Leader:
The story of Jesus'
entry into Jerusalem
tells us that after his
celebrated arrival
He went to the Temple
and looked around at everything.
As we gather here for
worship today, may it be
with a sense that Jesus
has walked in too, and is looking around.
People:
May our eyes be open
to see Him,
May our hearts be
ready to be seen by Him,
May our worship be
worthy of His presence,
And may we be
transformed
so that we see the
world through His eyes.
Leader:
Let us worship God our
Father.
The Lord be with you.
People:
And also with you.
HymnTIS161 "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of
the Lord!" A song of triumphant praise. We should start each day with one
of these, life would take on a totally different hue.
Prayer of
Adoration and Confession.
Hugh's prayer referenced the triumphant ride into Jerusalem and the shout of
the crowd, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord", and
asked that, "our enthusiastic presence contribute to a world-wide
recognition that (God) is indeed. the King of all". He then confessed our
many sins and begged forgiveness for them, assuring us that we were forgiven.
Offering Once again our youngest members collected
the offering which was dedicated to the work of God in our community.
Hymn TIS 256 "From Heaven you came" (vv. 1, 3
& 4) The first verse of this hymn teaches us a lesson, that if everyone
heeded it, the world would be a vastly different place. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. The outcome was our redemption.
Our service cannot bring such a life-changing and world-changing effect but we
can make a huge difference. But the more people who expect to be served, the
worse humanity will be.
Readings John 12: 12 - 18; Philippians 2: 5 - 8
read by Joyce.
The reading in John was
the story of Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem and the people's marvelling
at the works he had done. It looked as though things were done and dusted but
the threat it raised in the minds of the Pharisees was to spell out the end of
Jesus' life on Earth. Even people who are simply good and upright in their
dealings can have such an effect. If you get in the way of the power or wealth
of some people simply by being honest, they will find a way to remove you.
Philippians takes us to
the next step. Because Jesus emptied himself of all but love, "God also
highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name". Good will
triumph and absolute good will triumph, absolutely.
Reflection Hugh began by reminding us that the people
were so sure of Jesus' Kingship that
they were about to take him physically to make him their king by force. That
happened earlier in his ministry and here it is happening again. Hugh then
pointed out that when the people shouted
“Hosanna” it could have also been used as it was to
greet military heroes.
Then it could mean, "Save us our King. Protect us
and save us from our enemies and oppressors". We all know why the people
would have been so motivated - years of rule by foreign powers.
But Jesus came for a
different reason - to establish a different kind of kingdom - he came to show
"love, grace, forgiveness...he lived for it, suffered and died for it and
lived again for it."
I wonder how much we
look to Jesus, maybe not for relief from an earthly oppressor but as a way of
solving earthly problems. Have we surrendered ourselves to his service or do we
expect service from him. Sometimes I think that if I need freeing from an
oppressor, then it's from myself.
"This is a life-or-death matter. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour gave up his life for this matter.
For us to live his life on earth. Christianity isn't a religion - it's a new
way of life"
Quartet Hugh, Malcolm, Grahame and Stephen sang the
evocative, "Were you there?" A challenge to us all.
Prayers for the
People and the Lord's Prayer
Hugh led us in a prayer "For the peace from above, for the loving kindness
of God, and for the salvation of our souls. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord
have mercy.”
He prayed for peace in
the world, and the welfare of our planet and its peoples. For Carlingford and
all other localities. He prayed for all those suffering and in need and for our
own church and its ministry. And then we joined in the Lord's Prayer, praying
as the Lord taught us.
Hymn TIS 648 "Help us accept each other" vv.
1, 3 & 4 Another lesson in Christian living. We are accepted by God,
himself. We have nothing to recommend us. That acceptance is full and free.
Pass it on - that's all we can and should do.
Benediction
May the Lord bless
us and protect us.
May the Lord smile
on us and be gracious to us.
May the Lord show us
his favour and give us his peace.
And the Blessing of God
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit abide with you, now and always.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
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