Week beginning 26th May

 

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. 

Letter to the Hebrews

Chapter 1, verses 1 to 3a

Hymn: Jesus is Lord, Creation’s voice proclaims it

Jesus is Lord, Creation's Voice Proclaims It [with lyrics for congregations] (youtube.com)

Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Hymn: Jesus shall take the highest honour

Jesus shall take the highest honour lyrics (youtube.com)

Readings:

Luke’s gospel, chapter 3, verses 21 and 22

Luke’s gospel, chapter 6, verses 12 and 13

Luke’s gospel, chapter 9, verses 18 to 20

Luke’s gospel chapter 9, verses 28 and 29

Luke’s gospel, chapter 11, verses 1 to 4

Luke’s gospel, chapter 22, verses 39 to 47a

Hymn: Stand up, stand up for Jesus

Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus (youtube.com)

The nineteenth century evangelist Dwight L Moody once said that Jesus never taught his disciples to preach, but he did teach them to pray.

The chapter 3 reading is the hour of Jesu’s dedication. After 30 years of the Son of Man mingling with sinners, he is waiting to be baptised. He received the Holy spirit. About 3½ years later, His disciples were also anointed with the Holy Spirit.

The Luke 5 reading tells us that Jesus needed to seek his Father’s face. The multitudes had come to hear and be healed. Jesus then withdrew and prayed

From this we can conclude that Jesus did not want his fame to crowd out God. It is very easy for God to be crowded out of our lives. We need to set time aside to prevent this, to set time aside for prayer.

In chapter 5 we have Jesus at the hour of decision. He receives instructions from His father. Similarly, we will hear from God when we set time aside. An old lady of my acquaintance once told me that she was praying one day, and trying to include everything that was concerning her. She heard the voice of God saying to her “For goodness sake J, will you stop and let me get a word in!”

In the first chapter 9 reading, Jesus is at the hour of revelation. He was preparing the disciples to be the bedrock of the Church. He was preparing them for revelation. People are not converted without revelation.

The second reading from this chapter is the hour of transfiguration. This was a brief experience, seen by the witnesses with their own eyes. This came out of prayer. Prayer not only changes things, it changes people.

In chapter 11, Jesus teaches the disciples to pray in the words which we now call The Lord’s prayer. This was the hour on instruction; instruction on becoming intercessors on behalf of others.

In Jesu’s last hour, we have the hour of redemption.

We need to continue in prayer; to thank Jesus for His examples; to be encouraged by prayer.

May we pray.

Hymn: Jesus is King

Jesus is King and I Will Extol Him (Singing the Faith 327 / StF 327) (youtube.com)