felt no need to take sides with any group, especially since neither took its total obligation seriously. The Roman coins of the day stated that Tiberius was the Son of the Divine Augustus. This implied that Tiberius was worthy of some degree of worship. The point that Jesus is making is that if there is an obligation to Caesar, meet it. In the same way, the obligations to God must not be set aside. Jesus’ Jewish understanding would have recognised two kinds of Kingdoms, the kingdoms of this world and also God’s kingdom. The Jews well understood the difference between the two kingdoms for they had experienced in their history both the violence of Rome and the generous grace of God. So while the question was set as a trap, Jesus’ answer opened up a whole new area of debate for he used the answer to ask a further question. It was not just a question of material versus spiritual, but it was about kingdom versus kingdom. The Romans sustained their kingdom through violence, oppression and slavery, Bombs and bullets will never provide peace. God’s kingdom was and is  built on justice, mercy and peace. The Pharisees’ question was both devious and clever but Jesus’ response hangs waiting for an answer right up to this day. “Whose kingdom do you want to support”? All through the Hebrew story was the theme of how the Creator God was working to deal with the evil and corruption in the creation, and establish a kingdom where all would be in harmony and God would reign as king. Centuries before Joshua had challenged the people when they began to settle in the Promised Land, “Choose this day, who you will serve!  If it is God then follow God”. (Joshua 24:15) Jesus response faced his adversaries with the same question, whose kingdom will you serve? It is a question we will all have to face.

Prayer. Holy Lord in your service is perfect freedom, for as we serve you we serve ourselves with all that is good for us and for others. Teach us to keep on loving you, and Lord we pray that the love we have will overflow into our relationships with all other people. Today Lord, we pray for our world which seems poised once more ready to pursue violence and oppression. Though we do not know how to pray, we turn to you and ask that your hand will protect and guide so that all nations may live in harmony and peace. In our small way guide us into those situations where we can best serve you, demonstrating our love for those we meet, remembering always your greater love for us. We ask through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God for evermore. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, in the midst of deceit, you deal truthfully; confronted by fickleness, you are faithful. Show us how to give all we are and have to God, for you are sovereign Lord, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 28

Rejoice in the Lord always; the Lord is near.    Philippians 4:4, 5

Collect. Let us pray (that God will help us to love one another): Lord, our help and our guide, make your love the fountain of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Philippians 4:1-9. The church at Philippi had been founded by Paul after he responded to his “Macedonian call”. (Acts 16:9) The church had flourished and had been a loving and generous supporter of Paul’s ministry. Now in this passage some years have passed and Paul who by now is probably a prisoner in Rome, (Phil 1:13), is, among other things urging the whole congregation to stand firm in the Lord. The purpose of standing firm is to obtain the prize at the coming of the Lord! As a response to “standing firm’ Paul pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to settle the difference of opinion which is of great concern to him. We do not know what the argument was based on but we do know that Paul also had a concern that false teaching was circulating around the congregation. (Phil 3:2). These two leaders are called to set an example of working together for divided leadership can tear a congregation apart. They along with Paul have worked hard for the gospel but it can be all unravelled through disunity. As a way of settling their dispute they along with the whole congregation are urged to set their hearts and minds on all that Jesus Christ has done for them and let that knowledge bring both joy and peace to each one of them. Paul has already said that nothing is of value save knowing Christ and his saving love for them. Differences of opinion need to be set aside when we are under the authority of Jesus Christ for by his command, even enemies are to be loved and prayed for. (Luke 6:27). As we are all one in Christ how much more should we love those who are in our own fellowship? True joy is only to be found in Jesus Christ it is never to be found by winning an argument.

When we put aside our differences it is then that God’s peace can guard our hearts for our focus is not on whether we are right or the other person is wrong but on who God is. How awesome and majestic it is to be under his protection and care. Leaders do have to lead yet leadership should always be with an aim of gathering all together under Christ’s authority. That is why Paul urges the Philippians to keep to true doctrine that they have heard and seen in his ministry.

There is more in this passage than urging us to settle our disputes. Above all it reminds us that each one of us can take our cares and concerns to God and in God we can find comfort and peace. The passage is worthy of committing to memory for it contains all the assurance and comfort we need to face each day for it reminds us that God’s power and love surround us at all times and in all circumstances.  Rejoice in the Lord and find peace.

Prayer. Holy God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we thank you that you are the one on whom we can always rely. Today we bring to you our world and all that is in it. All around we hear of destruction and war, of lives torn apart by violence and hatred. Our hearts are anxious for the safety of people we do not know, and we wonder what the future holds. Yet Lord God we also know that in you there is perfect peace and true forgiveness. As we pray for our world, grant that our hearts are stayed on you and help us to trust you for each day that unfolds, confident in the knowledge that you hold the future and you care for each person no matter who or what they are. Help us to bring the message of Jesus Christ and his saving grace into every conversation, trusting not in our wisdom but in your infinite wisdom and power, for you are able to bring peace and restoration. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 22:1-14. To human wisdom it would seem that the kingdom of God is further away today than ever, yet we know that it is foolish to think that way. As our passage from Matthew reminds us God is preparing the wedding feast for the Son. The parable tells us that the kingdom is not a place but an event, a happening. In this event is acceptance and celebration and yet though invited the chosen guests refuse to participate. The parable at this point picks up the theme that Jesus has been declaring in the parable of the tenants in the vineyard. Participation in the kingdom is now available but those for whom it is prepared are refusing the invite. The reasons that are put forward for not participating are normal and legitimate life events, working on the farm or attending to business. However the refusal is an insult to the king and abusive to the messengers tasked with the responsibility of issuing the invitations. Participation in the feast was an invitation to joy and celebration but a preference to hold onto the cares and worries of this world held them back. Because of the chosen ones refusal, other guests are invited even to the lowest level of the society. In the parable no one is left off the invitation list, a reminder that the invitation came not through merit but by the grace of the King.

Though all are welcome there are still some requirements. As the parable indicates each guest is to have on a wedding garment, that is what the king requires. The parable does not indicate if the king supplied all the guests with “wedding robes” but from a Christian perspective we would understand that we can only come into the celebration when clothed with the covering of Jesus Christ. As Romans 13 implores us to put on the armour of light which is a sign that we belong to Jesus Christ and are trusting in him alone. (Romans 13:12ff)

The parable reminds us that God’s preparations for the future are already in place and no earthly events will prevent what God has prepared from taking place. The true perspective of a Christian is that Jesus is already reigning and one day we will be with him. The end will not be determined by war and violence but when and as God chooses. Jesus was issuing a warning to his religious contemporaries. He was also reminding them that the opportunity to join in the celebration remained.

