Thursday 9th April | Margaret Proud
Readings
Reflection
These psalms are so relevant to us across these days. Psalm 42 describes how, as much as the deer needs water to live on (v1), that much does the psalmist thirsts for God.
Yet in the psalmist’s thirsting he cannot go to the temple to meet with God, he can only remember the time when he could (v4). An interesting parallel - while we no longer live in the days of meeting in the temple at Jerusalem, we do find ourselves unable to worship together as church in a church building.
Even though the psalmist is struggling across both psalms, he encourages himself to put his hope in God and continue to praise Him, despite everything! both psalms end with encouraging words to us … Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God.
Leviticus 16 describes how, in Old Testament times, the high priest Aaron had to spend hours preparing to meet with God! Within the Old Testament people’s sins were forgiven and guilt removed by the killing of one goat and a second ‘scapegoat’ was sent out, away from the people, carrying their guilt.
Today we have much easier and immediate access to God!
We have no earthly high priest, no need to kill goats; we have direct access to God - Jesus has opened the way for us, though his death on the cross and resurrection he has taken our sin and guilt, so that we can have a close, personal relationship with God.
Luke 23 takes us on part of Jesus’ journey to the cross…
Thank God for Jesus, may we continue from our scattered homes, to put our hope in God and praise Him in these different days!
Prayers
Father God, thank you that through Jesus we have immediate and direct access to You.
Thank you that that wherever we are, You are with us.
Whatever our situation and location, we cry out to You and tell You how life really is and the challenges we are facing.
Help us to put our hope in You, and praise You our Saviour and our God.
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.
