Saturday 9th May | Alice Wilkinson
Readings
Reflection
Exodus 40:17-38 describes Moses following God’s instructions as he builds the tabernacle, the place where God will dwell among his people. Obedience and adherence to God’s commands demonstrated His people’s repentance, their new way of living, and made possible the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among them.
Luke 4:31-37 tells of Jesus casting out a demon from a man in the temple. The people around him were stunned by the authority that His words carried. Jesus’ triumph over demons was a clear indication that God’s kingdom was breaking through into the present age in a new and decisive way, driving back demonic forces and setting people free to serve God.
When we have a personal relationship with God, we begin to understand his complete authority, and in turn, we worship him. That worship can, and should, take many forms. From joining in sung worship in church buildings, to loving and serving those around us, to admiring His creation, to engaging with the spiritual disciplines or practices.
But at the root of it all is an obedience to God’s will. In this, we begin to see Heaven’s Kingdom breaking through.
Let me be clear, I am not preaching a gospel of works. I’m not saying that you must obey God in order to gain forgiveness and therefore your salvation. Quite the opposite. Salvation comes by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, living in that salvation, given freely to us in God’s mercy, we are called to follow Jesus: to spread the good news, to do good works, and to obey the Father.
What has God been saying to you, during this lockdown period? Are you going to listen?
Prayers
Taken from Psalm 34:
Lord thank you that as I seek you, you answer me. Thank you that you deliver me from all of my fears, that you have taken away all of my shame, and that in your mercy you have heard me, and saved me. Thank you that you are close to the brokenhearted, and that you save the weary. Thank you for the promise that you will rescue your people, and that no one who takes refuge in you will be condemned.
Lord, help me to glorify and worship you with every change that I get, in song, in wonder, in character, and in obedience. Help me to magnify you in all that I say and to, and to encourage others to do the same.
Amen.
Collect
Almighty God,
Whose Son Jesus Christ is the
Resurrection and the life:
Raise us, who trust in him,
From the death of sin to the life of righteousness
That we may seek those things which are above,
Where he reigns with you
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