For us the parable also reminds us of the invitation that is there for us to join the joy of God’s celebration of the victory of Jesus. It is guiding us to not be blinded by the events of the day but to recognise that despite all the indications we still live in God’s creation and God is still in charge. It is also a reminder that as we come through God’s invitation we can only come as God demands, through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Prayer. Almighty and Ever Living God we pray that your grace would flow to all that you have invited to the wedding feast of your Son and that none would seek to ignore that invitation. May all our hearts be open to receive the gift of coming into your presence where we can find the peace and assurance that will free us from fear and worry. Despite the disorder that we see and hear may we never doubt that you have prepared a new way forward in every situation for nothing is a surprise for you. Above all guide us as we trust in Jesus Christ, in all circumstances to strengthen us and lead us on. We pray in Jesus name. Amen

Collect. Generous God, you invite all people to the wedding banquet of your Son, and you clothe us in the righteousness of Christ that we may come; help us always to rejoice in your presence, and to look for the coming kingdom of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 27

The heavens tell out the glory of God, and proclaim God’s handiwork; the decrees of the Lord are sure, and make the simple wise. Psalm 19:1, 7

Collect. Almighty God, you have built your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Philippians 3:4b-14. Paul’s strong rebuttal of circumcision may seem a little strained in our modern non Jewish world, yet this underlying argument is still very relevant. If you are surrounded by people encouraging you to think of yourself as a self made woman or man Paul would say in the strongest possible terms, “beware of those evil workers!” Paul is passionate to help each believer understand that it is only what Jesus Christ has achieved that is of any lasting consequence. In the face of those who are encouraging new Christians to become like the Jews he demonstrates that he, Paul, is more Jewish than all of them. Paul describes himself as a true Hebrew, a blameless Pharisee of the Pharisees, one whose devotion for Judaism drove him to persecute the Christian believers. Despite all of that, as far as building a true and righteous relationship with God, he regards all these actions and attributes as worthless rubbish. The only thing that counts is to know that Jesus Christ is Lord. For Paul, all forms of human pride are worthless for self pride leads away from trusting fully in who Jesus is and what Jesus has done on our behalf. Any action which we might think leads us closer to God and to His salvation is roundly condemned by Paul. Paul being steeped in the writings of the prophets would well remember statements like “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6) God is in a different dimension to us and only the death of Jesus can bring us into God’s presence. Only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ can we be deemed acceptable to God. Though Paul understands this well he also understands that there is still more to come. He longs to know more about Christ and the things of Christ. That is why he is determined to “press on”. Though Jesus Christ has done all that is to be done to give salvation Paul is not now passive, no he is actively living for Christ. His view of life is not to look back, either with regret or with pride, rather to strain foreword to what still lies ahead. Thus on the one hand Paul is confident in the salvation that Jesus Christ has won by his death and resurrection, but he also has a longing to remain in Christ and finally to be with Christ.

Prayer. Holy Lord, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; You are the one true hope for human kind and to you alone can we turn for guidance in this life and comforting security in the next.. By your grace the guilty are released from their bondage; through your power and strength the opportunities to live a forgiven life are present. Forgive us Lord when much of our lives are spent in re-living the past. Often we find it hard to forgive ourselves for the mistakes that we make, sometimes we are so afraid of making mistakes that we hesitate to step out for you, even when we feel constrained to do so. Help us to put our trust more firmly in you that we will willingly accept your forgiveness for what is past and reach out with joy for what is still to be. Lord let us not waste what you have won for us, let us not wander from the true source of our fruitfulness. When we think of your sacrifice we as your grateful people can only give our thanks and praise now and always. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 21:33-46. Once again we are presented with an important parable which is recorded in each of the synoptic gospels; “The parable of the wicked tenants”. The parable is about the expectation of God. It is a description of Kingdom living; an example of God’s provision and how God wants the riches of his creation, the vineyard to be shared by God and his servants.

Jesus is still teaching in Jerusalem and so he is addressing the crowd and also the priests and religious leaders. As he related the parable the leaders quickly understood that this parable was addressed directly at them. It has very powerful echoes of Isaiah 5:1, which is a description of the nation of Israel; “Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard”.

The owner is God and God establishes the vineyard according to his own design. Everything was in place with vines planted and a hedge to keep the vineyard secure. There was a wine press to produce a vintage and a watchtower to watch over all aspects of the investment. The Tenants were the ones trusted with the property in the landowner’s absence. All of this would have been easily recognised as a well understood description of the nation awaiting the return of God at the end of the age. What would not have been recognised was the shameful treatment the tenants meted out the slaves or servants of the landowner who came to collect the harvest. The landowner’s representatives were treated as enemies of the vineyard. Finally they murdered the son and so attempted to steal the ownership of the vineyard away from the landowner and claim it for themselves.

With such a direct criticism it is little wonder that the religious leaders wanted to place Jesus under arrest. Jesus was issuing a warning to the leaders that rather than claiming the kingdom of God as their own and so having leadership in it, they were in danger of losing the kingdom all together.

Everyone who listened to the parable would have understood the warning for in Isaiah’s prophecy the description was a rebuke to the whole nation, a nation that had not produced fruit. Indeed, rather than producing sweet wine grapes the vines had produced wild grapes unfit for wine production. However the parable also reminded those who listened of the patience of God as time after time there came an opportunity to participate in a share of the harvest through responding to the request made by the landowner.

In Jesus’ parable the inference is that the tenants or leaders had failed to share the harvest with the landowner, indeed they have failed to even participate in the harvest. What is more they have rejected all those the landowner had sent, including the son himself. For the early church this parable reinforced the theme that those who followed Christ had become the new Israel. This idea was clearly stated in verse 43 “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom”.

While we might rejoice over this new opportunity it is important to read all the verse, and take note of the dominant theme, which is that of producing a harvest that the ‘landowner’ can enjoy.

