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In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
From fear to faith
Rather than fret at troubles, we wait and serve in hopeful faith (Luke 17.5-10).
Context
Habakkuk looks at the world around him and sees violence, wrongdoing and trouble (Habakkuk 1.1-4). The psalmist is keenly aware of the actions of the wicked and the wrongdoers (Psalm 37.1-2). And as we turn on the tv or radio news, flick through the pages of a newspaper, or scroll down the headlines on our phone or laptop, it’s impossible to escape the conclusion that their laments are just as applicable today.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, reaching its 216th day as I write: the latest escalations include ‘sham’ referenda, the mobilisation of Russian reservists, and speculated sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. In Iran, protests against hijab laws and related concerns have been met with violent opposition from security forces.
Closer to home, controversial tax cuts have sparked rare condemnation from the IMF, which stated the ‘…UK measures will likely increase inequality‘, urging the government to reconsider its plans. And the ongoing inquest into the suicide of teenager Molly Russell continues to expose the probable harm caused by some social media content and the seeming reluctance of some social media business leaders to accept accountability for that harm.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- Faced with such situations we can easily become overwhelmed by fear or despair. But the psalmist tells us ‘Do not fret’ (Psalm 37.1,7,8); instead, ‘wait for the Lord’ (Psalm 37.8). Habakkuk, waiting at his watch-post for God’s response to his cry is given a ‘vision’ of hope ahead, and told that even ‘If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come’ (Habakkuk 2.3).
- How can we stand firm and wait, holding to the hope that is promised? Through faith, not fear, say today’s readings:
- ‘Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act’, says the psalmist (Psalm 37.5).
- God tells Habakkuk, ‘the righteous live by their faith’ (Habakkuk 2.4).
- Paul writes that ‘God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline’ (2 Timothy 1.7).
- And as the apostles plead for more faith, perhaps daunted by the challenges ahead of them, Jesus tells them that even a mustard-seed sized faith – such as they may feel is all they have - is enough to uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea (Luke 17.6). In Christ, we have already been given what we need to play our part in the realisation of the Gospel message.
- The story of the master’s expectations of their slave in Luke 17.7-10 brings extra challenges to a modern ear, as we flinch at the very concept of slavery. But at its core it is about ‘doing what was commanded’ (Luke 17.9) by one who, in that given context, has the right to command it. At school or at work, we don’t anticipate winning a special prize every time we hand in a piece of routine homework or complete our contracted hours for the week; it’s expected of us to complete those tasks and – aberrant circumstances aside – we will have been equipped to do so by our teachers and employers. So, too, God asks service of us, having first equipped us for the task with the gift of faith. It is over to us to determine how, and with what attitude, we will rise to the challenge.
- Feeling that we have only a seed-sized faith or capacity to work for God can hold us back from taking any action at all, but it should not. There are many inspiring stories of how the small starter actions of one or two people can make a great difference in the life of another, or even spark the beginnings of wider change. You may know of stories from your local community or congregation, or you might like to explore the story of Ale Roque’s favela forest school, told in episode 2 of Simon Reeve’s South America, recently broadcast on the BBC (from 43 through to 48 minutes in). In the deprived Brazilian favela of Providencia, Ale saw great need around her, but rather than despair, she began planting the first of 13,300 seeds, until the project had created an ‘amazing urban forest’, providing much needed shade and geological stability for the local community, and climate-conscious schooling for 120 children.
Questions for discussion
- How often, honestly, do we allow fear or despondency to paralyse us into inertia and inaction? Face this with forgiveness and move on in faith.
- What small seeds can you plant today or this week, of Gospel hope, of peace and faith, or of social justice?
- How many songs in popular music can you think of where the singer joyfully proclaims the efforts they will go to for the object of their affection? Carole King’s ‘Where you lead, I will follow‘ and ‘I’d do anything’ from the musical Oliver! spring straight to mind for me, but everyone will have their own favourites! How can these expressions of delighted commitment and loving devotion help us to reflect on the service God asks of us and the psalmist’s advice to ‘Take delight in the Lord’ (Psalm 37.4) ?
Rebecca Froley was the launch web editor of rootsontheweb.com and continues to work in online publishing today. She worships at a local Baptist church in the London Borough of Sutton and helps with a youth Bible study group there, while also occasionally worshipping with the local Anglican church. She’s at least a little younger still than her song choices might imply!
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This last week has seen the return of the popular Strictly Come Dancing, with its sparkle and pizzazz! It’s enjoyable to watch the elegance and the dynamism of the dancers, and how they progress through hard work and coaching. A Sunday Times journalist, and keen fan, observed over the years that what matters most for contestant success is a lack of self-consciousness. A dancer worrying over their insecurities is unlikely to go with the flow of the music. It requires a trust in their thorough preparation and a joy in the moment.
When the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith, Jesus replies that even with faith the size of a tiny mustard seed they can do remarkable things! Rather than the size of our faith, the key is where we place our faith; what we trust in. In place of thinking about our weaknesses and struggles, we can focus on the greatness of God. Jesus wants us to trust God, and to pray in trust and dependence. Let’s swap self-conscious with God-conscious. We could find a freedom and a joy in the ‘dance’ of life, trusting in Him who is our guide and strength.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3.5-6 NRSV.
Which activities lead to you focusing more on your inadequacies? Can you think of alternative choices which increase your trust in God? A helpful practice is to record your regular prayers for the needs of yourself and others. Seeing how God has helped builds trust.
Activity
Each day after breakfast this week, access the Lectio365 app, leading you to consider God’s greatness and to ask for God’s help.
Dr Angela Mak is a Licensed Lay Minister at Holy Trinity Shaw in the Ecumenical Partnership of West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze. She is also a schools worker, and retired biology teacher.
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