BIBLE READINGS WITH THOUGHTS APRIL

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1 DAILY BIBLE READINGS WITH THOUGHTS 018 FOR 201

2 DAILY LECTIONARY The daily lectionary that follows reflects the seasons and festivals of the Christian year, and provides Psalm and readings for use at Morning and Evening Prayer along with the appropriate collects and a brief comment on one of the readings for the day (highlighted in bold print). If only one office is being followed or only one reading being used each day, it is suggested that the reading in bold be the one selected. The Psalm either follow a four-weekly cycle or relate to the main Christian Festivals at these key times in the liturgical year. One psalm from 145 to 150 is read at Morning Prayer on each day of the week. These laudate Psalm are effectively hymns of praise and their repeated use reminds us that praise of God is a central part of our daily devotion. Some may wish to select only one psalm for use in any given office. Please note that there are offices for Morning and Evening Prayer for use in Advent if you wish to use these in place of the normal Morning and Evening Prayer offices. If you would like to look up the Bible passages online, there are various website available, including : Bible Gateway has many different Bible versions available for use - both contemporary and traditional - in which passages can be displayed. ( Oremus although similar, offers fewer Bible versions (bible.oremus.org)

3 COLLECT FOR THE WEEK Lord of life and power, through the mighty resurrection of your Son, you have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory, who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive, one God, now and for ever. Amen. SUNDAY 1 EASTER DAY MORNING Psalm 93, Psalm 150, Exodus 12: 1-14, Luke 24: EVENING Psalm 136, Psalm 117, John 20: Luke 24: The story of the walk to Emmaus is full of many significant insights. It is clear that these followers of Jesus (like the twelve disciples themselves,) were certainly not expecting the resurrection and, although they had heard the reports of the empty tomb told by the women, they were not at all disposed to believe these stories. (see vs 22-24). But the now risen Jesus drew near them (although unrecognised). How often on our journey we fail to recognise Jesus when he walks the road beside us, especially in our sadness (vs 15-17). But as he spoke from the Scriptures something stirred within them (vs 32), and he was finally recognised when he broke bread (vs 30 and 35).

4 1 7 In our worship, may we find our hearts burning within us as we hear of Jesus in the Scriptures, and may we also recognise his risen presence with us in the breaking of the bread! MONDAY 2 MORNING Psalm 97, Psalm 145, 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11, Mark 16: 1-8 EVENING Psalm 124, Psalm 115, Exodus 12: Corinthians 15: 1-11 Paul sets out clearly and concisely the evidence for the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus. It is founded on the evidence of eyewitnesses (vs 5-7, and note the large number of eyewitnesses and the assertion that most are still alive... in other words go and ask them! ) and also on Paul s own experience (vs 8). The case for the resurrection of Jesus is still much the same today. The eyewitness accounts we have in the Bible, plus our own personal experience, and the experience of others, and of the church through the centuries, of Christ alive with us. All of this points to the truth and power of the claim that Christ is risen. Paul is very honest about his own sense of unworthiness and his past actions against the church (vs 9). He knows that it is only by God s grace that he is what he is (vs 10), and this fact spurs him on to still greater endeavour in the cause of Christ (vs 10). No matter what we have done, our past, or our failures, God s grace can transform us. In our prayer and worship encounters with the Risen Christ, let us receive and celebrate that grace and allow it to spur us on.

