Trusting God 6 June 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.
Hymn# 389 Breathe on me, breath of God
Call to Worship
Psalm 130
O give thanks to the Lord with your whole heart. God’s steadfast love endures forever. Thanks be to God!
Hymn# 472 We are God’s people
Assurance of Pardon 2Corinthians 4
Pray with me…
Gracious God, have mercy on us, as we fail to be faithful to you, though you have been faithful to us. You show us your wisdom, yet we go our own way. Our broken relationships with you and one another have created a deep poverty within us and our community. In your mercy, reconcile us to you and one another for the work of justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Siblings in Christ, do not lose heart. When we call, God hears us; when we confess, God forgives us. We believe and so we proclaim: In Jesus Christ,
we are forgiven. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Holy God, let your Spirit now move in us, to turn us away from the temporary
and move us to your eternal love made visible in Jesus Christ, in whose name
we pray. Amen.
Readings
1 Samuel 8:1-22; 11:14-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 699 All the ways my Saviour leads me
Trusting God
Over the next several weeks the focus of our scripture readings will be on the books of Samuel, the letters to the Corinthians, and the gospel of Mark. We look into the scriptures to discover how God has been at work in the past and how that relates to our present time. We continue to struggle with many of the same issues that the scriptures describe. How can we learn from them? What action can we initiate to ensure God’s love and God’s will remains the premise of our lives?
Today our readings began with the Israelites requesting a king. Israel had been a theocracy, a community guided and protected by YHWH. They were set apart, distinctive from other nations, and they did not have a king. Israel was led by judges whom God raised up in times of need. These leaders included Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Deborah, Samson, Gideon, and Samuel. Each served not as a king or a queen but as a representative for God. They settled disputes, sought justice, and led them to victory over invading armies.
We discover that Samuel, the prophet and judge, was growing old after years of faithful service. His sons did not follow his good example as they “they took bribes and perverted justice”. The elders decided a king would be better to lead them. Perhaps Israel’s fear led them to believe it would be better to be like other nations. Israel was constantly under threat of attack from other nations, in part because of their geographical location along the trade routes. They hoped a monarchy would allow them a better defense. Their fear led them to turn away from God.
They were no longer content with God providing prophets and judges in time of need. They desired to be like other nations with kings. Samuel, their judge and prophet, was disturbed by their demands and turned to God. He was assured by God that the demand for a king could be met. Samuel then warned the people of the abuse of power that would occur with a monarchy governing the land of Israel. They were certain that an earthly king, a visible King would be honored and respected by the nation and, perhaps more importantly, by the neighbouring nations Despite his effort to dissuade them, Samuel anointed Israel’s first king, chosen by God.
We continue to struggle in our efforts to trust God. Life presents many challenging situations. It can be particularly difficult when we are afraid. When fear takes hold during illness, financial stress, or physical safety. Discernment is challenging and difficult. Learning to be aware of the Spirit within our lives. What does it mean for you to trust God?
- R. Niebuhr, in Christ and Culture, explores the challenges faced as the church is called to be in but not of the world. He explores the question of how do we live in society while we stand apart and critique it? In reality, it is easier to deal with absolutes, with rigid guidelines. Yes to this, no to that. Yet life is not experienced and lived out in such a way. Just as locating all the power within an earthly king corrupts, so does the setting of absolutes. Perhaps this is how the Israelites came to demand a king to lead them. Perhaps they were weary of living in the precarious position of trusting that God always would raise up a judge to lead them. Perhaps this is how the teachings from Jesus have been twisted by different groups.
Jesus reinforces the need to seek God’s will and to set aside the distractions. He speaks of action in living into our faith. Jesus speaks seriously of the realities of Satan and other demonic powers. Satan does not mean a personality with horns and a red tail, but it does name a power that is actively against the compassionate and reconciling love of God. The forces that act against God attempt to snare us. This can cause us to hurt ourselves, to hurt others, and to hurt God. The oppressive power of racism, which falsely causes one group to feel superior to another. There is the disruptive power of sexism, which tells us that one gender should dominate others. There is the power of materialism, which tempts us to believe that wealth is security and power. There is a disruption in the sense of connection between people when divisive structures take hold. Structures that are based on difference rather than inclusiveness. Caring love and respect are displaced by fear and faulty systemic structures.
