Lectionary Readings   1 Kings 19 9-18    Psalm 85. 8-13     Romans 10. 5-15

The Gospel Reading; Matthew 14 22-33.

High on the list of best ever recordings we would almost certainly find Simon and Garfunkel’s timeless “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. For me, it has long symbolised incarnation; that Christ on the cross literally becomes for us, the bridge to God and therefore, the bridge over the troubled waters of our lives. In a similar way, in our Singing The Faith (STF) Hymn Book, under the section wonderfully entitled, “The Glory of God in Creation and Providence”, we have William Cowper’s splendid hymn (STF 104);

“God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm”. 

One of the major themes in all of our readings this Sunday, is a call to trust the God who is able to ride the storm, to calm the storm and to be with us, in the eye of the storm. Both Elijah and Peter are facing storms. Peter is in the midst of one and finds his confidence is not yet mature enough to ‘walk on water’, a wonderful metaphor for total trust in God, as well as the well-known recorded Miracle.  Elijah fears for his life, via the hands of Queen Jezebel, and is on the run. God meets both Elijah and Peter where they are, Peter is rescued from drowning and following profound stillness within, after so much inner turmoil, Elijah hears the voice of God.

Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Romans, that Salvation is for all, Romans 10, verse 13; 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”.  

Paul also reminds us of a crucial aspect of our faith, in verse 8 of Romans 10.

“The Word (meaning Christ, the word of God), is near you, on your lips and in your heart”

No need for social distancing here then !!

Elijah, Peter and Paul, each in turn become bearers of the word. However, before they are equipped for this work, each one learns the valuable lesson of human weakness coupled with growing dependence and trust in the God “Who Saves”.

The Psalmist in Psalm 85 is remembering how God restored “The Fortunes of Jacob”, who had himself endured a number of personal storms, some self-inflicted.  A key verse for today’s reflection would be verse 8 of Psalm 85.

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts”

A Prayer

Great God Lord of All we turn to you, to truly turn to you we make confession and seek your restoration and forgiveness. We know you are mighty to save and Pray your healing touch upon our lives, our community and the world.   Thank you that you are ever with us, in all of lives circumstances. In the storm and in the still you remain ever faithful, in you O lord we put our trust.

Amen

Rev’d Diane