ST ANDREW’S  CHURCH

MARCH   13^th  2022   LENT  TWO

 

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• We at St. Andrew's Church welcome you to this online worship service on the Second Sunday in Lent. May it be a blessing to you and bring glory to God throughout the week to come.
• Next week we welcome Rev's. Jon and Shannon Bell, Wyminga from the Cariboo House Churches, members of the Presbytery of Kamloops.
• We thank Rev, Shirley Cochrane for leading our worship today as we continue our Lenten journey to the Cross of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

The Lord is our light and our salvation:

Of whom shall we be afraid?

The Lord is the stronghold of our life:

We will wait for the Lord in faithfulness.

Let us seek the Lord’s face in this time of worship:

We will honour God’s presence in our prayers and our praises!

 

HYMN   238  Beneath the cross of Jesus

 

1. Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
   the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land,
   a home with in the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
   from the burning of the noontide heat and the burden of the day.
2. Upon the cross of Jesus mine eyes at times can see
   the very dying form of one who suffered there for me,
   and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:
   the wonders of redeeming love and my own unworthiness.
3. I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
   I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
   content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss;
   my sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.

 

OPENING PRAYER

God ever creating, ever loving, ever leading: when things around us feel chaotic, you are peace. When so much we hear is not reliable, your word is truth. When we are paralyzed by fear and anxiety, your presence is freedom.  When we feel bereft and helpless, your love gives us hope.

God, you are the Source of all that matters. We bring you our prayers and our praise this day, for you reveal yourself to us in the goodness of creation,  in the love and mercy of Christ, your beloved,  and through the energy and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  We worship you, O God,

ever Three and ever One, world without end  Hear us as we confess before  you …………….

 

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion,

We are creatures who seek our own comfort.

We confess that we prefer our own plans to your purposes.

We shrink from costly discipleship and put our own interests first. 

Forgive our fleeting commitment

and the times we have indulged our own complaints.

Have mercy on us.

Inspire us with the energy to do your will

and serve our neighbours in the example of Christ, your Son and our Lord.  In Jesus  name  AMEN

 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Friends in Christ, while it is true that we have all sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God I say, in Jesus Christ our sin is forgiven. Be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another.

 

THE PEACE

 

HYMN                204  Thou  didst leave they throne

1. Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
   when thou camest to earth for me,
   but in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
   for thy holy nativity:
   oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus;
   there is room in my heart for thee.
2. Even foxes found rest, and the birds had their nest
   in the shade of the forest tree,
   but thy couch was the sod, O thou Son of God,
   in the deserts of Galilee:
   oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus;
   there is room in my heart for thee.
3. When thou camest, O Lord, with the living word,
   'twas to set all thy people free,
   but with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
   then we bore thee to Calvary:
   oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus;
   now thy cross is my only plea.
4. Heaven's arches shall ring and its choirs shall sing
   at thy coming to victory;
   let thy voice call me home, saying, 'Yet there is room,
   there is room at my side for thee!'
   My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
   when thou comest and callest me.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Psalm 27;

 The Lord is my light and my salvation—  whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—   of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me  to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes  who will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,   even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord,   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord   and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble  he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted  above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord;  be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
⁹ Do not hide your face from me,  do not turn your servant away in anger;  you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,   God my Savior.
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,  the Lord will receive me.
¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord;    lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,  for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart  and wait for the Lord.

 

Luke 13:31-35

³¹ At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

³² He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ ³³ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

³⁴ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁵ Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

SERMON

 

God of wisdom, your Word brings light to show us the way you would have us follow. As the Scriptures are read and proclaimed this day, send us your Holy Spirit to aid our understanding and guide us in the ways we live out your truth.

 

Jesus has been traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem. While traveling he has been giving people a series of warnings and various instructions. He has just warned people of the danger of being excluded from the kingdom of God, and urges people to be sure that they have entered the kingdom of God through the narrow door of faith and repentance

 

The news of the day  is Jesus is warned by a group of Pharisees. Herod wants to kill Jesus. Now, this is a credible threat. Herod has already killed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). Jesus’ immense popularity among the people poses a huge threat to Herod, who has no qualms about eliminating rivals, opponents, or even family.

In response to this frightening situation, Jesus laughs, and says, Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’  In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

Jesus faces many obstacles in his ministry. Those who dislike him constantly throw tests at him, constantly look to trap him, and constantly question his authority. Those who love him press down on him like the paparazzi on a superstar actor, making it impossible to even move. Even his closest followers - the disciples, are often confused about what he is teaching and say some of the dumbest things when he tries to sit down and actually teach them.

