Aug 30th

1 Samuel 23     Ezekiel 2     1 Corinthians 4     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

It’s a hard, hard life.

It is a hard life following God. David is still being pursued in 1 Samuel 23.It is striking though how often the phrase, “and David enquired of the Lord” occurs. Did you notice the miracle up the mountain? As the chase takes place in the desert area in the Dead Sea region, just as Saul closes in on David, a message comes. It distracts Saul who retreats; a miracle of God’s timing. God sends the Philistine raid at the last minute to help save David’s life.

It is a hard life for Ezekiel too. God sends him, (Eze 2:3-4) to an obstinate and stubborn people. God says he must go anyway and speak his words, whether or not the people will listen. Three times in verse 6 God says “do not be afraid”. It is a message for us too, to speak God’s words whatever the response.

In 1 Corinthians 4:9f Paul describes the hard life which apostles have and will continue to face. He uses strong language, fools for Christ, v 10, and refuse of the world, v 13. Do you pray regularly for those Christians having such a hard life today, for Christians in Pakistan, Iran and Iraq for example?

We are reminded that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power, v 20 and we are to come and approach things with love and a gentle spirit, v 21.

So if life feels hard today, enquire of the Lord, like David, don’t be afraid like Ezekiel was reminded, and approach others with love and a gentle spirit, always remembering to pray for those who are persecuted.

(member of the PCC)

Aug 29th

1 Samuel 21-22     Ezekiel 1     1 Corinthians 3     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Get things in perspective.

Today’s passages help us to get things in perspective –what is really important and what doesn’t matter.

In 1 Sam 21 Ahimelech, the priest, (and great-grandson of Eli) bends the rules. Only priests and their families could eat the consecrated bread under Jewish ceremonial law, but in response to David’s request he lets him take the bread. Jesus in Mark 2:25-26 endorses Ahimelech’s judgement as the right one.

In 1 Corinthians 3:3 there is still quarrelling and jealously about day to day matters in the church in Corinth. Arguing over which leader is deemed greatest; Paul or Apollos became far more important than following God. Paul puts things in perspective by pointing out that he and Apollos are simply servants with different roles to play. A right perspective on things reminds us we are God’s temple, v 16, and God’s spirit lives in us, v 23.

Finally we look at Ezekiel. He was a 6^th century (BC) prophet living in the Jewish community in exile in Babylon. The visions of God which Ezekiel experiences, are truly awesome and amazing, even mind – boggling. They help to put us in our right place as we see God’s majesty. The four living creatures of v 5 are reminiscent of Revelation 4:6. God is so great; our only reaction is, like Ezekiel to fall on our face before him, v 28.

So today, have the right perspective on things, ultimately all that matters is God, his glory, majesty and greatness. Earthly quarrels and arguments over law and leaders will simply fade away. Let us like Ezekiel, simply fall down before him.

(member of the PCC)