First Sunday in Lent. Year C 6th March 2022
Lectionary Readings: Deuteronomy 26 v1-11; Psalm 91 v1-2, 9-16; Romans 10 v8b-13; Luke 4 v1-13
God’s love embraces us all.
The apostle Paul, writing to followers of Jesus in Rome states quite boldly that “The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. (Romans 10 v11-12).
Paul is quoting the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah wrote: “And so the Lord says, “I’m laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion. It’s a valuable cornerstone proved to be trustworthy; no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed. Justice and fairness will be the measuring lines that will help me build.” (Isaiah 28 v16,17a). Paul reads this as applying to Jesus, the ‘valuable cornerstone’ of a rebuilt city of Jerusalem within the Kingdom of God. Paul acknowledged that justice and fairness were major themes within the teaching of Jesus.
In today’s Old Testament reading the writer is urging the people of Israel to be grateful to God for all he provides for them. “Then you and your family must celebrate by eating a meal at the place of worship to thank the Lord your God for giving you such a good harvest. And remember to invite the Levites and the foreigners who live in your town.” (Deuteronomy 26 v11). ‘Levites and foreigners’ were not allowed to own land and therefore unable to participate in such celebrations unless invited. Looking after others was always part of God’s plan for the people of God.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness to satisfy his hunger by turning stones into bread,
“Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say, ‘No one can live only on food.’” (Luke 4 v4,).
Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 8 v3 b, which reads, “The Lord is teaching you that people need more than food to live – they need every word that the Lord has spoken.”
The themes of justice and fairness, of looking after others and feeding on God’s word are woven into the ‘Methodist Way of Life’ declaration.
“The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.”
As far as we are able, with God’s help:
- We will pray daily.
- We will worship with others regularly.
- We will look and listen for God in Scripture, and in the world.
- We will care for ourselves and those around us.
- We will learn more about our faith.
- We will practise hospitality and generosity.
- We will help people in our communities and beyond.
- We will care for creation and all God’s gifts.
- We will challenge injustice.
- We will speak of the love of God.
- We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus.
- We will share our faith with others.
May we be a blessing within and beyond God’s church, for the transformation of the world.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.