RCL Readings Sunday 24 October 2010
Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

Psalm 65 is a psalm reflecting upon God’s gracious provision on account of which “praise is due” (v.1). In your prayer times this week spend time focusing upon the characteristics of God revealed in this psalm: forgiver (v.3); deliverer (v.5); strengthener (v.6); provider (v.9-13). Consider where and how you need these things and allow God to “bring you near to live in his courts” (v.4). These are the things God wants you to experience. Experiencing them should lead to praise (v.1) and awe (v.8).

The reading from Joel (2:23-32) initially reminds the people to “be glad and rejoice in the LORD your God” (v.23) because of God’s gracious provision. It comes after warnings of destruction and devastation and a call for the people to repent and to seek after God. It is revealing to note that often throughout the prophets there is this tension between how the people are, which is likely to lead to destruction, and how the people should be, which will lead to peace. The call to repentance and a seeking after God is as timely for us as it was for the people Joel addressed. A seeking after God will be characterised by: “rejoicing” (v.23); a deep awareness and appreciation of God’s provision (v.23-24, 26); a recognition that God is in our midst (v.27); God’s spirit at work in young and old, male and female (v.28-29); visions and dreams of what God is capable of doing through the people of God (v.28). Our prayer should reflect this seeking after God.

The link to the Gospel reading (Luke 18:9-14) is in that little phrase by which the parable is introduced: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves …” To trust in oneself is to fail to be aware of the nature of God as revealed in this week's psalm and reading from Joel. The tax-collector though showed the characteristics of repentance and it is he who “went down to his home justified” (v.14). Who do we compare ourselves with? Do we, like the Pharisee in the parable, compare ourselves to other people and feel self-righteous? Or do we compare ourselves with God’s calling and have a proper self-understanding? In the light of others we may be ok, in the light of God we shall look very different and our response needs to reflect that. But that doesn’t mean we wallow in self-deprecation, the tax-collector “went down to his home justified” – we emerge justified, set free, able to “dream dreams and … see visions” (Joel 2:28).

The reading from 2 Timothy (4:6-8, 16-18) reveals someone totally given over to God and despite all the tribulations of being faithful Paul ends with the acclamation “To him (Christ) be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (v.18). Although Paul feels that his life is drawing to a close (v.6) his heart is still set upon doing God’s will. If you look at the verses omitted from the reading (9-15) you see Paul urging Timothy to come as soon as possible and to bring his cloak, books and note books – he clearly sees that there is more to do and you sense his enthusiasm for the work of God! In your prayers this week consider what it is that God is calling you to do and to be enthusiastic about. There is still more for each of us to do!