Jesus teaches that such forces must be recognized and confronted. The ways of the world are flipped about with the loving faithfulness of God. Archbishop Desmond Tutu writes, “Goodness is stronger than hate.” In our weekly book discussion, we are discovering the ways in which the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu find joy in this troubled world. It is in our connections that we most clearly witness the love of God.
in Mark’s gospel we are reminded that the ministry of Jesus is open to everybody: Gentiles, Jews, the poor, the demented, the sick, working class, women, tax collectors, and outcasts. It seems the people who provoke intolerance from Jesus are those who are unable or unwilling to embrace the openhearted love of God and God’s love of our humanity. The scriptures remind us that we are all siblings in the eyes of God. The answer to Jesus’ question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” is found in “whoever does the will of God”. We discover this vision of Christ’s extended family within the context of accusations of sorcery and demon possession against Jesus. Christ draws us into solidarity with all of humanity. He teaches that it is necessary to learn to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We are asked to live into the joy and suffering of humanity. To do so there needs to be a willingness to give up our self-absorption.
How do we live out the will of God? The apostle Paul writes that we can find comfort in knowing that Christ lives inside of us. He writes, “Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day”. When people are asked to describe their experience of God, they often begin by trying to describe moments they cannot fully explain. Moments in which they sense a spiritual dimension. Celtic Christianity describes such moments as “thin places.” In his book The Sense of Being Stared At, Rupert Sheldrake observes how some animals have a sixth sense. For example, sharks and birds respond to the earth’s magnetic field. Sheldrake goes on to suggest human beings may not have this sixth sense, but may have what he calls a seventh sense. This seventh sense is a spiritual awareness that connects us to each other, to the world, and to the spiritual. He has observed that many sense when they are being observed, even when their backs were turned to the observer. Have you ever thought of someone right before the phone rang, and then heard that person’s voice?
Paul reminds the reader that Elijah heard a still, small voice and Moses climbed a mountain to see God’s glory. He is urging us to recognize that we are able to discover God’s presence all around us. There is an old story about a disciple and his teacher. “Where shall I find God?” a disciple once asked. “Here,” the teacher said. “Then why can’t I see God?” “Because you do not look.” “But what should I look for?” the disciple continued. “Nothing. Just look,” the teacher said. “But at what?” “At anything your eyes alight upon,” the teacher said. “But must I look in a special kind of way?” “No, the ordinary way will do.” “But don’t I always look the ordinary way?” “No, you don’t,” the teacher said. “But why ever not?” the disciple pressed. “Because to look, you must be here. You’re mostly somewhere else,” the teacher said. We are encouraged to pause, to look, to trust that we will sense God’s presence in our lives by simply being present in the moment. Trust in the Spirit to guide you to this peaceful place within God’s creation.
Praise be to God.
Hymn # 648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Who are Christ’s brothers and sisters? Those who do the will of God. Loving God, loving neighbor, we share what we have as members of the household of Christ.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer which includes the PCC prayer for the Lives Lost at Kamloops Indian Residential School…
God of Creation, you set us in a fertile land where you provide all that is needed for abundant living. Yet we spoil your good creation in many needless ways. We pray for the renewal of creation as we seek to live more responsibly within it. Guide us to be better stewards of water, soil, and air. Teach us how to live in ways that honor every living thing.
Loving God, you created people to live in relationship with you and with one another. Yet we neglect our relationships, emphasize our differences and linger on our disagreements. We pray you will guide us to new understandings and new ways of living with one another. Help us to pursue the slow work of peace rather than turning to escalating conflict. Guide us to care for the least and the lost not as unwanted burdens but as welcome siblings in your great household.
O Holy One, we lift up all who are part of the General Assembly as they gather to discern your will for this denomination. Be with them as the debate and discuss. May your Spirit guide them in nurturing love for one another so they might work together for the good of your church.
Renewing God, the fragility of human life evident within each of us. We come before you seeking relief for illness, pain, and suffering. We give thanks for the skills and talents of medical professionals, health care attendants, researchers, and caregivers.
We are grateful, O God, that you renew us spiritually day by day. Even as our bodies falter, we are always valued members of your creation.
