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Weekly Bible Notes

Epiphany 3

Year C, White

Introduction

The reading this week from Luke tells us about the first sermon which Jesus preached. It was all going rather well and people were astonished at the words of grace coming out of Jesus mouth. However Jesus began to teach the people and ascribed to himself the fulfilment of scripture. This provoked jealously and criticism and words which showed that people were sceptical about thinking that Jesus was anything other than just an ordinary person like everybody else.

Jesus quoted two people

1. the widow at Zarephath who was dealt with by Elijah and

2. the soldier Naaman the Syrian who Elisha healed.

The thing about these two were that they were both Gentiles. Jesus was making the point that the poring out of God's grace was something which was going to benefit the Gentiles and not the Jews. Jesus is the Messiah mentioned in Isaiah, but he is going to shatter some of the traditional expectations. Jesus will not inflict punishment on the Gentiles but will bring God's grace and mercy.

The Jews would have to forget any ideas of the Messiah coming to restore them as a great military nation. No wonder that Jesus was unpopular!

Opening Verse of Scripture   Psalm 19 v 7 - 10

The law of the LORD is perfect, the precepts of the LORD are right, the fear of the LORD is pure, and the ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.


Collect Prayer for the Day—Before we read we pray

Almighty God, who’s Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; 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  Common Worship

God of all mercy, your Son proclaimed good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed: anoint us with the Holy Spirit and set all your people free to praise you in Christ our Lord. Common Worship Shorter Collect

Loving God, through your Son you have called us to repent of our sin, to believe the good news, and to celebrate the coming of your kingdom. Grant that we may hear the call to discipleship and gladly proclaim the gospel to a waiting world; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

First Bible Reading  Nehemiah Chapter Chapter 8 v 1 - 3, 5 - 10

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Second Reading  1 Corinthians Chapter 12 v 12 –31a

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)
 

Gospel Reading    Luke Chapter 4 v 14 – 21

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Post Communion Prayer

 Almighty Father, who’s Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world: may your people, illumined by your word and sacraments, shine with the radiance of His glory, that He may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; for He is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen

Commentary

The Old Testament lectionary reading for this Sunday is taken from the Book of Nehemiah. Since this is not a very familiar Book it might be useful to say a little about this interesting part of the Hebrew Bible and set today’s extract in context. In chronological terms, this book comes at the very end of the period covered by what we call the Old Testament. Coming historically after the book of Chronicles, it extends the story of the people of Israel from the end of the exile in Babylon (c539 BC) to the end of the fifth century BC. The account of the doings of Nehemiah is regarded as a continuation of the book of Ezra. In some places it sounds as though the book was written by Nehemiah himself, since he often uses the word “I” but in other places the text refers to the same man as “he”! Scholars have suggested that it may be that the earliest versions of the story became jumbled and thus mixed up the historical order of events in both Ezra and Nehemiah. The tone of the Book of Nehemiah is radically different from the more high flown, and perhaps more vague, outpourings of some of the prophets. Nehemiah, Jewish cup bearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, was allowed by his master to return to the land of the people of Israel as Governor. Once there, Nehemiah grieved at the desolate state of the city of Jerusalem, so symbolic of the nationhood and spirituality of the Chosen People. In the face of division among the scattered and sorry remnants of the people of Israel and against a background of attacks from neighbouring tribes, Nehemiah called together the people and galvanised them into setting about rebuilding the walls of the once great city of David and Solomon.
Although we don’t learn many personal details about Nehemiah, we do get the impression that he was a practical and determined man. He was also tidy-minded to a fault! The book of Nehemiah is scattered with careful lists of the participants in the reconstruction project. The family alliances and relationships are all carefully noted, he was a true historian. The excerpt we hear in church this morning comes after this account of the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. Having achieved the first part of his purpose, the rebuilding of the fabric, the practical prophet followed God’s inspiration and set about rebuilding the spiritual fabric of his people. The men and women of Israel and “those who have ears to hear” (presumably Gentiles) were called together to hear God’s will for His people.