5 1 7 TUESDAY 3 MORNING Psalm 98, Psalm 146, 1 Corinthians 15: 12-28, Mark 16: 9-20 EVENING Psalm 66, Psalm 116, Exodus 12: Corinthians 15: Building on what he has already affirmed regarding the resurrection of Christ, Paul now tackles the question of the resurrection of the dead, which seems to have been denied by some of the Corinthian Christians (vs 12). While Paul argues for the truth of the resurrection of the dead in Christ on the basis of Christ s own resurrection (vs etc), it is important to note that the resurrection of the dead (unlike that of Christ,) is not a physical resurrection in the sense of our actual flesh and blood bodies. Rather, Paul speaks in terms of resurrection to counter the view common in that time that when people died something of their essence was reabsorbed into the great eternal existence, and was in that sense eternal. That is not the Christian view! The Christian belief is that all that we are... everything that makes you really you and me really me will find eternal life in Christ. (This is why Paul will as we will read later contrast the physical body with the spiritual body.) Let us rejoice in and celebrate the hope that is affirmed, that because of Christ s resurrection all will be made alive in Christ! (vs 22)

6 1 7 WEDNESDAY 4 MORNING Psalm 99, Psalm 147: 1-11, 1 Corinthians 15: 29-41, Matthew 28: 1-16 EVENING Psalm 9, Psalm 118, Exodus 12: Corinthians 15: It is clear that the whole matter of resurrection is central to Paul s faith. He is passionate about this (see vs 30-34). But this does not mean that the resurrection of the dead is without mystery. It is full of mystery, and simplistic questions (such as in vs 35,) do not help. Paul is arguing strongly for a resurrection of the dead in Christ, and not simply the survival of the soul or whatever. But he is also clear that by resurrection he does not mean to suggest that this present body of flesh and blood somehow survives death! As we have already seen, the resurrection of the dead is a way of saying that everything that makes you you and me me will live on in Christ, and not simply some vague disembodied soul. This is why Paul uses the illustration of a seed (vs 37ff) to try and explain this belief. There is a difference between earthly bodies and heavenly bodies (vs 4). However mysterious it may all be, we have a wonderful hope. Resurrection and life in Christ for eternity. THURSDAY 5 MORNING Psalm 47, Psalm 147: 12-20, 1 Corinthians 15: 41-50, Matthew 28: EVENING Psalm 68, Psalm 113, Exodus 13: 3-10

7 1 7 1 Corinthians 15: Paul continues his description of the difference between our earthly bodies and our resurrection bodies, contrasting them. This body is perishable, but the resurrection body is imperishable (vs 42). This is physical but then it will be spiritual (vs 44), and so on (see vs 42-44). We may not be able to grasp or fully describe what our eternal, resurrection existence will be like, but it is clearly going to be very different from that which we currently experience! And lest we were in any doubt, Paul emphasises once again that by resurrection he does not mean that our present body of flesh and blood will be raised; flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (vs 50). Let us rejoice that we are destined for such a marvellous life. FRIDAY APRI PRIL 6 MORNING Psalm 96, Psalm 148, 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58, Luke 24: 1-12 EVENING Psalm 49, Psalm 148, Exodus 13: 1-2 and Corinthians 15: Paul s explanation of the resurrection of the dead now concludes. (The word die in vs 51 is literally fall asleep.) Paul is here envisaging that those who have died before the return of Christ shall be awakened by the last trumpet (vs 52), and together with those alive at that point being transformed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (vs 52). Thus, history will reach its climax and conclusion. In whatever way we understand this description and envisage that coming day, it is clear that the overall point Paul is making throughout this chapter, is that death has been defeated in the Resurrection of Christ, and that we who are in him will ultimately share in that victory, and will take our part in the future eternity of resurrection life. So thanks

8 1 7 be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (vs 57). Let us also spend a moment pondering and being encouraged by the words of vs 58, and carry these thoughts with us in all we do today. SATURDAY 7 MORNING Psalm 92, Psalm 149, 2 Corinthians 4: 16-5: 10, Mark 12: EVENING Psalm 23, Psalm 114, Exodus 13: 17-14: 4 2 Corinthians 4: 16-5: 10 The themes in this passage from second Corinthians echo much of what we have been reading in first Corinthians chapter 15. The image Paul employs here to describe the transformation of our earthly bodies in resurrection, is that of a tent and a building (see vs 1-5). The specific context in which Paul offers these thoughts is that of suffering and affliction (vs 17). We all face suffering in this life, including physical suffering. But because we know that this life is passing and a new one is coming we do not lose heart (vs 16). In the light of what we know that God has prepared for us, let us keep faith and not lose heart or hope even in the face of suffering.