Prayer. Holy Lord how easy it is to miss your coming among us, how often we think that we are righteous only to find that you are on another road and we are lost once more. Keep our hearts in tune with your heart and our minds alert to the ways of peace and justice that you proscribe. Grant that we will not become complacent but be ever vigilant to serve as you desire. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Collect. Jesus, cornerstone, prophet of the reign of God, you come, and are rejected; you come, to suffer and die. Come to us today, and produce in us the fruit of obedience, for you are the Christ of God. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 26

Christ emptied himself, and became obedient to the point of death –even the death of a cross.Philippians 2:8

Collect. O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Philippians 2:1-13. The translation of the bible being used titles this passage as “Imitating Christ’s Humility”. This may be read as if this “Imitating” is something that we do, but as we read the passage we note the words “in Christ”. This is a reminder that being in Christ is a dynamic and a corporate description. Being in Christ is being gathered into his being and purpose. It not just a title nor is it simply something to which we give intellectual assent; rather it is something that Jesus himself does and we understand and accept. Therefore we are in Christ by God’s power and command. From the moment we are in Christ we become a unity, joined together in the being of Christ as the body of Christ. This unity gives us encouragement as we are supported by one another. We are given consolation through love to know that we never face any of life’s events alone. Furthermore we have an abiding fellowship with the Holy Spirit which gives us wisdom and insight, but also gives us an excitement to share this Good News which we now posses. It is this corporate unity that is established by which should always be in our heart and mind for then self interest is not erased but is held alongside the needs and interest of those who are also in Christ. Jesus gave himself up in obedience to God and for our sakes and we live by recognising that sacrifice. One day every knee will bow before the sovereignty of Jesus for their will be no alternative; Jesus will be “Lord of all”. (Romans 10:12) What a privilege is ours that we are free to worship Him now for in Christ we are able to already recognise that this is indeed who he is.

Paul finds it a great joy to experience a church in such harmonious fellowship and what a joy it is to us when we too find such a godly fellowship. Yet there is also a word of caution for Paul also reminds us that we are to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling”. We should not be surprised by this statement for the bible uses salvation in several tenses; we will be saved, we are saved, we have been saved, we press on to salvation as the ultimate accomplishment of gift from God. (Philippians 3:14)

Just as Jesus was obedient to God and so accomplished God’s will, so we to are to be obedient to Jesus in all things. Yes, Jesus is Lord of all, and yes Jesus has won our salvation, so now we live in obedience to him and in true fellowship with all believers.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you that you continue your saving work in us; that we may not only share in your glory but also honour you in every way. Grant that every day we may faithfully live as your children, loving you and loving each other as we live together in the harmony and peace that Jesus Christ has won for us. By the inspiration of your Holy Spirit may we live each day of our lives in true obedience to you. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 21:23-32. This passage finds Jesus in Jerusalem and it is here that he most often experienced disputes with the religious leaders and teachers of the law. These were officially authorised to be in charge of the temple but Jesus was not formally trained and therefore not a part of their group, which is why the question of authority arose. The bible often reports that Jesus spoke with authority. This does not simply mean that he spoke loudly or clearly, though he probably did both: Rather it means that when he spoke things happened, things came to pass and also people’s hearts received the truth and faith in God was stirred. All of these attributes would have caused some envy and resentment for those who had formal authority with huge earthly power but little godly power. In response to their question, Jesus does not avoid the answer but rather by referring to John the Baptist is reminding them of their unwillingness to accept the teaching of John. Their private discussion shows that John was readily accepted by the people as a true prophet but they were not willing to accept that John had any authority they recognised. They choose not to give Jesus an answer and that is when Jesus links his own authority to that of John’s; (an authority that comes from God!)

This passage currently raises the question of authority. Today we live in a world where many question the authority of Jesus. Many in our society scoff at Christianity and even at Jesus Christ himself. We should not be surprised or shocked by this for those kinds of attitudes form part of the bible’s teaching about suffering. Just as Jesus Christ and his teaching were rejected so we can expect to be rejected by those who do not believe. However our passage at least in part suggests that the acceptance of the authority of Jesus is an act of the will. The religious leaders chose not to accept the authority of Jesus for to do so would have meant they would have to give up their positions of power and privilege. Our position is in many ways very similar for if we accept the authority of Jesus then we also accept that there are many actions and attitudes that we need to avoid. Someone once said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all then he is not Lord at all!”. That is true in the personal life of a Christian and also true in the life of the church. To will to make Jesus our Lord takes not only faith but also the price of obedience!

Prayer. Holy Lord, we acknowledge you to be Lord of all. By your grace our sins are forgiven and we are set free. Only by your sacrifice can this take place and so we give you heartfelt thanks. We thank you that by your grace, enemies are turned to friends, and friends become dearer and more precious than ever before. Strengthen the bonds between us that our network of love and care would be a true reflection of your care and love of us. Let the presence of your Holy Spirit guide and direct our worship and fellowship when we join together to sing, pray and praise your name. May all we do lift high the name of Jesus. Amen.

Collect. God of superabundant mercy, you offer forgiveness to each and all; the poor and needy gladly receive your grace. May we be counted among them, never despising your mercy, nor those who find it; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Exodus 17:1-7 The Old Testament reading for this week. This is a devotion prepared for a meeting which is really a sermon out line.

Some years ago in an auto biography of a prominent politician I remember a comment he made, ”our media no longer report the news they attempt to make the news”. There was an example of this just a few weeks ago, Sydney had a run of days either on or just over 30 deg. If all you did was listen to reports in the media you would have thought that nothing less than Armageddon was about to take place. Yes it was hot, and unseasonable but was it the end of the world, absolutely not. Had it happened before, yes. However the concern about the heat is in general of serious concern,  Any Australian who has ever travelled beyond the city limits knows that to travel without water is foolhardy so we can have some sympathy with the Israelites in the wilderness.

Now all that is just a cheeky way of beginning to think about Exodus 17! Three or four points!

1.When things go wrong or we are in a tight corner it’s easier to blame someone than to think things through as we find a way forward. They blamed Moses but really they were blaming God for after all God is the one who can call the shots and so can make a real difference, i.e get me out of this pickle I am in.

2. The situation was then addressed to God. “What am I to do” So often the last place we turn to when we have concerns is to God. We explore every avenue before we turn to our God.

3The solution here did not seem to make sense but it worked. God was able to deliver. How often does an answer to a situation come from an unexpected quarter? Water does not come from rock, but it did. So the story is a miracle about God’s merciful provision.