In my sermon I shall be noting the significance of both the moving sequence of the practical and moral rebuilding of a divided and disheartened people. I shall ask whether this rather obscure part of the Bible might not have real significance for Christians as we struggle in this secular world. Could the rebuilding and the finding of common cause in a great project be a splendid metaphor of God’s purpose for us? Joan Crossley

Meditation

Meditation.

We are  half way through the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an event which is now part of the Bedford church calendar. It is marked by services in a variety of churches and provides a platform for building new relationships with Christians from other denominations or meeting up with old friends. It would be good to think that people from the Partnership might reaffirm our long-standing commitment to looking outwards by getting involved with the few remaining activities.  Perhaps you could fit in a visit to one of the lunchtime services? Or hear Bishop Richard preach tonight? We all desire closer links and better understanding with other churches and knowing how they worship is an important part of the process of dropping barriers.

Hymns

1. To God be the Glory 463

2. Give me joy in my heart 492

3. Make me a channel of your peace 776

4. O breath of God come sweeping through 777

Prayers for Sunday and the week ahead

Gracious God, look upon a sinner who is yet created in your image. Look upon a disciple into whose heart you gaze. Look upon a child who longs to love you with a heart yet more perfect, and looking, forgive, and gazing, pardon and bless; for your truth and your mercy's sake. Amen. Francois Fenelon, 1651-1715

Prayer for Ephiphany
Almighty God, you have revealed the incarnation of your Son by the bright shining of a star, which the wise men saw and offered costly gifts on adoration; let the star of your justice always shine in our hearts, that we give as our treasure all that we are to you service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Gelasian Sacramentary 8th century)

Lord, teach me the silence of love, the silence of wisdom, the silence of humility, the silence of faith, the silence that speaks without words. O Saviour, teach me to silence my heart that I may listen to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit within me and sense the depths which are God, today and always. Amen (Frankfurt, 16th century)

Thoughts from Partnership News this week

The Church of England has to change and accept that there are many ways of operating the church. That is the view of a report which is to be debated in Synod next month and which has been produced by a working party under the Bishop of Maidstone, The Rt Rev Graham Cray.

The parochial system is no longer able to deliver the mission purpose of the church and there needs to be changes. You may recognise this as a theme which came out of the video shown in our churches recently, ‘Restoring Hope.’ There is a subtle theme coming out of the Church of England that things are going to have to change. There is a call for a mixed economy of different types of worship patterns, and a move away from thinking that we just do church on Sundays.

Churches might be formed from smaller groups of friends, like parent toddler groups. The report points out that only 4% of children go to Sunday School. It says that a whole generation of young people now find Graham Kendrick and music the church thinks is modern, stuffy. One third of the population is under 25, the report calls upon the church to invest a third of its resources to them.

What are the alternative forms of ministry proposed ?
Base communities, small groups which grow in the poorest communities, usually without a leader imposed from outside
Café churches, small groups meeting in places like, you guessed it café’s
Cell Churches, complete churches which are like Bible study groups
Community Initiatives. local responses, especially in poor areas
Multiple midweek congregations, for those who can’t or won’t get up on Sunday
Network Church, groups of people who meet together who have common interests, musical preference or disability
Traditional church plants, big churches plant little ones and a group go off to get it going
Replants, successful churches take over unsuccessful ones
Youth congregations, whole churches of just young people

You may like to consider these ideas in your own homegroups or study groups. What ideas do you have?

Additional Resources

Meditation

In the epistle reading we can see that claims regarding different spiritual gifts had begun to lead to divisions and disunity in the Corinthian church. It’s a potentially very destructive scenario for the fledgling early church. Fortunately Paul gives some very clear counsel. He does not deny that there are differences of gifts and functions, but he strongly encourages the Corinthians to focus on the unity which stands behind them all. He emphasises that there is one body, although it has many parts, all of which need each other, and all of which are vital for the life of the Christian community. Paul stresses that we’re all part of a greater whole. He challenges us to see ourselves as a church which is the embodiment of Christ in the world, not primarily as individuals, but as local communities, which are part of God’s larger Kingdom and plan. It is important we acknowledged our differences; people are not all the same, we don’t all have the same abilities. But we are held together by our common life in Christ. Our sense of identity lies not in the role we play, nor the status we have, nor the reward our role brings, but in the sense of who we are in Christ. How Christ sees us as individuals and as the united body of the church is far more important than how we see ourselves.