9 COLLECT FOR THE WEEK Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. SUNDAY 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER MORNING Psalm 93, Psalm 150, 1 Peter 2: 2-10, John 14: 1-7 EVENING Psalm 136, Psalm 117, Exodus 14: Peter 2: 2-10 The image of the cornerstone is one that is often used in Scripture, and has its roots in the Psalms and Prophets of the Old Testament. In this passage, Jesus is identified as the cornerstone, upon which, and aligned with which we, who are his followers, are like living stones built together with him into God s holy dwelling (vs 5). Jesus is the one whom people rejected but God has chosen (vs 4); the one who caused people to stumble (vs 8) but now is the one upon and with whom we are built together. As those who have now received mercy and are now God s people (vs 10), let us come to him and be built with him and one another into this living building in which God dwells.

10 8 14 MONDAY 9 MORNING Psalm 97, Psalm 145, 1 John 1: 1-10, John 14: 8-17 Evening: Psalm 124, Psalm 115, Exodus 14: John 1: 1-10 John tells us that he is bearing witness to what has been heard and seen and looked at and touched (vs 1). This is important as he is trying to counter the false teaching that Jesus was somehow not fully human... not really flesh and blood and bone. At the same time, he seeks to emphasise that this Jesus is the Word of Life (vs 1) and was with the Father (vs 2). He then goes onto say that God is light (vs 5ff). This in turn leads to a call to us to come out of darkness and walk in light (vs 6-7). Then in vs 8-10 are amongst the most well-known words in this little letter. If we really walk in the light, then we cannot pretend that we have no sin. The light exposes it! We have all sinned. But the good news is that if we confess our sin then he will forgive us and cleanse us (vs 9). Today let us be honest and let us bring our lives into the light of God s presence, confess our sins and receive his forgiveness and cleansing. TUESDAY MORNING Psalm 98, Psalm 146, 1 John 2: 1-11, John 14: EVENING Psalm 66, Psalm 116, Exodus 15: John 2: 1-11 In this passage, John expresses some profound truths in a very short space. (It is well worth reading and re-reading these verses slowly and thoughtfully.)

11 8 14 Jesus Christ is the one through whom we are put right with God and our sins are forgiven (vs 1-2). If we truly know him (vs 3) and abide in him (vs 6) then we should be living according to his commandments (vs 4-5). And the new commandment (love) is lived out in our love of our brothers and sisters. We cannot pretend to walk in the light if we do not love one another. (vs 9-11). How true is our love for one another? WEDNESDAY 11 MORNING Psalm 99, Psalm 147: 1 11, 1 John 2: 12-17, John 15: 1-11 EVENING Psalm 9, Psalm 118, Exodus 15: 22-16: 10 1 John 2: John addresses his words to people of all ages (vs 12-14). Although a great part of the message he is bringing concerns the command to love, there is a love that he seeks to discourage; the love of the world (vs 15-17). By world, John does not mean the planet on which we live and which God created, but the culture and systems and priorities of human society, warped and directed by sin and selfishness. The values of the world, such as lust, greed, and materialism (see vs 16,) will lead us away from God and are not the values of his kingdom. These things will pass away, while God s kingdom will endure forever (see vs 17). Let us spend a moment considering just how much we love the world. Will we turn again to God and seek his kingdom and his ways? 11

