Sunday 14th June | Anna Rowlands
Readings
Reflection
Today’s passages reminded me that no matter what the world looks like, the Lordship of King Jesus is unchallenged. The highest heavens, the earth and everything in it still belong to Him.
The news has been particularly grim and upsetting over the last few weeks. I’m sure many of us are feeling drained by the amount there is to be appalled by and angry about. Psalm 45 reminded me that our God is one of justice and protection. He is clothed with splendour and described as mighty, but not in an aggressive sense. His cause is ‘truth, humility and justice’, and the very nature of God means that he ‘loves righteousness and hated wickedness.’ In Deuteronomy we are told that God ‘shows no partiality’ and ‘loves the foreigner’, and we are thus called to do the same. Let us be people who seek truth and justice, extending the love that we have received through Christ to all people.
The Deuteronomy verses remind us what it is to walk with God- love, obedience, and service of heart and soul. God is mighty, powerful and holds the universe in his hands, and yet he “set his affection on our ancestors”. Through the powerful work of Jesus on the cross, we are welcomed into the family of God. Let’s hold fast to that and seek to become more like Christ as we pursue justice and righteousness in our world.
Prayers
Heavenly Father,
thank you that you are the almighty creator of heaven and earth, the author of salvation and yet you see and love each person on this planet.
Thank you that we are invited into the family of God through Christ.
Help us by your Holy Spirit to become more like you in working for truth, justice and righteousness in our communities.
Amen.
Collect
O God,
The strength of all those who put their trust in you,
Mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature
We can do no good thing without you,
Grant us the help of your grace,
That in the keeping of your commandments
We may please you both in will and deed;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
