Tuesday 2 July 2024

Psalm 5:1-8

Background
Once again, our passage takes us on the road to Jerusalem with Jesus. There is a new kingdom coming and his disciples will be the first to experience it. Jesus explains that it comes as a gift from God the Father (v. 32). So, the disciples (and ourselves) are to live as though this world is only temporary. Helping the poor should take priority over acquiring possessions because the riches of God's kingdom are everlasting.

Luke’s Gospel contains a lot of material about the use of money, attitudes towards the poor, and examples of extravagant generosity and grace, such as the parables of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Luke was clearly attracted by the message that a world of justice and grace was on its way. At the same time, he emphasised that being a disciple of Jesus came with a personal cost (see Luke 14:25-33). It feels like the beginnings of a political movement that will demand the utmost commitment from its members. So, Jesus asks the disciples to be ready – dressed for action and belts fastened!

Some will see in this reading a warning about the second coming of Christ (eg v. 40), but perhaps it was referring to the coming crisis in Jerusalem (the siege of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple in AD 70). For disciples today, the precise context may be different, but surely the need for readiness and watchfulness is the same. We do not know when we will be called upon to share our faith, help someone in a time of crisis, serve the Church using our gifts, give generously, or in other ways serve God’s kingdom. A life of alertness to God, nourished in prayer, worship and Bible study is surely the only way for the serious disciple.

To Ponder:

• When were you last glad you were in the right place at the right time to respond to a need or a crisis?
• Have you ever been in a position where you would have liked to have helped, but were too pressed with other things?
• In our waiting and alertness to God, how do we get the balance right?

Bible notes author: The Revd Andrew Murphy
A Methodist presbyter in the East Mercia Circuit, Andrew is currently the minister of Harborough, Kibworth and Daventry churches. Married to Emily, with two children, aged eight and ten, he has been in the ministry for 16 years, previously serving in the Hinckley Circuit. A published hymnwriter, he trained at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham, supports Newcastle United FC, and is proud of his roots in Consett, County Durham.