4. But the key to all the above comes in the last sentence of the reading and faces us with the real question in real time. Massah and Meribah, “Is the Lord among us or not” In every situation this is the critical question we must face. In the end it is how we answer that question that determines how we respond to each and every event in life for it reveals just what it is that we believe. The answer we give can be quite telling.

Lectionary for Sunday 25

Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name; make music, sing your praise, tell all that God has done.     Psalm 105:1, 2

Collect. Loving and righteous God, the greatness of your generosity is beyond words to describe; you give equally to the last worker as to the first. By the gift of your Spirit liberate us from all selfishness and greed; that we may be free to love and serve others, and in that self-giving to find our reward; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Exodus 16:2-15. Manna; What is it? The story of the appearance of Manna falls into several sections. We begin with the people grumbling. The harsh conditions in the wilderness had quickly made them forget the oppression that they had endured while slaves in Egypt. It is ironic that the people look back to the time of slavery in such a positive way. Perhaps it is sinful human nature to quickly blame others for the hardships and difficulties that we face. Here they blame Moses and Aaron for leading them into this predicament. Moses quickly points out that they are not right in blaming him for it was the mighty acts of God that finally released them from the bondage experienced in Egypt. Therefore it is not a grumble against Moses but they are in fact grumbling against God, in the end all grumbling is a grumble against God, just as all sin is sin against God. This was the realisation that David discovered after his murderous tryst with Bathsheba. Despite everything that David had done we read in Psalm 51, “Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment”. All disobedience, including grumbling stems from a lack of trust and so is action against God.(Deuteronomy 1 :27)

Even though the people are grumbling against God, God graciously sends both bread and meat in order to sustain them. God’s provision is not based solely on present need but on the faithfulness of God who always fulfils his promise to love and care for his people. However the provision of food was both a reminder that it was God who had lead them out from Egypt and it is also a test, to see if the people could learn to trust God and be obedient. The people are to rely on God’s provision just as God has instructed them. In the morning there will be a supply of bread and in the evening there would be sufficient meat. They are instructed to gather the amount of food that will be needed for each day and no more. In this way they demonstrate that they are willing to trust God to daily be their provider. Despite the grumbling God not only supplied them with food to sustain them but also showed the people the sign that they were not alone, God was always present with them. It was the faithfulness of God and not their present need that brought the rescue that they needed.

Prayer. Holy Lord, you are the great provider for all your people and through you we are richly blessed. So we give to you all thanks and praise not only for your guidance and grace but for health and strength and life itself. Above all we thank you for Jesus Christ our Lord for by his sacrificial love we are eternally linked to you. Grant that we may always walk in His way and let our words and actions be worthy of his gracious provision. We pray in name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 20:1-16. The parable describes the conditions in the kingdom of heaven but it is an accurate description of the working conditions that day labourers would face at the time of Jesus. Those seeking work would gather in the market place and wait to be hired. They would come prepared for a day’s work for the reality of day workers was a hand to mouth existence. A day’s pay provided only enough money to feed the family for one day with little or nothing left over. The men described in the parable are on the lowest rung of the society: even a slave was entitled to be fed daily by his or her master. These men had no other way by which they could provide food for their families. For a labourer to stand in the market place all day simply waiting to be hired speaks of desperation not to mention great determination. The day described is a normal farmer’s day, sun up to sun set. The landowner went out several times to hire labourers, this reveals the urgency that surrounds gathering in the harvest before the weather changes or the fruit or grain becomes unusable.

As we consider the parable we remember that this is not a description of this present life situation but is describing an aspect of the kingdom, thus the closing statement is important, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”(verse 16)

The labourers hired first expected greater benefits but this principle does not apply, all were regarded as equal. Jesus is speaking to the Jews who knew they were the chosen people and therefore considered that they were first in every respect concerning the things of God. Jesus is making it clear that no such precedent applies in the kingdom. However the same is true for Christians. Whether one is a Christian all their life or makes a confession of faith at the last moment makes no difference, the eternal benefits are the same. As in the parable each one receives the same provision of salvation. At the same time the parable reminds us that God, who is the landowner, is constantly seeking for those who are willing to be included in the gathering in process. God’s arms are always outstretched longing to gather in labourers. Similarly God’s compassion is clearly shown for it is never God’s will that anyone would be lost. (Matthew 18:14) The parable describes that while no one can gain a special advantage each one who accepts the invitation to come and labour will be fully satisfied, accepted and secure. The kingdom is formed around God’s love and compassion and through his mercy all who come will find the completeness that only the kingdom can offer.

Prayer. Holy God in your love and mercy you reach out equally to each one of us. Your care extends to each member and in your care each finds a special place, no one is neglected or overlooked. Though we are all accepted each one of us is unique and equipped to play our part in your glorious kingdom. We thank you and praise you for preparing a place for us. Now being gifted by your grace may we fulfil the tasks that you have set before us, ever giving honour and glory to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. O God, you have enlisted us as co-workers with your Son. Give us thankful hearts, eager minds and willing hands, that we may be content to labour where you have set us for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 24

The Lord is our strength, our song –God has become our salvation.               Exodus 15:2

Collect. O God of justice and love, you pardon us if we pardon our brothers and sisters: Create in us a new heart in the image of your Son, a heart ever greater than any offence it suffers, that the world may remember how much you love us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Romans 14:1-12. The bible is not a book of instructions with which to judge outsiders but is a love letter from God to help and guide those who have faith and trust in Him. With that in mind this passage from Romans is a reminder of how we are to relate to one another within the fellowship of believers. Paul is reminding us we are all first and foremost servants of the Lord Jesus. We are under his direction and honouring him is our primary objective. This pertains in everything we do and in every situation of life. Paul also reminds us that we live out our lives in relationship with one another. Within the fellowship with Christ as the head there will be a variety of ways in which believers will respond to the guidance of Jesus. Paul’s understanding is that walking in obedience to Jesus Christ brings above all freedom to live. The faith does not surround us with rules which must be observed, neither does it hem us in with programmes and policies. Rather the faith helps us keep our focus always on Jesus and what is his will for us both personally as well as corporately. It is when our focus on Jesus is maintained that true fellowship results.