Now does Jesus say, “okay, okay… enough already… I will turn back?” Does he say,” I’ve had enough of these tests, enough of the spotlight, enough of these disciples who can’t seem to tie their own shoes without help? “

But why did the Pharisees inform Jesus of Herod’s threat? We know from Luke 11:54 that for many months now the Pharisees have been “waiting to catch him in something he might say.” Some commentators think that the Pharisees are conspiring with Herod to get rid of Jesus. Other commentators think that at least some of the Pharisees are sympathetic to Jesus and his message. Regardless of their motive, however, Herod’s threat to kill Jesus is real.

On the one hand, when they suggest to Jesus that Herod desires to kill him, their claim could read as propaganda to scare Jesus out of town. On the other hand, Luke has previously demonstrated that Herod has no problem imprisoning and executing outspoken prophets like John the Baptist (3:19,20; 9:9). The Pharisees could very well be telling the truth.

Outside of the New Testament, writers like Josephus positively portray the Pharisees. Even in Luke, Jesus accepts the dinner invitations of Pharisees. Jesus’ presence at those meals intimates collegiality, even though those dinners often devolve into power contests between him and his hosts.

Regardless of the trustworthiness of the Pharisees, Jesus sends them back with a message: “tell that fox that I answer to a higher authority.” Foxes in both Greek and rabbinic literature were depicted as crafty, sinister creatures. This is no compliment to Herod. Jesus insists that the tetrarch of Galilee will not hinder his work of casting out demons like Legion (Luke 8:26-39) who represent Roman military might.

This is the time for him to draw his battle line in the sand. He turns and faces his enemy square on and tells him he is ready to bring it on. He knows that the battle ahead is going to be a fierce one and that he is going to be a casualty. He knows that the enemy is going to be standing in victory lane, and he will be pegged a loser. He knows all this, but the bottom line is that it is all a part of his strategy.

Nor will King Herod’s threat prevent him from providing cures for people’s maladies. Jesus declares that he will keep working today, tomorrow and the third day when he will be completed The completion on the third day, for a Christian reader, shouts resurrection. But Jesus must make a stop before resurrection. He is under divine mandate to go through Jerusalem. This necessary stop is associated with God’s divine purpose at work, especially in the life of Jesus.

Commentator R. Kent Hughes notes that “ ‘Fox’ was common parlance in Hebrew for a person with base cunning and was used to designate someone as insignificant and worthless. It was an expression of utter contempt. Significantly, Herod is the only individual whom Jesus is recorded as treating with contempt.” A few months later, when Jesus stands  in the presence of Herod on the night of his betrayal and the day before his crucifixion, he does not speak a word to Herod at all, again showing contempt for him. When Jesus has nothing to say to a man, that man’s position is hopeless.” Herod had already, as far as Jesus was concerned, to use the words of Archbishop Tutu, “bitten the dust.”

Jesus’ message to the Pharisees is even sharper, full of irony. Jerusalem is the city where God placed his name. It is the city where God had his temple built. It is the center of worship for the people of God. Surely, Jerusalem is the last place where one of God’s prophets would be killed? Yet, Jesus knows that Jerusalem is exactly the place where he will be killed.

Although Jesus’ words are pointed at Jerusalem, we need not make them about Jewish people more broadly. Jerusalem functions rhetorically here on several levels. First, the Jerusalem leadership would not have the power to execute lethal sentences. Only the Romans wield that power. Thus, Jerusalem reflects local leaders under the auspices of empire who conspire to eradicate a voice that critiques their power and challenges their authority. Second, not everyone in Jerusalem and certainly not all Jews are opposed to Jesus and his message. There are folks that will exclaim the words from Psalm 118:26 “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Thus Jesus’ critique is not against all Jewish people nor is it against all of the people in Jerusalem. It is against those who criminalize truth-tellers. One must remember that Jesus was Jewish. He primarily preaches to Jewish people, and his critique against Jerusalem is akin to a Canadian  critiquing Ottawa . In most cases, such a critique sounds general is often directed toward particular problems that the critic observes about the way that things are and their desires for the way that things should be.

A significant aspect of his prophetic identity is Jerusalem’s negative response to him. Jerusalem does not desire what Jesus desires.

While Jesus is courageous, he is not reckless. It is true that on this occasion Jesus stands firm, and boldly insults the powers that be; calling Herod “An Old Fox”. Nevertheless, there were many other occasions when Jesus did the opposite; slipping away silently, without speaking a word.

Does that mean that Jesus has a character flaw; bold sometimes cowardly other times? Absolutely not! What this means is that Jesus in addition to being a courageous man is also a wise man. He is always courageous, advancing on his enemy every minute of the day, but he is constantly picking and choosing his battles as he goes.

Listen to the tone in Jesus’ voice as he says in verse 34, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Jesus expresses his longing for people to find safety and shelter in him, but they will  not. He uses a wonderful image to communicate his love and concern: that of a mother hen gathering her brood under her wings. The picture of safety and protection under the wings of a bird is actually a common image in sacred Scripture

Under the wings of the mother bird, the chicks find safety and security. This is not a sentimental image. This is what Jesus longed to do for Jerusalem.  It is what he longs to do for us today as well.

