Saturday 20th June | Katie Budd
Readings
Reflection
During our time in lockdown and especially the events of the last few weeks, it seems a unified desire for justice has brought the world closer together. Society is aching to see equality enthroned and I sense a longing for a greater hope shared by more than just the Christian circle – I can’t help but feel that God is using this time to restore hope and reaffirm his kingdom in more ways than we can imagine, which gives me peace as I look forward to the future.
Psalm 41 reveals a situation of desperate oppression “All my enemies whisper together against me…they imagine the worst for me” (v7) One would expect the natural response here would be one of fear and desperation, right? Yet the Psalmist is so convinced of God’s hand over his people that he adopts a rejoiceful tone “The Lord sustains them on their sick-bed, and restores them from their bed of illness” (v3).
The weak are described as treasured in God’s eyes “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble… He protects and preserves them… they are counted among the blessed in the land”(v1). Despite his enemies plotting against him, his assurance can’t be shaken because he knows he has God’s protection over his life “For my enemy does not triumph over me…because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence for ever" (v11).
In Luke 12 Jesus warns that he has come to bring not peace but division “I have come to bring fire on the earth.” (v49). I was recently reading an article which described how wildfires, in scorching the land and destroying dead vegetation, can restore trapped nutrients back to the soil and act as disinfectant, removing disease-ridden plants and insects from the ecosystem, as a form of refinement. Perhaps Jesus would have made a similar statement on examination of the world today; but one thing he does seem to make clear - from the damage brought to the surface we can find hope of a new life in Jesus Christ.
The marking of Joshua’s death and burial at the end of Joshua 24 invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness to the Israelites in their journey to the promised land, as we see the tribe restored to the “land of their inheritance” (v30).
So, in such a time as this let’s hold fast to the truths about God’s heart for justice, his love for the oppressed and his sovereign hand over all situations.
Prayers
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you see us all as your dearly loved children,
that you love us all the same, and that you gave your life for each one of us,
that we may be made a new creation in you.
Thank you that you hear us in our despair and weep with us in our suffering,
and that you long for us to cry out to when we feel lost.
Would you draw near to us in your love and mercy,
and help us to lean on you more and more everyday.
Give us the words when we don’t know what to say,
and shape us to be more like you.
In Jesus’ name.
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.