12 8 14 THURSDAY 12 MORNING Psalm 47, Psalm 147: 12-20, 1 John 2: 18-29, John 15: EVENING Psalm 68, Psalm 113, Exodus 16: John 2: This is not the place to explore what John means by the Antichrist or who he is referring to as antichrists (vs 18). What is clear is that some people had fallen for false teaching about Jesus and had consequently left the church (vs 19). It would seem that among the wrong beliefs were that Jesus was not the Christ (vs 22). How can we defend ourselves against being led astray by wrong teachings about Jesus? Amongst the things John urges is that we allow what we have heard and learned to abide in us (vs 24), and that we allow the anointing; we have received (a reference to the Holy Spirit,) to abide in us (vs 20 and 27) and that we abide in (or remain united to ) Jesus (vs 27-28). Through the spiritual disciples of prayer, reading the Bible, sharing in worship, fellowship with one another and so on, let us continue to abide in Christ. FRIDAY 13 MORNING Psalm 96, Psalm 148, 1 John 3: 1-10, John 16: EVENING Psalm 49, Psalm 148, Exodus 16: John 3: 1-10 These challenging assertions about sin (see vs 4-10) read to us as if they are in tension with John s assertion in chapter 1, that we have all sinned

13 8 14 and that we should confess our sin so that we may be forgiven and cleansed (see ch 1 vs 9). It is possible that in this passage, John is using the word sin to describe the action of deliberately turning one s back on the truth about Jesus (as he has previously described in chapter 2). However, it is also the case that the original Greek actually means continually sins or goes on sinning. In other words, the reference is not to slipping up or committing a sin but to the deliberate ongoing choice of a life of sin. So, verse 6 would read No-one who continues to abide in him, continues in the way of sinning.... Even so, it is still very challenging! Vs 1-3 remind us that God the Father has loved us to the extent that we are called his children. This amazing privilege and blessing is ours because of Jesus. Let us spend a moment reflecting upon the love of God for us and looking to him as his children. SATURDAY 14 MORNING Psalm 92, Psalm 149, 1 John 3: 11-18, John 16: EVENING Psalm 23, Psalm 114, Exodus 17: John 3: In this passage, John is returning to a theme he has already touched upon and to which he will return. It is one of the central teachings of his little letter; Love one another. It is clear that, for John, our love for one another is a sign of our being in Christ (see vs 14). He also spells out what this love for one another means; it is about laying down our lives for one another as Christ has for us (vs 16); it involves sharing what we have with those who are in need (vs 17); it is about actions and not just words (vs18). How much do we really love one another?

14 COLLECT FOR THE WEEK God of life and love, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. SUNDAY THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER MORNING Psalm 93, Psalm 150, 1 Peter 4: 7-11, John 21: EVENING Psalm 136, Psalm 117, Exodus 18: Peter 4: 7-11 Here, as so often throughout the New Testament, the call to love one another is repeated. The writers of the various epistles urge their readers to put love first, all grounded in the new commandment Jesus gave to love one another as I have loved you (John 13: 34-35). Peter here outlines some of what this love for one another (vs 8) will mean, including forgiveness (vs 8), hospitality (vs 9), and mutual service (vs 10-11). How can we better love one another, and demonstrate forgiveness, show hospitality, and offer service?

15 15 21 MONDAY 16 MORNING Psalm 97, Psalm 145, 1 John 3: 19-4: 6, Matthew 3: EVENING Psalm 124, Psalm 115, Exodus 18: John 3: 19-4: 6 John desires for his readers, faith and love (see vs 23). He reminds us of the close association between abiding in him and obeying his commandments (vs 24). The reference to testing the spirits (vs 1) is in essence about us practising discernment as we consider different views, beliefs, and teachings. We need to consider and test all teachings and claims etc against the teachings of the Gospel, the example of Jesus, and the values of God s Kingdom. But let us conclude on the note with which we started, and seek today to exercise true faith in Jesus, and show genuine love to one another. TUESDAY 17 MORNING Psalm 98, Psalm 146, 1 John 4: 7-21, Matthew 3: EVENING Psalm 66, Psalm 116, Exodus 19: John 4: 7-21 John has said much already about love and especially the new commandment of Jesus that we love one another as he has loved us. Today s passage is the core of this teaching in his letter. True love is described here as originating in God (vs 10) who is love (vs 16). And so, since he has loved us so much, we also should love one another (vs 11 and see vs 19).

