Sunday 5th April | Ben Le Dune
Readings
Reflection
In these passages we become aware of the truth that in God we can find hope and salvation. One of the questions that Jesus is asking us in Luke 16 is- what do we put our identity in? The rich man ignored the very thing that would give him meaning and eternal salvation and exchanged it for earthly wealth. He was eternally tormented because he didn’t acknowledge the word of God in his life.
Throughout the Psalms we consistently see people expressing their pain and suffering to God because they were certain that He would provide them peace and comfort to their soul. They knew that their identity came from his unfailing love for them.
I believe these passages challenge us to identify areas of our life where we have not committed over to God. If we put our hope in anything other than the truth of his word then our outlook on life is ultimately our responsibility. It’s understandable to feel fear in this time and we shouldn’t be dishonest about our emotions, but I encourage you to do as the Psalmist says and ‘pour our hearts out to him’ and in doing so he will become our refuge. As we lead up to Easter, let’s be reminded that Jesus’s death brought victory over sin and shame in our lives. Acknowledging this is the key to finding peace for your soul. Let’s be people who rejoice in this hope and salvation even when things around us may seem uncertain.
Prayers
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for bringing us peace and hope to our lives through your death and resurrection. Even though life may seem uncertain at times, I thank you that I can be certain of your love for me. I ask that you would identify areas of my life where I have not committed to you. As I do this, I pray that I would become more aware of your love and your peace. Help me to trust in your word and may I always put my identity in you and what you say about me.
Amen.
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God,
Who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
To take upon him our flesh
And to suffer death upon the cross:
Grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
And also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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.