Paul then goes on to remind us that we do not live or die to ourselves, we live and die to the Lord. All life is lived under God for God is the one who is the life giver. As we live under God we are also under God’s judgement. This is at once the constraint under which we live, yet it is also the reality of our freedom. Being aware that we live under God also informs us that we also only live under the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for it is Jesus who has taken on himself our judgement and brought us through to life in God’s kingdom. This is a life that is eternal. It is because we have passed through judgement by the grace of Jesus Christ that we have no need whatever to presume to judge another. Each one of us will stand before God and only through the merits of Jesus our Lord will we be declared righteous. Food and drink, programmes and policies have no substance at all as guides on how to live a godly life.

Prayer, Holy Lord grant by your mercy that we may live together in harmony with you. As we share this earthly life with one another may we at all times recognise each of us is a child of God, equals together before you. May we be loving and kind, ready to forgive and eager to please both them and you. May we be diligent in our work and service in your name and willing to accept others no matter how different from us they may be. In loving others we pray that we may help develop a better society where all can live at peace. May your love for us cover all aspects of our life and may our love for you determine how we respond to others, this we ask in the name of Jesus our saviour. Amen

Reading. Matthew 18:21-35. Following guidance from the prophet Amos it was generally agreed that God forgave a sinner three or four times. Thus when Peter suggested that forgiveness should be up to seven times it was way above what would have been considered normal. Seventy times seven is really beyond anything that anyone could imagine. Thus Jesus responds by telling Peter that his forgiveness is in fact limitless.

It is following this direction that Jesus recounts his parable that we have named the Unforgiving Servant. As we consider the parable we immediately recognise the injustice that is portrayed; however the setting for the parable is God’s Kingdom and there no injustice will be tolerated.

The king forgives the servant a huge debt but the forgiven servant then demands full payment from a fellow servant who owes what is a trifling amount. To be forgiven a debt reminds us that receiving forgiveness totally wipes the debt away. The only difference between the two servants is the size of the debt that each owed. The parable then contrasts the mercy and forgiveness of the king when compared to the lack of mercy and forgiveness of the servant. The difference between the two debts is astounding. A talent was worth fifteen years wages for a labourer while a denarii was worth a day’s wages. The first servant’s debt was way beyond what one man could ever repay while the second servant could have discharged his debt over a relatively short time.

The lack of mercy on the part of the servant who was forgiven so huge a debt has dire consequences. The parable announces the limitless forgiveness that God offers to his people. However his forgiveness is not without cost. God’s forgiveness comes at the expense of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through Christ’s death our debts are paid and wiped away. The parable reminds us of our need to be aware of that essential transaction. To fail to forgive our brother or sister is to fail to accept the forgiveness that has changed us from debtors to true children of God.The merciful God is also a God of justice and so the response of our forgiveness to others is just as crucial as is the magnificence of the forgiveness of God. The parable reminds us that we cannot have one without the other.

Prayer. Most gracious God, your love is everlasting and your mercies never come to an end. In your mercy grant us hearts that fully accept your forgiveness and so find our lives touched and changed in order to forgive those with whom we share this life. Bring among us all a godly harmony and a single purpose to place you at the head of all we do and say; in all things and in all ways honouring you. This we ask, trusting in the power of your forgiving love which flows to us through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Gracious Father, you do not treat us as we deserve, but you are mercy and life. As in Christ your Son you have forgiven us, may we also forgive one another, for his sake and in his name. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 23

Alleluia! Sing to the Lord a new song, you faithful –praise God in the congregation.      Psalm 149:1

Collect. Let us pray (that we may realise the freedom God has given us in making us sons and daughters): God our Father, you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look on us, give us true freedom, and bring us to the inheritance you promised. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Exodus 12:1-14. Memory plays a key role in who we are and how we live out our lives. My sister was killed in a road accident when she was eighteen years old. That is almost sixty years ago, yet even today when a family member is late returning from a car journey my anxiety levels rise rapidly. My rational mind tells me not to worry but my emotional mind refuses to stop running wild. Memories shape who we are and how we live out our lives. In our reading from Exodus the writer is evoking a significant memory in the formation of the history of Israel. The Passover was the final act of God which triggered the release of the people from the slavery of Egypt.

It marked a new beginning, the sign and celebration of a new year and a new start. It was the beginning of a journey that was to end in the security and peace of the Promised Land. Every aspect of the meal and its preparation recalled the desperate urgency of the time. The people were poised and ready to escape under the protection of God.

The writer is recalling this great event and as he looks back there comes the reminder to teach the children coming on to understand and remember the significance of all that is happening. It is to become a memory and more than a memory it is seen as a shared experience, an experience that impinges on their lives. It reminded them that while they were making preparations to leave, God was acting on their behalf to ensure the way was open. Still today this festival holds an important place in Jewish life as the texts says it has become a perpetual ordinance.

We know that the family of Jesus went up to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Passover. (Luke 2:41) It would be wrong to think that we can understand all that the memory of this event means to a Jewish family. However, the Passover looks forward to the time when God would once and for all release and redeem His People. Jesus links this festival with the salvation and redemption that his death and resurrection would bring. For Christians, Jesus reframes the Passover and it becomes the sign of the New Covenant. Just as God was acting to bring release to the people in Egypt so now Jesus has once and for all opened the way to release his people from the brokenness that life brings and grant to them the peace and harmony of a fulfilling relationship with God.         “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name”.1 John 2:12

Prayer. Lord God we thank you for the many times that your love and care has protected and guided us, drawing us on into life. Quieten our fears as we consider the state of the world around us, may your Word remind us again and again of your goodness and grace. Remind us again that it is only by your power that we stand. Grant that we may draw closer to you and so find our fears reduced and our hope in you renewed. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Reading. Matthew 18:15-20. Anyone who might choose to use this passage as a platform from which to preach needs to read the text with great care. As it stands it seems to go against much of what Jesus has taught in the rest of the gospel. For example Jesus was known and indeed criticized for being a friend of tax collectors. We remember that Matthew himself was a tax collector before Jesus called him into his chosen group of disciples. So we proceed with caution and a little trepidation in case we misrepresent God’s word.

The text falls neatly into three sections; the need for wholesome and open relationships; the eternity of binding and loosing and then finally the fulfilment of requests granted by God.