16 15 21 John insists that there is no fear in love (vs 18). If we live in fear of God s punishment or rejection, then we have not yet grasped just how fully God loves us! Remembering that God is love (vs 16), and God s amazing and abundant love for us, let us determine today to live in love and abide in love (vs 16). Let us love one another as Jesus commanded us, and so demonstrate our true love for God (vs 20-21). WEDN EDNESDAY ESDAY 18 MORNING Psalm 99, Psalm 147: 1-11, 1 John 5: 1-12, Matthew 3: EVENING Psalm 9, Psalm 118, Exodus 19: John 5: 1-12 God s commandments are not burdensome (vs 3). Indeed, because all of the commandments are summed up in the one commandment, love. In these verses (vs 1-5) John returns to a theme he has voiced before (see Monday past,) and which are at the heart of our Christian lives; faith and love. Vs 6-10 may seem a little confusing and complicated. The references to blood and water may be allusions to Communion and Baptism, in which case, the point is that the Sacraments and the Spirit testify to the truth and confirm within us our belonging to Jesus. But they may also be references to Jesus birth (water) and his death (blood). Vs 11 and 12 are a wonderful assurance. Because we have Jesus we have life - the life eternal which begins now!

17 15 21 THURSDAY 19 MORNING Psalm 47, Psalm 147: 12-20, 1 John 5: 13-21, Matthew 4: EVENING Psalm 68, Psalm 113, Exodus 20: John 5: In these final words in John s first letter, there are a variety of encouragements and admonitions. The reference to mortal sins (vs 16-17) has led to much discussion and many views and disagreements, which we will not explore here! Vs 19 reminds us that in this world behind the scenes, so to speak a battle is being waged. The Evil One (however, we understand that phrase or identify the Evil One,) has apparent power over the world (and we can see that in so many events in our broken world). But we are in Christ, and he has the ultimate victory! If we are tempted to despair at the darkness of this world, let us recall that the light will ultimately prevail. Take courage! FRIDAY MORNING Psalm 96, Psalm 148, 2 John 1-13, Matthew 4: EVENING Psalm 49, Psalm 148, Exodus 24: John 1-13 In this, his short second letter, as in his first, John urges his readers to walk according to God s commandments (vs 6). And once again we are reminded that the chief of these commandments (and the one that sums up all others), is that we love one another (vs 5). Today, let us be determined to love one another without reserve.

18 15 21 SATURDAY 21 MORNING Psalm 92, Psalm 149, 3 John 1-15, Matthew 4: EVENING Psalm 23, Psalm 114, Exodus 25: John 1-15 The third letter of John is the most personal, and is the most similar to our contemporary idea of a letter. Let us reflect upon vs 11. do not imitate what is evil, but imitate what is good. Where do we see good? What good do we observe around us in the actions and words of others? What good do we see in other Christians? Let us choose to imitate the good we see.

19 COLLECT FOR THE WEEK God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of an eternal covenant, make us perfect in goodness so that we may do your will; and create in us what is pleasing to you; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THIS WEEK S READINGS From Monday we will be reflecting on Paul s First letter to the Thessalonians. Thought to be the earliest of Paul s epistles, he wrote it primarily to encourage and reassure the Christians in Thessalonica, and to urge them to work faithfully, while waiting hopefully for the return of the Lord. SUNDAY FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MORNING Psalm 93, Psalm 150, 1 Peter 5: 1-11, Mark 6: EVENING Psalm 136, Psalm 117, Genesis 18: Peter 5: 1-11 The charge to elders (vs 1-5) is worth pondering for those of us who are called to exercise leadership in Christ s church.

