Sixth Sunday after Trinity – Sermon 243

8th January 2016 Off By Derek Buckthorpe

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

10 am Holy Communion CW

27th July 2014

Bible References :

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Prayer to start

May the words of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ

 

AMEN

 

INTRODUCTION

 

St Peter was standing at the entrance to the pearly gates – and a cat appeared–

 

I know you – he said – you were a very nice cat on earth – you didn’t cause trouble to anyone – so I want to offer you a special gift – something you have always wanted –

 

The cat replied – well I did always want a nice satin cushion pillow – like my master had – so I could lie on it –

 

Right said Peter – consider it granted – you will have that pillow after you enter in-

Next a group of mice appeared –

 

Ah! I remember you said St. Peter – you were such good mice  – didn’t steal food from anyone’s house – never hurt other animals – therefore I want to grant you one special wish that you’ve always wanted –

 

Well I’ve always watched the children playing and saw them roller skate – and looked so much fun – so can we each have some roller skates please?

 

Granted – said St. Peter – you shall have your wish

 

The next day when St Peter was making his rounds inside the gates – he saw the cat – well did you enjoy the satin pillow?

 

Oh indeed said the cat – and ‘that meals on wheels’ thing was a nice touch too –

 

There are some things in life that we wish we had – but never expected to be in a position to receive –

 

It might be – money – jewelry – a large house – the latest sports car or designer clothes – dreaming – they will bring happiness and fame

 

Solomon –in our OT reading – on the other hand – was in a position to wish for anything he desires –

but the motivation for his choice was quite different –

 

Point 1      Solomon

 

Solomon is having a dream or vision about receiving a gift from God –

‘Ask what I should give you’ says God –

 

He had just inherited the Kingdom of Israel – from His Father David – and had wealth – power – numerous wives – he also had a promise from God that the line of David would continue forever

 

In his reply or prayer to God he focused on three things –

 

First he thanked God for all He had given Him – and acknowledged God’s past actions of faithfulness towards His people and His Father –

 

He thanked God for His steadfast love – given in response to His fathers’ faithfulness, righteousness and uprightness towards Him – and he pledged himself to a similar relationship

 

Next he asked for continuance of God’s favours. He expresses his humility and lack of experience – with rge0rad to the tasks and responsibilities that lay before him.

 

Solomon knew the people would come to him for answers to all sorts of problems and questions – and he knew God would looked favourably on the needs and concerns of His people – and would want them answering rightly and justly –

 

He then asked for the ability to carry out his duties – as King  – He asked for wisdom – for a discerning heart –

 

Solomon knew that a heart that listens to God and obeys Him – is a heart that brings true wisdom – and such a heart was needed to help him rule his people and to decide between right and wrong –

 

The Lord answered Solomon’s prayer – by granting his wish – and of course gave Him much more

 

Solomon became known as the wisest man in the world – and kings and queens travelled hundreds of miles to see him – They went away dazzled by his genius and by the prosperity of his nation –

 

He made a public testimony of his relationship as king with God- as well as being king with his people –

 

Being blessed by God means we have a relationship – with Him that requires us to live a Holy life – following and listening to God through His Spirit –

 

and as we see from Paul’s message to the Romans  – God is continually working to make sure that – that relationship never fails –

 

Point 2        Paul’s message from Romans-

 

Paul calls God – the searcher of hearts – continually looking inside us for evidence of the Spirit –

 

God is in constant communion with the Spirit – who dwells within us – and it’s through the Spirit – when we are struggling to pray –that He learns – our true needs and wishes –

 

As Paul writes – the Spirit calls out for us – ‘with sighs too deep for words’ –

 

When we ask for help like Solomon – God knows exactly what we need – and provides it in abundance –

 

God calls out to those who love Him –  who are able to share the image of His son Jesus – and be among those – summoned to advance His kingdom in the world –

 

He calls each one of us – to bring people to faith – encourage their baptism – to flood their hearts with love for God – through the Spirit-

 

And when we show our faith in this way – He declares us to be true members of His family – as Paul says – ‘justified’- and certain of a future in heaven – because –there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God –

 

Knowing God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit – means we are divinely connected – and through that connection – able to accomplish more in life – than we ever dreamed of –

 

And as Jesus tells us in our Gospel reading – finding that connection – with God – can be like finding the greatest treasure we could ever imagine

 

Point 3        discovering the Kingdom of Heaven

 

Jesus is talking to a crowd of listeners – some hungry to hear what He’s saying – others suspicious and hostile –

 

In the parable of the mustard seed He emphasizes the transforming power of the gospel message –

 

We don’t know all the plants that grew in Israel at that time – but the mustard seed was an example of remarkable growth from tiny beginnings – and in this parable  – Jesus compares it to the way in which His influence is spreading – until its dimensions are astonishing –

 

The parables of the discovery of the treasure and the pearl are about the value of the kingdom – to you and me –

 

Discovering something of significant beauty or value – is something most of us dream about –

 

Whether it’s finding that unique treasure in a car boot sale –  or discovering something of immense value in a shop or field –

 

and once we find it – we make every effort – to make sure it’s ours – and that it realizes our expectations –

 

In these parable – Jesus is reminding us that God’s Kingdom – is not just – an attractive option or idea that we might want to explore sometime in the future – or casually look at from time to time – when we have a mind to –

 

Our relationship with God – is like a fabulous treasure – that we would want to hold on to – and keep – such that we would sell or give up everything else to have its blessings –

 

Conclusion

 

The Gospel message from Jesus is the fulfilment of the long story and relationship between God and His people – and today we are the new generation of Scribes or disciples being trained – on how to reveal to others – the new visions that the Kingdom brings-

 

There is only one way – one route to the Kingdom of God – given to us by Jesus – and available with the help of the Holy Spirit –

 

and we need to be wise enough to want it – and to ask God – to keep us open to it – just as Solomon did all those years ago –

There may be some things in life that wish we had – but never expected to be in a position to receive – But this is not one of them –

 

God’s gift of Himself – is available to us today and everyday – and we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to receive it –

 

Closing prayer

 

In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit AMEN

 

 

Video of Sermon 243 on You Tube