As we look at the first section we immediately run into a problem with the biblical translation which often interprets from the Greek text the word “church”. Church has a dominant and specific meaning for us as the church has been established now for over two thousand years. At this time in Jesus’ ministry the church as we know it did not exist.  It is true that Jesus prophesied that Peter would be the “rock” on which Jesus was to build his church but before the resurrection even the disciples themselves did not fully understand just what the ministry of Jesus would achieve. Thus we need to think of “church” in this passage as those in close fellowship, part of the community of followers. Jesus instruction is quite clear; if someone has done you a wrong you are to make a personal and persistent attempt to restore a harmonious relationship as quickly as possible. First it needs to be attempted privately and then with the help of others to encourage sound relationships. The act of pointing out the fault is not to bring a sense of judgement but to offer forgiveness to the person who has wronged you. The constant teaching of the New Testament is to live in peace with one another for it is that harmony which honour God. We remember that we are to please God and not ourselves.(2Corinthians 13:11)

As we think of binding and loosing there is an element of eternity in this sentence for heaven is where God is and there time is no longer a factor. It may be a reminder that what we do in our earthly life does have significant ramifications in the life to come. In a book by Jurgen Moltmann titled “Resurrected to eternal life”, Moltmann suggests that relationally things that need to be addressed or have been left undone will be addressed as part of the final judgement. If this were not so how could life together in eternity to in perfect harmony. (Moltmann takes many pages to unpack that idea!)

Finally in this passage comes the assurance that when we are gathered together in Jesus’ name he is there, present with us. It is this promise that makes worship so life giving and we need always to be aware of and pay respect to the presence of Jesus. As we respond to his presence our thoughts and requests are then focussed through him to God. Thus it is not what we want but what Jesus through us wants for us. It is not like a blank cheque but is always in line with our primary task as Christians and that is like Jesus, to do the will of God. When we are doing the will of God this promise gives us limitless resources.

Prayer. Gracious God, great Creator, we thank you that you made all things and declared them to be good. We confess before you that we now live in a world of broken hearts and fractured dreams, where relationships are often strained and the pressures of life seem hard to bear. Like the psalmist of old we come now to cast our cares on you and seek again the peace and harmony that only you can give. Guide us on life’s journey. Keep us open and honest with each other always remembering that you alone are the way the truth and the life. Forgive us for our impatience and lack of understanding as we relate to one another. Help us always to be mindful that you are always present to each conversation, for your sure promise is that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Give us the courage to live with forgiving hearts, even as in Jesus Christ you have forgiven us. To you be all praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Loving Christ, you bring your people into the community of faith, a community forgiven yet divided. You are in the midst as we seek to be reconciled; give us courage, that we may take the first step; in your reconciling name we pray. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 22.

Jesus said: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Exodus 3:1-15.Over recent weeks the Lectionary has been recounting the progress and development of the nation of Israel. The story recalls the care and the provision that God had for this chosen race of people. It was God’s providence that allowed them to survive and ultimately thrive in the land of Egypt, but now the time has come to release them from the oppression of the Egyptians and settle them into the land that God had provided for them. Here they would become the nation of Israel.

Moses was aged 40 when his impulsive nature saw him murder an Egyptian, an act that forced him into escaping to the land of Midian. Another 40 years has passed as we pick up again the story of Moses now a married man with a family and still working in the wilderness tending the sheep. As Moses with his flocks approaches the region of Horeb, the bush which does not burn catches his attention. Biblical scholars recognise this as a “theophany,” an appearance of God to a human being. The bush that does not burn attracts Moses but as he approaches God calls out to warn him not to draw too close to the bush. This is “holy ground”. The power of God surrounds the bush yet it is not in any way burnt. The bush is a manifestation of God’s power and although Moses knows that this is God yet the picture is still unclear; God will always be in one sense a mystery. Before the mystery Moses hides his face. Instinctively he understands that it is dangerous to act presumptuously when dealing with God. This area was all “Holy ground” for it was here that Moses would once again meet God, “face to face’ and here would receive the Law that shaped Israel forever.

Though he is an old man, Moses is ideally placed to approach Pharaoh for he grew up in the Egyptian court and so could understand how all the protocols worked without being overawed. God had prepared Moses for this great task and now the time had come for Moses to act on his people’s behalf.

Moses’ desire to understand most clearly who it is that is calling him to this task is realistic. Once again God leaves a sense of mystery in the reply to Moses’ question. “The God of your ancestors” draws our attention to the oppression the Israelites were facing and so God’s reply to Moses is to say that he is to tell the people that it is the God they have been crying out to who has sent him! Thus “I Am” has been present with you and is always present with you and this presence denotes God’s love and care. At the same time this presence is always going to be more than the human mind can comprehend. God stands over the people as the great I Am, it is a presence that reaches back to their ancestors and also goes before them carrying them on into the future.

We are fortunate to know the way the story unfolds but Moses has to struggle with the mystery of God while at the same time relying absolutely on God’s power. It was to be a task that only he could do!

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you for the obedience of Moses who lead the people under your direction. We thank you that it reminds us that you are always present with your people and always have their welfare in mind. We thank you for raising up leaders who lead using your strength to achieve your perfect purposes. Help us to be discerning as we live out our lives, whether we are to lead or to follow, always being obedient to you and your call upon us. This we ask through Jesus Christ the one perfect Servant. Amen

Reading. Matthew 16:21-28. The revelation that Jesus is the Messiah is the turning point on which this next section of Matthew’s gospel pivots. As Messiah certain events must unfold and certain things must be accomplished. All of the disciples would have understood the teaching about the coming Messiah and how exciting that knowledge would have been for each of them. However, now they have to leave behind much of what they have been taught for Jesus is a Messiah with a very different agenda. The agenda of this Messiah is to go to Jerusalem and be crushed by the evil forces of the world. These evil forces will use the very people who for centuries had longed for God’s Messiah. It is a very radical change of understanding and so we should not be too surprised at Peter’s reaction, nor at Jesus’ response. Peter is trying to protect Jesus from harm, a very natural instinct. Jesus however knows that the course he must take is what God wants. Peter’s remark cuts across what must transpire and so Jesus names Peter as Satan. The word Satan means, “the Accuser” or the adversary. That is the sense in which Jesus uses the term when addressing Peter. We remember that Jesus made it quite clear that those who are not fully with Jesus are fully against him. Anyone who was against what Jesus had to accomplish was working against him. (Matthew 12:30) Peter did not want to be Jesus’ enemy but by using human wisdom had unintentionally become an enemy.

