Preparing for a service.

Exodus 14 :19-31 and Matthew 18:21-35

Even though I no longer need to do so because I’m not preparing the worship I like to read the Sunday lectionary passages before a service. It is a way of preparing to hear the message as well as wondering what angle the preacher will take. 

This Sunday one reading involves the escaping Israelites  from Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptian army under the waters of what most likely were the Gulf of Suez an  extension off the Red sea.  Here it is thought, that if the wind does blow in a  particular direction for a good period of time, it can force the waters to recede and if a ridge was created the Israelites could have then walked across. Though I guess no one is going to get hung up on such details!!! 

The story is part of the great saving act of Yahweh to lead the Israelites out of slavery and back to the promised land. But do spare a thought for poor old Moses with his arm outstretched all night. Be it the cloud or pillar of fire, God’s presence was there to guide, direct and protect. Though perhaps we can also afford to spare  a thought for the Egyptian soldiers who lost their lives as part of this great saving act. This of course has added poignancy as we recall how massive flooding has swept through neighbouring Libya driving men, women and children out to sea and no one yet knows how many lives have been lost. The saving act for the Israelites came at a high price. So I wonder what will be drawn out of the passage? 

If we switch and focus on the Gospel reading we are immediately challenged by the fact we are to forgive and not count up how often. Like we all do that all the time!!

Its  seventy times seven, so in reality Jesus is saying no end to forgiving. However the parable that follows highlights the need not only to accept mercy and forgiveness but then in turn show it to others. Otherwise it becomes one rule for them and a different one for others. At a stretch you could argue that those being let off wasting billions on PPE etc which includes government ministers by not trying to get it back, should also apply to those who seek to defraud by false benefit claims, especially when its long been known that benefit fraud is nothing compared to tax evasion. The parable implies that if you are forgiven but then don’t forgive others you will suffer the consequences. So again I wonder what will be drawn out of this reading for reflection and challenge.

These are not comfortable readings and beg questions about the God who scripture seeks to convey. Are we dealing with a God who is so biased towards one group that others have to suffer as a bye product? Is the challenge to always forgive something which comes with a health warning and even limitation?

Both passages of course need to be put into a context which may give pointers to what the story writers were seeking to convey. Equally they need to be set against the wider sweep of biblical writing. 

Oh what a joy not to have to spend a week and a Saturday night completing a sermon, doing all of that to convey what God is seeking to say to a particular congregation in a particular moment of time. But I will of course await to see what other make of the readings, looking for new insights and applicable suggestions of what it means to be a disciple today. Not a big ask!!!!!!

God of history

give us a broad view

and the long perspective

even though 

in Christ 

you invite us to walk

a narrow path

of loving all.

Lead us then

into your truth

as revealed in Jesus.

That all are loved

without exception.

May it inform

the church

and society

in how it behaves.

And may we live

accepting 

we don’t have all the answers

but thankful 

everyone has a contribution to make

even when they

are different from us

and we pray

that Your Holy Spirit

holds us together 

as one. Amen         (c) Mark Goodhand 16th September 2023