20 22 28 However, whether or not we are elders, the call to humility (vs 5-6), the encouragement to cast our anxieties on God (vs 7), the exhortation to exercise discipline (vs 8), to resist evil (vs 8-9), and endure suffering (vs 9-10), are all calls we might ponder deeply. Spend some moments prayerfully reflecting on each of these in turn and how they apply to our lives. MON ONDAY 23 MORNING Psalm 97, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 124, Psalm 115, Exodus 32: Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Paul is very positive and affirming in these opening sentences of his letter to the Thessalonians. It is always good practice to be positive with people when we can, and it is often the case that Paul begins a letter with words of thanksgiving (even when he is going onto address difficult issues). But in the case of the Thessalonians, there is evidently very real and significant cause for thanksgiving and encouragement. The Thessalonians are new to the faith. Paul, Silas (Silvanus vs 1), and Timothy brought the Gospel to them and they received it gladly and fully (see verses 5 and 9). But even when faced with persecution (see vs 6), these young Christians have proved steadfast (vs 2) and solid in their faith, so much so, that the word of their faithfulness has spread far and wide (vs 7-10). What do we imagine people say about us and our faith and faithfulness? Can we think of other engaged and enthusiastic young Christians whose steadfastness impresses and encourages us?

21 22 28 TUESDAY MORNING Psalm 98, Psalm 146, 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 66, Psalm 116, Exodus 32: Thessalonians 2: 1-12 What is it that motivates us in our service for the Lord? For some folks it may be a desire to please others (vs 4 and 6), or greed (vs 5), or even some darker motives (vs 3). But for Paul and his companions, it was the fact that they had been entrusted with this task by God (vs 4), and they had a desire to please God (vs 4). Consequently, even in the face of difficulties (see vs 2), they proceeded with courage (vs 2), with hard work (vs 9), with sacrificial service (see vs 8-9), and with a gentleness and sensitivity towards the Thessalonians (vs 7 and vs 11-12). As we think about our own service for God (whatever that may be,) how can these insights into Paul s approach inform and challenge us? WEDNESDAY APRI PRIL MORNING Psalm 99, Psalm 147: 1 11, 1 Thessalonians 2: 13-20, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 9, Psalm 118, Exodus 33: Thessalonians 2: Paul identifies his preaching of the Gospel with the word of God (vs 13). In this, there are echoes of the Old Testament prophets. Both the ancient prophets and the early Christian apostles were speaking a word from God that had the power to transform lives, as it clearly did for the

22 22 28 Thessalonians (see vs 13). For so many people (including some of you who will read this, and certainly for me, who is writing it), a message preached or shared by a Christian who was seeking to communicate something of the Gospel, became the very word of God for us and played its part in transforming our lives. Give thanks today for those who shared the Good News (Gospel) of God s love with you, and consider with wonder the change it has made in your life! And one final thought from today s reading; often we can assume that when circumstances seem to conspire against our plans, then is simply God s will. But in vs 18, Paul seems to attribute the blocking of plans to a different source! Are there times when we must recognise that there is a spiritual battle going on, and not everything that happens is in fact God s will? THURSDAY MORNING Psalm 47, Psalm 147: 12 20, 1 Thessalonians 3: 1-13, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 68, Psalm 113, Exodus 34: Thessalonians 3: 1-13 This passage is a lovely personal account of Paul s concerns for, and his obvious affection for the Thessalonians, and his delight in their steadfastness in the faith! Read it again and hear the love of Paul for them and his joy in what he has heard of their faith (only just heard apparently see vs 6!). The Thessalonians have stood firm in the face of great difficulties (see vs 3-5 and vs 7-8). How does our faith stand up in the face of difficulty?

