Abstract
My normal devotional reading of scripture is conscientious but unadventurous. I begin a prophesy or epistle or gospel and read it chapter by daily chapter to the end, sometimes with the support of a devotional commentary, more often solo. Then I move, fairly randomly, to another book of the Bible, and do much the same. I read, usually, with interest and profit, but there is a lack of cohesion in the process. This was nicely illustrated when an editorial request required me to read all the Lectionary’s selections for the Sundays of March at a sitting, and I was reminded of the close relationship between portions of scripture from different ages and Testaments. I am giving careful thought to a revised daily reading system! Perhaps the Lectionary has a value that I have overlooked.
The selection for March 3 provides a good example of the point. Ex.20 sets out the Ten Commandments. Ps.19 offers a beautiful prayer extolling the glory of God in the creation and the law. So the high ethic and the exalted worship of Judaism, unique in the world, are splendidly displayed. The New Testament selections then describe Jesus cleansing the defiled Temple, and Paul scorning the wisdom of the world, the wise, the scholars. The very finest achievements of Old Testament religion seem to be assessed and virtually dismissed. What is needed is the so-called “foolish” message of the crucified Christ. What seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Prayer
What does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Lord, be merciful to us who are sinners, who have not done justly nor loved mercy, nor walked humbly with you. Forgive our sins of commission, the malicious thought, the angry word, the disobedient deed and the selfish act. Forgive no less our sins of omission, the idle hand, the unused talent, the blind eye and the silent voice. Forgive not least the unexamined habit which might be improved. Pardon and absolve us Lord, from these sins and all the other sins for which we now repent, for Jesus’ sake.
The selection for March 10 includes verses from Numbers telling the story of the plague of snakes which the Israelite endured, or brought upon themselves, and the divine solution, in the form of a bronze snake with curative powers.
It is a curious story which I for one find hard to appreciate; but Jesus referred to it and used it as an introduction to His healing powers (Jn.3:14). He may have used it as a way of saying that there is no human explanation of His gifts as the Son Whom God sent into the world, that the world through Him might be redeemed. The remaining readings are an ecstatic O.T. thanksgiving for God’s mercy towards His foolish, erring children; and a Pauline lyric rejoicing in the grace by which we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves—again, a healing process with no human explanation.
Prayer
God shows His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
We acknowledge, O Lord, our share in the world’s shortcomings and its tensions. We are arrogant creatures who cannot even love the people closest to us as we want to love them; and we know our lives have been distorted by self-centredness and by our false priorities. When we look hard at ourselves, we wonder how we can be brought to new life; but your powers and mercy are capable of working miracles. Let it be so with us. Straiten our confusion and bestow on us again your Holy Spirit, that our energies may be more truly harnessed to your will—for your love’s sake.
March 17 suggests verses from Jeremiah which speak of a ‘new covenant’ between the ever merciful God and His ever unheeding children. Ps. 51 offers an eloquent prayer of confession and contrition, traditionally linked with David after his affair with Bathsheba.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise” is one verse frequently quoted. Such a broken heart and contrite spirit are clearly what God requires for the New Covenant. Jesus, according to Hebrews, was made the new High Priest because He was humble and devoted, one who had learned through suffering to be obedient. The Gospel passage indicates that Jesus understood the nature and significance of His death. “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.”
Prayer
Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.
Our loving Lord, we thank you that you are always to be found, and ever near. We thank you for the hospitality of your house, and the wide-open arms of your love. We thank you for the certainty of welcome and forgiveness—and we thank you for the grace that, in the first place, sought us out and led us to a meeting with You. As we feel ever more at home in your gracious company, help us increasingly to encourage others into your blessed, blessing presence.
The passages cited for March 24 continue the theme of Christ’s obedience and suffering. The verses in Isaiah Ch.50, headed in the G.N.B. as ‘The Obedience of the Lord's Servant’ speak of the obedient servant who ‘bared his back to those who beat him’, yet is wholly confident that God will bring him through all his trials and will prove him innocent. Ps. 31 picks up this theme of suffering and trust. ‘Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away . . . they are making plans against me, plotting to kill me . . . but my trust is in You, O Lord. You are my God. I am always in your care.’ Phil.2 becomes a hymn to Christ’s humility ‘who walked the path of obedience all the way to death’. ‘For this reason, God raised Him to the highest place above.’ The consequence will be that ‘all will fall upon their knees and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.’ So, time and again, Jesus’ path to glory is the way of suffering—which leads inevitably to the cross, the lengthy theme of the final Gospel scripture on March 24.
Prayer
Blessed is God, who has not withdrawn from us His love and care.
Almighty and everlasting Father, God of our forebears, Guide to our children's children, we, the frail creatures of a passing day come once more before you to renew our vows, and to ask you, unworthy though we be, to renew for us your gracious presence. Help us to meditate upon the suffering of Jesus, and to see in it both the means of our salvation, and an example for our devotion and discipleship. When, sometimes, life is hard and painful, bring the thorn crown and the rugged cross to mind, and help us to be patient in our small adversities. Grant to all penitent souls your pardon and your peace, that they may serve you with a quiet mind.