It was this absoluteness that Jesus speaks about when he once more challenges those who wanted to follow him. There are three things that he emphasises. Firstly a follower must deny him or herself. This denial was to forever place God and God’s way as the guiding force in your life. Being a Christian is never a part time occupation, it is a once for all way of life. As Peter found, just trying to be kind by using human wisdom was not enough. And as G K Chesterton said,” “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.” Following Jesus demands action but it only God guided action that will suffice. Secondly a follower must take up their own cross. The cross was a place of suffering and punishment. So terrible was this in Roman times that crucifixion was never ever talked about in polite conversation, it happened but no one spoke of it. The cross foreshadowed a place of sacrifice for following Jesus puts every follower at odds with the world and its systems.

Finally a follower has to follow Jesus; not that they will do what Jesus did but that they will do as God desires in all of life’s situations.

Even today this is a hard calling but we need to remember that in the time of Matthew being a Christian risked deadly persecution from those around you. To be a Christian was to be at risk. Many in our world still face that risk and still choose to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus’ words challenge his closest disciples to re think their attitudes and beliefs so we too are challenged to re examine our lives so that we are fully with Jesus.
 

Prayer. O Lord we pray take our hand that we may walk with you today. Grant us the courage to face the way that you are facing and to walk in step with you, that if possible we may may be obedient children of God, your true disciples. We long to serve you with all our hearts and yet we fully know how weak we are and how easily we turn away from the ways you choose. Lord we often feel powerless as we live out our lives. The great events and the major decisions are not ours to influence or so it would seem. And yet Lord you have not asked us to be powerful nor to be world changers, but to love and trust you relying on your strength alone. As we begin this day Lord, teach us to begin not in power or might which comes from ourselves but trusting in your power to guide, looking for your strength to provide the victory. Grant that we would rely on you Lord and follow your way until we have accomplished what you desire of us today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Collect. Descending God, your Son faces the cross, and bids his followers to come. Help us to turn from false desires which keep us from following the Saviour in whose name we pray. Amen.

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Deitrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost of Discipleship

Lectionary for Sunday 21

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8

Collect. O Father, fount of all wisdom, in the humble witness of the apostle Peter you have shown the foundation of our faith. Give to all the light of your Spirit, that, recognising in Jesus of Nazareth the Son of the living God, they may become living stones for the building up of your holy Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading. Exodus 1:8 to 2:10. Last week we touched briefly on the life of Joseph and today we read about the birth of Moses the most revered leader in the history of Israel. Many centuries have passed since the Israelites had moved to the land of Egypt and the work of Joseph is a forgotten era. It is understandable that the Egyptians felt that the presence of a large and alien race could pose a threat to their security. In our modern world such feelings are not uncommon as large numbers of refugees cross borders to find food, shelter and security.

The remedy the Egyptians chose to diminish the threat proved to be ineffective and the people continued to thrive. Still the oppression was hard to endure. It was into that scenario that the writer reveals the story of God’s providence in protecting Moses and his family. Step by step the decisions that each of the participants in the story made proved effective in the rescue and survival of Moses. It is not hard to imagine the joy of Moses mother Jochebed being able to bring up her son at the request of Pharaoh’s daughter. So against all odds Moses was brought up and educated under the guidance of the royal household. The story reminds us of the power of God to direct situations but it also speaks to us of the faith and trust of this godly family from whom Moses was born. This story speaks strongly of the providential care of God.

However on an altogether different level is the continuation of God’s plan to raise up for Himself a people through whom the whole world would be blessed. Just as step by step God had guided the life of Joseph so now we see the beginning of God’s guidance of Moses. It is Moses who will be the key to all that God has planned to bring his chosen people into the Promised land.

This is an important story in the history of Israel but it reminds us all of the power and providence of God. Yes God has far reaching plans for his creation. A plan which will bring peace and justice to every aspect of the world God has created. Yet at the same time God also cares for individuals and God’s love and grace surrounds each one.”Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”. Matthew 10:29ff NRSV

Prayer. Almighty and Everlasting God, we thank you that your eye is even on the sparrow. In your love we are greatly comforted as we face the joys and sorrows of daily life. In every situation your hand is there to help and guide us through. Gladly we look to you for all the blessings that come to us each day. We thank you for the faith that you give to us which enables us to trust you in all things. Strengthen us as we live out our lives that in all we do we may honour Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we make our prayer. Amen.

Reading. Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus chose to do much of his teaching ministry in the region of Galilee. This region was away from the religious conservatism which surrounded Jerusalem. Galilee had been conquered and repopulated centuries before the time of Jesus and as a consequence was ethnically a more diverse mix of people. As such it was more open to new or different religious ideas. Thus when Jesus began to teach about the freedom that the love of God and his kingdom would bring he quickly developed a large following. In our reading today we find Jesus teaching his disciples in Caesarea Philippi. As a region this was perhaps one of the most diverse ethnic and religious places and it was among such a diverse group that Jesus asks the important question, “Who do you say that I am?” This is still a pertinent question today for as in Jesus’ time who Jesus is can evoke many answers yet only one answer represents the truth. It is clear from the text that there was much speculation about Jesus’ origin, hence people were saying, John or Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. Jesus looked to the disciples to speak for themselves, “Who do you say that I am.” The answer comes back, “You are The Christ”, literally the anointed one, the Messiah who God has sent. In this statement Peter is claiming for Jesus true divinity and for the first time Jesus is accepting that this is so. It is like a public announcement that Jesus has accepted the reality of his divinity in the presence of his closest disciples. (We noticed that at the end of this discussion Jesus commands them to keep that knowledge to themselves for though the time is growing short before he proceeds to the suffering that will happen in Jerusalem, this is still not the time to publicly reveal his true identity.)

Jesus acknowledges that by recognising his true identity Peter has received a revelation from God. This is still true today, common sense will not lead you to believe that Jesus is God himself, only revelation and faith will do that for Jesus is at once both human and divine. To misquote a phrase of Charles Wesley’s, to common sense that is “Incomprehensible”. (Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man; Hymn: Let Heaven and Earth combine.)

In the intimacy of teaching his disciples, Jesus nominates that Peter is to be the leader of the assembly or congregation that will, when the time comes to receive the revelation, believe and follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Our translation says”church” and that is correct for those who recognise the deity of Jesus constituted the church. The followers of Jesus are linked in faith to Jesus Christ and Peter is to be the first leader.

In the region where this teaching took place was a cave commonly called the “Gates of Hell”. It was not the only place in the ancient world given such a title but it was considered in pagan religions as the gateway to the place of the dead. Death will never welcome those who are the members of the church for Jesus Christ has conquered death.  In the same way the church will always be victorious over death for nothing will ever separate his followers from his presence.