23 22 28 But how significant it is that Paul ends this section with a call to his readers to love one another (vs 12), and grow in holiness (vs 13). How can we take steps today to love others more, and grow more into the likeness of Christ? FRIDAY MORNING Psalm 96, Psalm 148, 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 49, Psalm 148, Exodus 34: Thessalonians 4: 1-12 It is clear that Paul has been delighted, relieved, and impressed with the news that Timothy has brought regarding the way the Thessalonian Christians are living and growing in faith (see vs 1). But it is equally clear that there is to be no resting on their laurels! (so to speak!). They are to keep on, keeping on (see vs 1-8). But most important of all, they are to love one another (vs 9-10). As we have read the New Testament letters and Gospels over these past months, how often have we heard that message repeated? Let us determine to make this a priority. Love one another! SATURDAY MORNING Psalm 92, Psalm 149, 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, Matthew 5: EVENING Psalm 23, Psalm 114, Exodus 40: 18-38

24 Thessalonians 4: Now the tone of Paul s letter changes and it all rather shifts gear. He is moving from personal comments onto doctrinal teaching for the first time in this letter. We can speculate that Timothy, who has returned with news from the Thessalonian church, has reported that there is a little bit of anxiety amongst the Christians regarding some of their number who have died. The earliest believers had expected the return of Jesus (and the end of history etc,) to be imminent. They had not been prepared to deal with some of them dying! And their questions will be ours too with regard to loved ones who have died. To them and to us, Paul s words in vs 18 are strong ones. Encourage one another! But with what are we to encourage one another? With the hope that we have, that those who have died will be brought to life again in Christ (see vs 14). Paul links this with the return of Jesus. But notice too his use of the word died (vs 13 as translated in the NRSV,) is in Greek fallen asleep! Those who have fallen asleep in Christ will also wake up with him! Encourage one another with these words! (vs 18)

25 29 MAY MAY 5 COLLECT FOR THE WEEK Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another and walk in the way of his commandments, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. THIS WEEK S READINGS This week (from Monday onwards,) we continue and conclude our reflections on Paul s First Letter to the Thessalonians and then (from Thursday,) go on to read his Second Letter to the Thessalonians. SUNDAY FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MORNING Psalm 93, Psalm 150, Hebrews 12: 1-14, Luke 4: EVENING Psalm 136, Psalm 117, Leviticus 8: 1-13 and Hebrews 12: 1-14 These verses are a call to persevere in the faith (vs 1), and an encouragement to us to keep going, following the example of Jesus (vs 2). How easily we can be tempted to give up to abandon the race before it ends. This can be because we get weighed down by cares, concerns, distractions, or sin (see vs 1). Or it may be that it all just seems to be too

26 29 MAY 5 difficult. There is too much suffering or sacrifice involved in keeping going. The writer to the Hebrews urges us to focus on Jesus (vs 2), to consider what he endured (vs 2-3). We have a saviour who has endured much for us, so let us not give up, even if the way is hard. MONDAY MORNING Psalm 97, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, Matthew 6: 1-6 and EVENING Psalm 124, Psalm 115, Leviticus 16: Thessalonians 4: Many of the first Christians were expecting the imminent return of Jesus. They were then understandably puzzled and concerned when some fellow believers died. What would happen to them when the Lord returned? Were they lost? Paul does not directly address the issue of when Jesus would return in these verses (more on this tomorrow, however!) but instead, gives hope and encouragement (vs 18) which still has a resonance for us today. At its heart is his affirmation in vs 14 that because Jesus has died and risen, so we can be assured that those who have died (the actual Greek word means fallen asleep,) will also be raised to life with him. Let us take hope and comfort from this!