Commentary

It was John Wesley himself, who, from the very beginnings of Methodist Societies, invited Methodists to renew their covenant relationship with God, a covenant that promises new life in Christ. And, in renewing our baptism vows we confirm our allegiance to that new life in Christ and our rejection in all that is evil. Our service today reflects these themes, as we praise God for his goodness to us, confess that our lives have not always adequately demonstrated the reality of our faith, and recommit ourselves to His work and service.

The covenant theme is one which pervades the whole of the bible, from the earliest covenant between God and Noah, His covenant with Abraham, which promises the multiplication of his offspring and inheritance of the promised land, the Sinai covenant with Moses remembered in the Passover as Israel escaped the bondage of the Egyptians, through to the covenant God made with David as the King of Israel and the new covenant we have in Christ, which we remember in our service of Holy Communion. Each of the covenants expands and builds on those already established. But it was not back to the existing covenants of the Old Testament to which Jeremiah looked, it was forward to the New Covenant, which would be fulfilled in Christ.

While continuing to build on those of the past, this covenant would be significantly different. It was not so much to do with material blessings and plentiful harvests, but concerned the hearts of the men and women who embraced it. It was about an intimate fellowship with God, where the old intermediaries of the priesthood and the prophets were no longer required. All could have immediate access to God. And, not only was it was for everyone, it spoke about the forgiveness we can know in Christ for our past wrongs. ‘…they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord… …and I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more’.

As we renew our baptism vows and our own covenant with God, perhaps we should reflect on the changes that have affected us in the year since we last made our commitment. Did we achieve all that we set out to do, or did circumstances and human nature conspire against us? And perhaps, like Jeremiah, we too need to look forward, not just back. We need to cherish, build on, and learn from, our experiences of a past that is behind us, and, safe in the knowledge of God’s love and forgiveness, we need to gently move on as we look to the future and the year ahead. To let Christ do with ourselves, and others, far more than we dare think or ask as we recommit ourselves to Him. Sam Cappleman

Commentary

The Old Testament readings take us back to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the exiles return to Jerusalem. Ezra and Nehemiah were different individuals with different roles. Ezra was a scribe, and Nehemiah was a governor. Ezra is known for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem and Nehemiah is known for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Together they made a powerful partnership. Indeed the books of Ezra and Nehemiah form one story. The book of Ezra begins with Cyrus of Persia’s decree, in 538 BC, permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and his order that the sacred vessels taken from the Temple in 587 be returned. More than 42,000 leave Babylon for Judah and construction of the new Temple begins (a more modest structure than Solomon’s) and the walls of the city are rebuilt under the direction of Nehemiah. In today’s reading the scribe Ezra begins reading out loud from the book of the torah law, the Pentateuch, to all the people who are now assembled within the completed walls, just by the Water Gate. Ezra reads in Hebrew; the Levites (priestly assistants) translate into Aramaic (the common language) so that everyone can understand the significance of what is being read to them. They are finally back in Jerusalem, back from being in exile, they are home. But as the torah is read their initial responses are of guilt, fear and regret at having fallen short of the law. They fall down to the ground in despair. Fortunately their leaders encourage them to look forward and not back, to celebrate their return and celebrate the unchangeable fact that they will always be the God’s chosen people. They are united as a nation once more and back in the land of the covenantal promises. This reading is their story and rejoicing in God they celebrate their unity.