The power to bind or loose is absolute and yet problematic. As it is linked to the keys of the kingdom, perhaps it to bind those who are opposed to Jesus and the things of the church, while freeing those who wish to escape from the power of sin and death. Whatever it means the final result is that the church, the community of Jesus Christ will be victorious over all opposition trough the merits of Jesus Christ the Saviour.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, when the time was right you came to redeem all of human kind, to bring freedom to the oppressed and justice to all. For your sovereign ministry on our behalf we give you all thanks and praise. We thank you for your obedience to God and for the victory that you won. Help us always to to be faithful as we follow in your way. May we be faithful to your word, placing you above all others, now and for always. This we ask with humble and thankful hearts. Amen

Collect. Jesus, Messiah of God, you invite our faith; grant us the grace to trust you as Peter did, and in our day to proclaim you Son of the Living God. Amen.

Lectionary for Sunday 20

God our Saviour desires everyone to be saved and come to know the truth. For there is one God and one mediator, Jesus Christ.     1 Timothy 2:4-5

Collect. Let us pray (that all races and creeds may find in Christ the fulfilment of their longings): Almighty God, who in the incarnation of your eternal Word revealed the source and perfection of all true religion: grant us so fully to manifest Christ in our lives that people of all races and creeds may be drawn to him who is their whole salvation, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Genesis 45:1-15. Last week we read of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery now in this passage we read of Joseph revealing himself to these same brothers. In this meeting the tables are reversed and Joseph is the one with all the power. Joseph was a key leader in God’s plan to gather for Himself a nation through whom God would bring a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. (Genesis 12:3) In order to prepare Joseph for his great task scripture reminds us that God tested Joseph. He has to endure many trials in order to be prepared for the role he is to perform. (Psalm 105:17-19). Now in the lead up to this final encounter Joseph has also tested his bothers and noticed the changes that have occurred. These last few chapters of the story are emotionally charged as Joseph forces his brothers to confront who they are as a family.

In our reading for today we come to the second time the brothers have met with the high official of Egypt. As before they have come for food for the famine is still ongoing and as such the brothers are completely at the mercy of Joseph. They are deeply concerned that this man seems to know so much about them, including their birth order. It is as Judah pleads for Benjamin and confesses the loss of Joseph; offering himself as slave in Benjamin’s place for the sake of his father that Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers.

It is hard to imagine the emotions the brothers would have experienced. It is little wonder that they are speechless as they stand before the teenager sold into slavery who has now become such a powerful man.

As Joseph embraces his brothers in welcome he highlights above all things the sovereignty of God. Joseph has become the catalyst through whom God will preserve his people and grow on to become a mighty nation. Though Joseph and his brothers are reconciled the brothers still seem to struggle with the forgiveness they have received. Even after their father Jacob dies they are still concerned that Joseph will reap his revenge and he has to reassure them once again. How hard it is to leave all things in God’s hands! Joseph’s greatest strength was his submission to God in all things. It was because of this that he was able to maintain his integrity through all the trials he had to face.

There are many things to learn from the story of Joseph but perhaps a most important thing is that God is always faithful to us and we can respond by trusting Him in faith. In all of life’s experiences we know, “that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

Prayer. Almighty God we thank you for your everlasting love and care which surrounds us every day. Grant that we may always remain faithful to you, honouring you in word and deed: living each day as your children. In all things keep us in the faith to which you have called us, trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus our Lord in whose name we call out to you in prayer. Amen

Reading. Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28. In the previous few verses Jesus has been teaching his disciples about religious purity. (v 10-20), The washing that was under discussion was not so much about hygiene but about being pure enough to stand before God. Immediately after that discussion Matthew remarks that Jesus left that place and went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. In other words he went from the pure people to the Canaanites. The contrast could not have been greater. Jesus has faced persistent opposition among his own people, now we had entered the territory of those who historically from the very beginning had been the Jews enemies. Not only that, the ancient prophets had all spoken against Tyre and Sidon, yet it is here in this region that Jesus and the disciples are confronted by a woman of great faith. Here was a Canaanite woman who by Jewish reckoning would not ever have been “pure”. In Matthew’s description of the exchange we find the menial position of the woman is highlighted as she is addressed as a “dog”! “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” The woman recognized Jesus as a powerful man and approaches him by shouting out her request, not for herself but for her daughter. The request comes not only from her need but also her love for her daughter, for whom she will risk any rejection. However her approach upsets the disciples and they wish Jesus to send her away. On being told that he comes only for the “lost sheep of Israel”, she comes and kneels before him, begging for help. Her determination is powerful.

The response from Jesus seems very harsh but it reflects the true situation that both the woman and Jesus faced. Jews held little respect for the Canaanites. However there are a number of Greek words translated into English as “dogs” In this case the word used is one that denotes a puppy or we might say a pet dog. Let’s remember that many people have pet dogs and yes, they are considered part of the family. It is that thought that needs to colour this description from Matthew. Nonetheless Jesus is still refusing to simply grant her request by suggesting she is not worthy. Rather than seeing his response as an insult she sees it as a challenge and an opportunity. A savage street dog would not be fed with the family but a pet dog certainly would be. That was her opportunity. The woman trusted in the power of Jesus to keep on with her request on behalf of her daughter and her request was granted. Here was a remarkable woman who Jesus commends with a accolade that few others receive, “A woman of great faith”!

Matthew’s Gospel shows great respect for the Canaanite woman but over that stands the narrative that no matter who it is and no matter where it is, Jesus has the power and the compassion to help and save.

Prayer. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are over all things and in you all things have their true existence: We come to you in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. He is our only mediator and it is through him that we humbly bow before you. We are not worthy to ask anything of you, yet in your graciousness you provide all that we need. We thank you that you have surrounded us with a family of those who love you, help each one to remain in your love. Having given thanks for all your gifts we remember before you all those who are suffering for your name’s sake; those who are undergoing hardships because of persecution or from natural disasters. We also pray for those for whom the struggles of this life have torn them away from you and from their trust in you. Give to all of us a refreshing new season of the Spirit that in your presence we may rejoice and be glad, ever honouring and praising you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Jesus, servant of the Lord, faced by the faith of an outsider, you cannot refuse the help she needs; save us from restricting our aid to those who are like us; lead us to put our faith into action now and for evermore. Amen.