27 29 MAY 5 TUESDAY MAY 1 MORNING Psalm 98, Psalm 146, 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, Matthew 6: 7-15 EVENING Psalm 66, Psalm 116, Leviticus 16: Thessalonians 5: 1-11 Paul continues his reflection on the return of Jesus. Given that Paul here stresses the unexpected and sudden nature of Jesus return (vs 2-3), and that this assertion echoes Jesus own words (see Matthew 24 vs 36-44), it is very strange that many people try to predict when Jesus will return and make specific claims about exactly when this will occur! But the clear message of the Bible is that we do not know. However, Paul s main message in these verses is that whenever it occurs, whether before or after we die (vs 10) we should be prepared. He is calling his readers to always live lives that are worthy of our calling, so that we are not taken by surprise when the Lord returns in judgement. Do we live our lives prepared for an encounter with the One who is judge of all the earth? WEDNESDAY MAY 2 MORNING Psalm 99, Psalm 147: 1-11, 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-28, Matthew 6: EVENING Psalm 9, Psalm 118, Leviticus 16: Thessalonians 5: In this series of closing exhortations, Paul addresses our relationships with the church community (respect leaders, vs 12-13, pursue peace, vs 13b, patiently encourage, vs14), and also our relationship with God

28 29 MAY 5 (rejoice, vs 16, pray, vs 17, give thanks, vs 18, don t quench the Spirit, vs 19) and so on. We may wish to ponder each one of these short exhortations and apply them to our own lives. But also note vs 23-24, which is like a kind of benediction. Let s turn these words into a prayer for ourselves today. THURSDAY MAY 3 MORNING Psalm 47, Psalm 147: 12-20, 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-12, Matthew 6: EVENING Psalm 68, Psalm 113, Leviticus 19: Thessalonians 1: 1-12 From vs 3-4, we can see that Paul continues to be thankful for the Thessalonians (as he was in his first letter), and that they seem to be facing the same affiliations and persecutions (vs 4,) as they were when he wrote the previous letter to them. In vs 5-12, he also picks up on a theme which he tackled in his first letter, namely the return of Christ. We may presume that this continued to be a matter of concern or confusion among the Thessalonians. However, Paul s main concern here (as had been the case in his first letter,) was that the Thessalonians lived lives worthy of God s call of them (vs 11), and that Christ would be glorified in them (vs 12). Let us reflect upon our own lives. Do we live lives worthy of God s call? Is Christ glorified in our lives?

29 29 MAY 5 FRIDAY MAY 4 MORNING Psalm 96, Psalm 148, 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-17, Matthew 7: 1-12 EVENING Psalm 49, Psalm 148, Leviticus 23: Thessalonians 2: 1-17 Vs 1-12 may appear a little obscure to us. Who is this man of lawlessness? To what is Paul referring in these verses? One views is that it is a warning about the danger posed by the emergence of the Roman emperor cult, which exalted the emperor to the status of a god, and which would already have been beginning to lead to persecution of Christians. Judging by vs 4 in particular, this is very much a possibility. But whatever the precise events or threats that occasioned these words, it remains true for us, that Christians and the Church today can face strong forces of opposition to (and even persecution of,) our faith, including aspects of contemporary society, culture, and state. And so, to turn to vs where we note that as we live out the Christian life there are times when we need to stand firm (vs15). When our faith is under attack by others, or we are subject to fierce temptation, or when troubles arise, or doubts niggle, we need to stand firm. But we do not do this in our own strength. God give us comfort and strength (vs 16-17). Whenever we need to stand firm, let us remember that God is with us to comfort us, and let us rely on his strength alone.

30 29 MAY 5 SATURDAY MAY 5 MORNING Psalm 92, Psalm 149, 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-18, Matthew 7: EVENING Psalm 23, Psalm 114, Leviticus 23: Thessalonians 3: 1-18 Paul has some fairly straightforward things to say regarding idlers and busybodies! (see vs 6-13) However, it is on vs 3-5 that we might focus today. Paul is encouraging his readers to know that God is faithful and that he strengthens us and guards us (vs 3). Re-read these three verses. Let us today remind ourselves that we have a God who is faithful and who never fails. So let us be strengthened by him, and seek his protection from all that would harm. And so, may our hearts be directed to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ (vs 5).