The theme of unity is one which Paul addresses in the epistle reading. He urges the Corinthians to focus on their unity whilst continuing to value their diversity. It’s an apt theme for our society today. But it would appear that for both the returning Jews in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and the early Christians that Paul addressed at Corinth sometimes it was difficult for them to see and experience that unity. For them, like us there were different factions, factors and events which seemed to underline failure, disunity and division. The way forward for both was to be still and quiet amidst all the clamour of everyday life and to hear the voices of hope and unity which would guide the path to the future. In today’s fractured world we have the responsibility to both hear those same voices and to speak those same words. Sam Cappleman

Prayers for Sunday

Let us rejoice in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life. By Him we are born into the family of God, and made members of the body of Christ; His witness confirms us; His wisdom teaches us; His power enables us; He will do for us far more than we ask or think. Amen

Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realise that it was not because of our own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because you loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus. As you have accepted us when we did not deserve your love, will you help us to accept those whom we find it hard to love? Forgive us, O Lord, for any attitude that we harbour that on any level sees ourselves as better or more righteous than others. Will you help us to remove the barriers of prejudice and to tear down the walls of bigotry, religious or social? Lord, help us realise that the walls that we erect for others only form our own prisons!

Will you fill us so full of your love that there is no more room for intolerance. As you have forgiven us much, will you enable us with your strength to forgive others even more? Will you enable us through your abiding Presence among us, communally and individually, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear?

May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.

We thank you for your love, praise you for your Gift, ask for your continued Presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart. Amen

God the Father, by whose glory Christ was raised from the dead, strengthen you to walk with Him in His risen life; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen

O Holy Spirit,
come as the wind to forward our goings.
Come as the dove to launch us heavenward. Come as the water to purify our spirits.
Come as the cloud to abate our temptations. Come as the dew to revive our languor.
Come as fire to purge our souls;
for your truth and your name’s sake. Amen
Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894
 

God of the living, of the present moment, your word contains truth for each new generation. We pray for fresh and exciting reminders of the power and glory of your sovereign love. Speak to us anew, living God, of your concern for the poor and oppressed. Help us to announce your good news; to proclaim your liberty to those held captive; to work and pray for a better world. Help us to share the hope we have in you; to proclaim your love for every individual; to work and pray for a new life for all people. Help us to be united in love and respect for one another; to proclaim your salvation to the world; to work and pray under the guidance of your Spirit. Amen

Father we ask for your encouragement and inspiration in all areas of ministry in the church; pour out your blessings on all who work towards the spreading of your Kingdom, we ask for guidance and protection in all areas of conflict and confusion in the world; pour our your wisdom on all who lead, we ask for reassurance and comfort wherever people are hurting or crying inside the brave face; pour out your welcoming love and give them the peace they crave, we ask for your firm holding, wherever our journey leads. Amen

As the beautiful, dew covered rose rises from amongst its thorns, so may my heart be so full of love for you my God, that I may rise above the storms and evils that assail me, and stand fast in trust and freedom of spirit. Amen. Hadewijch of Brabant - 13th Century

Bless to us, O God, the road that is before us, bless to us, O God, the family and friends who are around us, bless to us O God, the love that is within us, bless to us, O God, the light that leads us home. Amen

Living God, we pray for all people: For those women shut off from a full life by tradition and practice, for those people who are oppressed and exploited, for those denied their freedom and dignity by systems and authorities, for those forced to leave their homelands because of their ideologies, for those seeking answers and meaning to their lives within their own cultures and religions, for those who labour too long and too hard only to barely feed and clothe themselves and their families, for those forced to sell their bodies to survive, for those women and men who live lives of quiet desperation at the hands of the powerful and prestigious, for these and all who suffer. We pray, asking that the Church may once again give joyful expression to your creative love which breaks down barriers and unites person to person and community to community, which gives meaning and hope to empty lives and allows us to reach out to each other in generous self-giving, which makes us more fully alive. O God, fulfill your promise in us for the sake of all human beings through Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

Hymns for Sunday

Praise my soul, For I’m building a people, Broken for me, To him we come, O for a thousand tongues to sing, God’s Spirit is in my heart, Take my life and let it be, Make me a channel of your peace, Go forth and tell,

 

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