He calls not only Herod an Old Fox, but also the death that Herod brings. Laughing at it. Not being intimidated by it. Jesus is not intimidated by death. He doesn’t avoid his death or try to deny it like many of us do. In fact, he sees everything in life from the perspective of his death. And not just from death, but beyond death, from the perspective of his Resurrection.

There is something frightening about death. There is something about it that says you don’t laugh at death.  Most of us have any idea how to handle the prospect of our death.  It’s not a “normal” topic of conversation. We have the reactions of the disciples  which echo our own denial.

The  message today is not to loose hope… not to give up if things aren’t happening as quickly as you would like. Don’t let obstacles stand in the way of what God is calling you personally to do.

There are several amazing things happening here at Andrew’s . Each and every one of you continues to contribute to the life and ministry that happens here and that happens outside these walls. There are several of you who even go the extra mile, contributing that extra hour… or two… or four. You respond to the challenge and dig in with both feet. But I expect there is more than a good share of obstacles… Keep at your calling, and know that God is using you… and that even though you may not see the results of your work - something is happening.

Thanks be to Jesus that he would not be deterred from setting his face toward Jerusalem, and his mission of redemption. Thanks be to Jesus, that not even Herod’s threat of death, nor the cross that awaited him in Jerusalem, would deter him from revealing the power of God’s love and forgiveness. Thanks be to God’s Holy Spirit, working through Christ’s church and in our own lives, that we might have the power and courage to move from repentance to witness and ministry in our daily lives. In that way, we might actually experience the kingdom of God in our midst.

Thus in Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem we find an invitation. He calls all people, everywhere, of every time, to repentance and faith. Jesus wants to take you under his wing, wants to save you, wants to bless you. AMEN

HYMN                231 When I survey the wondrous cross

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
   on which the Prince of glory died,
   my richest gain I count but loss,
   and pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
   save in the death of Christ my God;
   all the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to his blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   That were a offering far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   Demands my soul, my life, my all.

 

OFFERING

Our lives overflow with good gifts which come from God.  Out of the goodness we enjoy, let us present our offering to God with thankfulness and generosity.

 

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him all creatures here below

Praise him above ye heavenly host.

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Living God, we offer our gifts today in hopeful gratitude. Bless these gifts and use them to increase the goodness enjoyed by those in need.  Bless our lives that, through our relationships,

others will be touched by the hope we know in Christ Jesus  and find their lives blessed by his love and mercy. Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

God of strength and comfort, in the quiet calm of your presence,  we pause in the whirlwind of concerns around us, and set aside our own interests and distractions  to pray for the world you love.

 

Today we remember before you:  All people in their daily life and work… our families, friends and neighbours,  those we work with, and those whose faces we recognize regularly but do not know.  We lift to you  those in the tourism industry who have been  dealing with  constant changes in the travel restrictions both home and abroad and now have  a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions.  Be with all who find these times stressful or exhausting:

 

-We remember before you this congregation, our presbytery, and congregations of other traditions near us, as well as those who serve in church leadership and all who nurture faith in others. Help us support each other and look to the future with hope.   Loving God, nurture our faith so that we may love you and trust you more fully.

We pray for those in the Order of Diaconal Ministries who are called to serve the church in the areas of Christian education, pastoral care and social ministries.

 

We pray for this community, our country, and governments throughout the world, as well as all those who work for justice, freedom and peace.

Send your Spirit, the Advocate, to speak for the voiceless and challenge injustice.

Sovereign God  again  we pray for the devastating conflict in the Ukraine  and  pray  for  there to be a complete  cessation of the warfare.  For those who have not fled,  the basics for life  are  becoming very scarce  and the collateral damage  is unfathomable . Lord  direct the  decisions  that  need to be  made  in regaining  justice and lasting peace .

 

We pray for victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression, for all who struggle to rebuild their communities after natural disaster and the effects of the pandemic, We pray for the folks of Lytton who after  months of uncertainty are finally getting  some  help  and finances to start cleanup and rebuilding of the town they lost to wildfire. We give to you all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble. Bring them comfort and courage, and the support of their neighbours.

 

Gracious God  we pray for those people and situations on our hearts and minds this day:  …………………………

……………………..

As we continue our journey through Lent we pray that in all things  your will be done .Hear us as we pray in the words that your Son taught us:

 

THE  LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name,  thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

HYMN                410  Joyful  joyful, we adore thee

1 Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

2 All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
join to praise you joyfully

3 Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

4 Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

BENEDICTION

As we head towards  Jerusalem  this Lenten season ,  we give thanks and praise for Jesus’ courage and wisdom and may we stand firm in our faith  May the grace of God,  the love of Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit  be with you today  and  life long

 

CLOSING SONG