There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Jane, Bonnie, Rob, Courtney and Kyla. We lift up Rev Amanda Bisson as she resumes her ministry. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
God, we are deeply saddened by the ongoing atrocities against your creation.
We have learned of more Indigenous children lost, more children who never were able to return to their families from schools they should never have been forced to attend in the first place. This news is devastating.
We pray first for healing for the children’s families and communities, who are met again today with pain too deep to name.
We acknowledge the actions of your church, our complicity in running residential schools and taking children like these, who were just found, from their families. We repent for the pain and ongoing harm we have caused. We ask for the will and wisdom to act to end that harm. We have asked for forgiveness and we are committed to work for healing and reconciliation. But we recognize that for many, that change came too late.
Comforting God, we pray for healing in the communities and families of all who experienced residential schools, comfort for all those grieving, and strength for all to pursue reconciliation.
O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed 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, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn #641 One more step along the way
Benediction
2 Cor. 4:16–18 Ps. 130:5–7 Gen. 3:9 Mark 3:35
Do not lose heart. Wait for the Lord. Hope in God whose steadfast love endures forever. May our Creator, who seeks and finds us, may Christ, who calls and claims us, may the Holy Spirit, who renews us day by day, sustain us until all that is temporary is gathered into God’s eternal glory.
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
As we age, we can see how our physical bodies suffer the wear and tear of life. Paul wrote, “our outer nature is wasting away”. Yet, Paul says it is possible for our “inner nature” to be renewed every day. What contributes to renewal in your inner life? How are you being prepared “for an eternal weight of glory”?
Morning Prayer
Morning has broken, loving God—the shards of light scattering the long darkness of night. Help me to carry into this day the sure knowledge of your forgiveness,
steadfast love, and great power to redeem. May I do your will in all my daily interactions so that your grace extends to more and more people. I begin in thanksgiving, your glory all around. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Spirit of God, come as the evening breeze, to carry away the cares and failings of this day. Help me put to rest the worries I have, the lists I keep, the regrets I weigh. You know me through and through — I cannot hide from you. May I lie down tonight covered in your forgiveness and love and redemption, and dream of things eternal. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
God of days, we praise your name, for your grace sustains us. We wait for you, Lord, for your word strengthens us. Our outer nature is wasting away day by day,
but our inner nature is being renewed by your daily bread. Grant us the eyes to see what cannot be seen and to gaze on what is eternal. May we revel in your work and be a visible witness of your invisible kingdom. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Scripture readings next week – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Psalm 20, 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; Mark 4:26-34
389 Breathe on me, breath of God
Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun Refrain
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone Refrain
472 We are God’s people
We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord, born of the Spirit, established by the word; our cornerstone is Christ alone, and strong in him we stand: oh let us live transparently, and walk heart to heart and hand in hand.
We are God’s loved ones, the bride of Christ our Lord, for we have known it, the love of God out-poured; now let us learn how to return the gift of love once given:
oh let us share each joy and care and live with a zeal that pleases heaven.
We are the body of which the Lord is head, called to obey him, now risen from the dead; he wills us be a family, diverse yet truly one: oh let us freely give our gifts,
and so shall God’s work on earth be done.
We are a temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place, formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace; alone, we die, for on its own each ember loses fire: yet joined in one the flame burns on to give warmth and light, and to inspire.
641 One more step along the way
One more step along the world I go. One more step along the world I go.
From the old things to the new Keep me travelling along with you.
Refrain: And it’s from the old I travel to the new.
Keep me travelling along with you.
Round the corners of the world I turn. More and more about the world I learn.
All the new things that I see You’ll be looking at along with me. Refrain
As I travel through the bad and good keep me travelling the way I should. Where I see no way to go, you’ll be telling me the way, I know. Refrain
Give me courage when the world is rough. Keep me loving though the world is tough. Leap and sing in all I do. Keep me travelling along with you. Refrain
You are older than the world can be. You are younger than the life in me.
Ever old and ever new, keep me travelling along with you. Refrain
648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
I’m gonna live so God can use me (3x) anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me (3x) anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me (3x) anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me (3x) anywhere, Lord, anytime!
699 All the ways my Saviour leads me
All the way my Saviour leads me— what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well
All the way my Saviour leads me— cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Tho my weary steps may falter and my soul athirst may be
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see
All the way my Saviour leads me — O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way!”